Chris Harrington (Home and Away)
Chris Harrington | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2013–2016 |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Christopher Eugene "Chris" Harrington is a fictional persona featured in the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actor Johnny Ruffo. He made his first appearance on 1 April 2013, introduced as the sibling of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley). Before securing this role, Ruffo, who is also a professional singer, auditioned unsuccessfully for two other parts. Originally intended as a guest character, Chris was later elevated to a main cast member. Ruffo observed that the character shared several qualities with himself and felt the role was specifically crafted to suit him. Chris is portrayed as a "cheeky" wanderer from an affluent family, with little academic interest and a primary focus on winning over female characters. Seeking more complex material, Ruffo requested storylines that would allow him to explore deeper emotional aspects. The producers paired Chris with the veteran character Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) to generate comedic moments.
Chris’s key narratives involve romantic entanglements with Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), complicated by her former partner’s terminal illness and the reappearance of Chris’s ex-girlfriend Robyn Sullivan (Alexandra Park); a love triangle featuring Denny Miller (Jessica Grace Smith) and Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes); along with a relationship with Hannah Wilson (Cassie Howarth). Additional plots explore his sense of duty towards his brother Spencer, which creates tension between them, as well as an accidental poisoning incident that highlights the dangers of mushrooms. In 2014, Ruffo received a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent. On 27 April 2016, it was announced that Ruffo would be departing Home and Away, with Chris’s final episode airing on 22 September 2016.
Casting
The announcement of Johnny Ruffo joining Home and Away as Chris Harrington came on 19 October 2012. Having asked his agent to seek out available roles, he auditioned twice without success before finally securing this part. Ruffo described himself as "very fortunate" to have landed the role amidst stiff competition. This marked his acting debut, prompting his move from Perth to Sydney for filming purposes. Initially signed on for approximately sixteen episodes beginning in September, his contract was subsequently extended. Expressing excitement about joining the series, Ruffo praised the friendly atmosphere among cast and crew members. His first appearance was broadcast on 1 April 2013. Throughout filming, Ruffo maintained his music career under a major record label.
Characterisation and introduction
Chris is introduced as the older brother of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley). He arrives in Summer Bay intending to visit Spencer and encourage him to mend ties with their family. His arrival causes disruption in Spencer’s relationship with Maddy Osborne (Kassandra Clementi). Actor Johnny Ruffo characterized Chris as "fun and cheeky," a charming "ladies' man," and "a lover, not a fighter" who enjoys causing mischief. Writers positioned Chris at the heart of both romantic entanglements and family-driven story arcs.
Coming from an affluent background, Chris benefits from many privileges but shows reluctance toward responsibility and lacks academic aptitude. He prioritizes impressing women and is described by Ruffo as confident and carefree. Initially conceived as a guest role, Chris’s character was developed further after Ruffo requested more emotionally challenging storylines to expand his acting range.
The producers paired Ruffo with Lynne McGranger, who portrays Irene Roberts, creating a humorous on-screen relationship. Irene becomes both Chris's landlord and employer at the local diner, fostering a "mother/son" dynamic that Ruffo enjoyed portraying. McGranger has praised their partnership as one of her favorites due to their effective comedic chemistry.
Relationship with Indi Walker
Chris's initial meaningful romantic involvement is with Indi Walker (portrayed by Samara Weaving), occurring after her terminally ill spouse (Romeo Smith, played by Luke Mitchell) departs. After a short absence, Chris comes back and reveals his wish to pursue a relationship with Indi. Ruffo highlighted Chris's early hesitation alongside his sincere affection for her. Although Indi struggles to move past Romeo, she is open to a new distraction. Resistance arises from Indi's sister Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman), who doubts Chris's suitability, whereas her brother Dexter Walker (Charles Cottier) supports their connection. To win Indi over, Chris organizes a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride followed by dinner, showcasing a tender side that endears him to her.
Challenges emerge when Chris's former girlfriend Robyn Sullivan (Alexandra Park) reappears. Indi had resolved to move forward, encouraged by Chris's shift from casual flings to a more committed mindset. However, Robyn’s comeback threatens the fragile relationship, prompting Chris to question their future together. Robyn actively pursues Chris, and although he wants her gone, Indi misreads their interaction as betrayal. Chris opts to conceal Robyn’s advances, which results in trust complications.
The situation becomes more difficult when Indi learns of Romeo’s passing, leaving her heartbroken and emotionally withdrawn despite Chris's support attempts. Her unresolved sorrow prevents full emotional engagement in their relationship, causing Chris to feel overshadowed by Romeo. Ultimately, Indi chooses to leave Summer Bay for a fresh start on her own, ending their romance. Ruffo described this ending as "done in a healthy way," emphasizing that Indi was not fleeing from Chris but seeking closure.
Supporting Spencer
Chris often plays a supportive role for his brother Spencer during personal difficulties, though their relationship is frequently tense because Spencer feels that Chris meddles too much in his affairs. For instance, when Chris tries to offer guidance about Spencer’s relationship with Maddy, it only leads to more conflict. Spencer, diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and managing it with medication, begins dating Sasha but stops taking his medication to feel more in control. Alarmed by this decision, Chris confronts him but is met with frustration as Spencer demands he stop interfering. This places Chris in a difficult position as he tries to remain loyal to Spencer while also concerned about Sasha’s welfare—especially since Sasha’s sister Indi is involved.
As Spencer’s behavior becomes increasingly unstable, Chris steps in again; however, Spencer perceives this as controlling and responds violently by punching him. This clash is described as a "heart-breaking situation" highlighting sibling turmoil. After Spencer collapses due to anger, Chris fears for his brother’s health. His concerns deepen when Spencer joins the cult "Sanctuary Lodge," seeking help for his condition. When Chris visits the lodge in an attempt to prevent brainwashing, he offends the cult leader and faces further aggression from Spencer.
Following their father’s serious car accident, both brothers confront challenging decisions together. Although Spencer initially plans to visit their father, he ultimately decides to leave Summer Bay after reevaluating his life—a departure coinciding with Morley’s exit from Home and Away—leaving Chris without any remaining family connections on screen.
Mushroom poisonings
The dangers of confusing toxic mushrooms were underscored when Chris inadvertently incorporates lethal death cap mushrooms into a risotto. Characters Alf Stewart and Leah Patterson-Baker consume the meal, resulting in severe poisoning. Leah collapses and requires hospitalization, while Alf's symptoms surface during an unsuccessful boating trip with Chris, who desperately attempts to assist him despite difficulties in communication. Chris is left grappling with intense remorse following the incident.
Although Alf recovers after receiving medical care, Leah suffers from liver failure accompanied by bleeding complications. Overwhelmed by guilt, Chris organizes a community gathering to find a suitable liver donor, which leads to numerous volunteers coming forward for testing. Leah is deeply moved by the outpouring of support, much of which stems from Chris’ efforts. Ultimately, Alf steps forward to donate part of his liver to save Leah.
Relationship with Denny Miller
In 2014, the writers introduced a romantic arc involving Chris and Denny Miller (Jessica Grace Smith), positioning him in competition with rival Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). Ruffo explained that while Chris is drawn to Denny, he feels overshadowed by Casey’s "bad-boy" charisma. Despite Chris’ initial bravado, his early attempts to win Denny’s favor are unsuccessful. He eventually captures her interest but hesitates when she expresses her love, revealing a common male uncertainty. Denny demands clarity regarding his true intentions.
As the storyline progresses, a love triangle develops due to growing chemistry between Denny and Casey. When Chris seeks a committed relationship, Denny hesitates because of her lingering feelings for Casey. Younes noted that Casey avoids pursuing another man’s partner but eventually kisses Denny to express his emotions. Feeling guilty, Denny distances herself from Chris, who reacts with anger upon learning about the kiss and confronts Casey. Frustrated by Denny’s indecisiveness, Chris ends their relationship; although she tries to reconcile, he perceives her actions as motivated by guilt rather than genuine affection.
Relationship with Hannah Wilson
In 2015, the storyline developed a connection between Chris and Hannah Wilson (portrayed by Cassie Howarth), as they collaborate on a charity fundraiser. At first, Hannah considers Chris merely a friend. When Chris' former partner Ivana Frost (Tegan Martin) arrives in Summer Bay, Chris persuades Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend to demonstrate that he has moved forward. To convince Ivana, they stage a kiss, during which Hannah grows fond of Chris’ personality and sense of humor.
Their friendship soon evolves into a romantic involvement, though Hannah struggles to keep their relationship confidential. When Chris threatens to walk away, Hannah responds by making their relationship public. Subsequently, the introduction of Hannah’s ex-boyfriend Andy Barrett (Tai Hara) creates a love triangle dynamic. In 2016, Hannah seeks "a fresh start" but ultimately gives in to Andy’s advances while still involved with Chris, marking her first act of infidelity and adding complexity to the plot.
Departure
On 27 April 2016, Channel 7 announced via Twitter that Ruffo had exited Home and Away to explore new career paths. Ruffo expressed, "My time in Summer Bay has been wonderful. There’s plenty more ahead for Chris, and I hope viewers continue to enjoy his journey on screen."
Reception
For his portrayal of Chris, Ruffo earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2014 Logie Awards. The Daily Edition presenter Tom Williams commended Ruffo for "stealing scenes as the rebellious yet vulnerable Chris," while co-host Monique Wright remarked that the character endured "numerous hardships and unreciprocated love." A writer from stuff.co.nz described Chris as an "endearing joker." A TV Week journalist drew attention to the tension between the Harrington siblings, commenting that "there has been little brotherly affection between Chris and Spencer." Mark James Lowe of All About Soap referred to Chris as an "underappreciated hero," applauding his "cheeky charm and compassionate nature," particularly emphasizing the emotional depth shown during his mourning for Hannah.
External links
- Chris Harrington on the official AU Home and Away website