Chris Reynolds (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The series' third season commenced broadcasting on 8 January 1990. Below is a compilation of characters introduced during 1990, all under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. In January, Rebekah Elmaloglou joined the cast portraying Sophie Simpson. February marked the arrival of Craig McLachlan and Julian McMahon as schoolteacher Grant Mitchell and military man Ben Lucini, respectively. March brought in Jaiman Paget Bayly playing the recurring role of Murray "Mullet" Jensen. April introduced Beach House owner Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) alongside Bridget Jackson (Paula Duncan). In May, Craig Black returned portraying student Paul Jensen, accompanied by police officer Jane Holland (Josephine Mitchell). July saw the addition of siblings Blake and Karen Dean, enacted by Les Hill and Belinda Jarrett. September featured Kate Raison as Jennifer Atkinson, a romantic interest for Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). October welcomed divorcé Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) and his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). November introduced Rachael Beck in the role of Grant's sister, Kim Mitchell.
Sophie Simpson
Sophie Simpson, portrayed by Rebekah Elmaloglou, made her first appearance on 23 January 1990 and remained on the show until 1993. Elmaloglou took a hiatus due to fatigue and eventually departed to explore other opportunities, citing the demanding nature of the role as detrimental to her well-being. She returned for guest spots as Sophie in 2002, 2003, and 2005.
Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell, played by Craig McLachlan, debuted on-screen on 9 February 1990. Although McLachlan exited the show within the same year, he filmed additional scenes that aired in 1991. Grant’s final episode aired on 20 September 1991. McLachlan described his character as "quite fashionable for a teacher," admired by pupils for challenging authority while maintaining a strong dedication to education. For this portrayal, McLachlan received the "Most Popular Actor" accolade at the 1991 Logie Awards.
Ben Lucini
Benito "Ben" Lucini, enacted by Julian McMahon, featured from 27 February 1990 until 1 May 1991. After undergoing four auditions, McMahon secured this role, depicting Ben as an easygoing and laid-back 21-year-old hailing from a large Italian family. Initially enjoying a party lifestyle, Ben's character developed maturity over time. A soldier who falls deeply for both the town and fellow character Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), he ultimately leaves military service to establish a settled life. Hodgson observed Ben’s "traditional values" and reliability, anticipating a strong marital bond with Carly that reflected their mutual dedication. McMahon left the series within his first year. Nevertheless, Peter Holmes of The Sydney Morning Herald criticized his performance as somewhat "stiff."
Mullet
Murray "Mullet" Jensen, portrayed by Jaiman Paget Bayly, appeared between 26 March and 18 July 1990. Characterized as an "energetic and lively eleven-year-old," Mullet embodies an average rural child with a mischievous and adventurous spirit. His nickname stems from his enthusiasm for fishing. Living modestly with his mother Lorraine and brother Paul, Mullet supports himself by selling fish.
He forms a friendship with classmate Sally Fletcher after persistent efforts to gain her attention. Bringing a crab to the Fletcher household unintentionally causes upset since it belongs to Alf Stewart’s pet. To conceal his family’s financial difficulties, Mullet initially fabricates a story about his mother being hospitalized but finds comfort in Sally’s acceptance. He attends the wedding of Carly Morris and Ben Lucini as Sally’s guest.
Mullet’s storylines include taking Tammy Newton fishing, which triggers jealousy from Sally, and participating alongside Sally in the Surf Club talent night where their comedic blunders delight the crowd. Additionally, he assists Adam Cameron in a magic act that goes wrong. After briefly attempting to reinvent himself as a pop star, Mullet returns to his original persona and dances with Sally at the wedding reception. Later references to Mullet are made by Steven Matheson when discussing Sally’s previous relationships.
Ernie Jacobs
Ernie Jacobs, played by David Weatherley, was featured from 16 April 1990 until 9 January 1991.
Ernie leases a beach house to Matt Wilson (Greg Benson), Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson), and Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons). The tenants devise a plan to frame him by fabricating a photo showing Ernie kissing Marilyn, though the image initially fails to develop. After accidentally scorching the kitchen floor while making toffee, Adam replaces the linoleum with grass that harbors fleas, which infest the entire residence. When Ernie confronts Adam about this, a flea bomb is set off but is thrown out the window. Ernie then threatens to evict them. He later runs for councilor, gaining an advantage when Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) withdraws due to legal complications. Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) challenges Ernie’s campaign and subsequently she and Marilyn blackmail him using an incriminating letter. Ultimately, Ernie sells the property to Marilyn.
Bridget Jackson
Bridget Jackson, portrayed by Paula Duncan, made her first appearance on 20 April 1990. Although originally contracted for a five-week stint, producers hoped to extend her role indefinitely. However, Duncan declined due to other acting and producing commitments alongside family responsibilities. Bridget is introduced as the mother of Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue). Duncan characterized Bridget as "utterly dreadful," "uncultured and raw," and "a complete monster," enjoying both the challenge of portraying such a character and her working relationship with Minogue.
Following Emma’s self-defense incident against her stepfather, she temporarily stays with her aunt Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn), who was previously unaware of Emma’s existence. Bridget arrives in Summer Bay intent on reclaiming custody of Emma, but Ailsa refuses, citing Emma’s recent adjustment and their fractured sisterly bond—rooted in Ailsa having killed their abusive father. Bridget reveals she left her husband Barry after he admitted to abusing Emma. Despite initial resistance, Bridget gradually wins Emma over through gifts and outings, convincing her to return home briefly. However, Emma soon comes back, reporting that Bridget has resumed contact with Barry.
Paul Jensen
Paul Jensen, enacted by Craig Black, debuted on 8 May 1990. Paul is a seventeen-year-old student who also works as a shop assistant; he is the son of Michael and Lorraine Jensen and older brother to Mullet Jensen. He is described as warm-hearted, articulate, and academically gifted beyond average standards. Additionally, Paul is a talented self-taught musician who surpasses his father’s failed musical career. Despite Lorraine forbidding musical instruments at home due to disapproval of his ambitions, Paul practices secretly at school and the surf club.
Paul’s teacher Grant Mitchell recognizes his talent and encourages him to pursue a music scholarship application. Paul declines this opportunity and instead takes a job at Alf Stewart’s shop to afford a second-hand instrument. Lorraine remains opposed to Paul’s musical pursuits, but Grant organizes a school concert for Paul to demonstrate his abilities. Initially hesitant, Paul ultimately performs after gaining Lorraine’s support.
Paul develops a friendship with Emma Jackson that grows into mutual attraction despite Emma’s relationship with Adam Cameron. After Emma kisses Paul but continues seeing Adam, tensions rise when Adam challenges Paul to a fight following insults about Paul’s father. Alf Stewart arranges a fair boxing match with training assistance from Alf and Steven Matheson. The fight is interrupted by Emma and friends sabotaging it, causing strain between Paul and Emma that they later resolve.
When exam papers are planted in Emma’s locker by Vicki Baxter, Paul initially doubts Emma but collaborates with Steven to reveal Vicki’s deception, clearing Emma’s reputation. Encouraged by friends Ailsa Stewart and Bobby Simpson, Emma forgives Paul but soon relocates to the Gold Coast for work, ending their romantic relationship while maintaining their friendship.
Jane Holland
Jane Holland, brought to life by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 22 June 1990. Mitchell began filming in April 1990 under a contract lasting two months. She described the role as challenging yet fulfilling. Jane is a young police constable introduced primarily as a romantic interest for Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Having previously acted in A Country Practice, Mitchell welcomed the chance to portray a tougher character and valued producer Andrew Howie's decision to cast her. Jane's central narrative focused on her relationship with Grant and her duties as a police officer in Summer Bay.
Jane arrives in Summer Bay to start her police work and soon begins dating Grant. She arrests Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) for driving over the legal alcohol limit, leading to his license suspension. After a deadly shootout at Yabbie Creek where an officer is killed, Jane survives but is left emotionally shaken. She swiftly intervenes to stop two men harassing Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) at the local diner. Concerned for her well-being, Grant advises Jane to take a break, which prompts her to contemplate leaving the force. Their relationship eventually dissolves, and Jane returns to policing in the city.
Blake Dean
Blake Dean, portrayed by Les Hill, debuted on 26 July 1990. Before joining Home and Away, Hill had television experience on G.P.. His casting was announced alongside Belinda Jarrett, who plays his sister Karen Dean. Hill found adjusting to the show's rapid production schedule demanding. Blake is depicted as an energetic and charismatic young man who embraces life enthusiastically and relies on quick wit to navigate trouble. He frequently strives to shield his sister Karen from difficulties.
Hill later revealed his decision to leave the series but returned for special guest appearances, including the program’s fourteenth anniversary and its milestone 4,000th episode.
Karen Dean
Karen Dean, enacted by Belinda Jarrett, first appeared on 26 July 1990. With no previous television background, Jarrett was cast alongside Les Hill as siblings Karen and Blake Dean. They come to Summer Bay following their mother Margot’s death from cancer and are placed under the guardianship of Ailsa and Alf Stewart. Initially, they live with a distant uncle under difficult circumstances before settling with the Stewarts. Karen is introduced as a 15-year-old high school student at Summer Bay High, portrayed as attractive yet reserved, struggling with body image concerns, and well-liked by both peers and teachers.
Despite promising early storylines, the Seven Network opted not to renew Jarrett’s contract in 1991 due to the character’s limited prominence and modest audience appeal. Karen’s initial departure occurred on 27 August 1991; however, she returned briefly in early 1993 after being released on parole from prison.
Karen and Blake arrive searching for Ailsa Stewart after conflicts with their uncle arise. Karen develops a romantic interest in Steven Matheson, which ends because of their age difference. She faces challenges such as disagreements with deputy principal Alan Stone over his reinstatement of corporal punishment and unreciprocated feelings for Haydn Ross. Karen also actively joins a community protest aimed at saving a historic tree.
Her storyline takes a darker trajectory when she becomes involved with Maurice "Revhead" Gibson, leading her into criminal activity that culminates in a fatal car accident. As a result, Karen is arrested and sentenced to two years in prison.
Upon her parole in 1993, Karen returns to Summer Bay and reconnects with her half-sister Roxanne Miller; however, her conduct causes tension within relationships. After stealing from Ailsa and fleeing to the city, Blake moves there as well to keep a close watch on her.
Karen Dean’s storyline explores themes of troubled adolescence and attempts at redemption within the broader context of the series’ narrative.
Jennifer Atkinson
Jennifer Atkinson, played by Kate Raison, made her first appearance on 12 September 1990. Raison joined Home and Away for a limited eight-week stint portraying Jennifer Stewart, who becomes involved in a contentious relationship with the adolescent Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). An artist and cousin to Alf Stewart, Jennifer arrives in Summer Bay while concealing the difficulties in her marriage to Daniel Atkinson, an abusive alcoholic. She embarks on a passionate affair with Steven, which ends when Daniel assaults him after discovering their liaison. Before departing the Bay, Jennifer encourages Steven to resume his studies and stays in touch by sending a Christmas card.
Michael Ross
Michael Ross, enacted by Dennis Coard, first appeared on 22 October 1990 together with his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). As the new proprietor of the Summer Bay boat shed, Michael became a central figure and romantic partner to Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrance). Their relationship initially faced opposition from family members and was further complicated by Michael’s former wife Cynthia’s efforts to reconcile. After overcoming these obstacles, Michael and Pippa married; he adopted her son Christopher and provided foster care for several children.
Michael’s narrative involved considerable familial challenges: Haydn’s gambling problem led to financial difficulties when he embezzled business funds, pushing Michael into debt despite Alf Stewart’s discreet partnership in the boat shed. This strain impacted his marriage, resulting in a temporary separation and subsequent counselling that helped mend their relationship.
Additionally, Michael played a pivotal role in rescue operations following a seaplane accident and fostered Maya Krakajcek after her parents died until she could be reunited with relatives abroad. His storyline culminated heroically during a flood when he drowned saving Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark), marking his departure from the show in 1996. Coard supported this final exit, preferring to pursue other professional opportunities rather than risk returning later.
Haydn Ross
Haydn Ross, portrayed by Andrew Hill, debuted on 31 October 1990 and initially left on 17 September 1991, with returns in 1994 and 1996. Hill landed the role by chance due to an agent’s error. In 1991, he opted to exit the series. A TV Week columnist observed that Haydn originally regarded Summer Bay as somewhat of a "hick town." He is the son of Cynthia (Belinda Giblin) and Michael Ross (Dennis Coard), benefiting from his father’s enterprise to attend private schooling. In the Home and Away Annual, Kesta Desmond and David Nicholls describe Haydn as "athletic and determined like his father," with a "love of culture and a comfortable lifestyle" inherited from his mother.
Kim Mitchell
Kim Mitchell, brought to life by Rachael Beck, first appeared on 8 November 1990 as the sister of established character Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Producers offered Beck a year-long contract aiming to make Kim a regular character, but she declined to avoid being typecast.
Kim arrives in Summer Bay concealing a drug addiction despite being only sixteen years old. Beck portrayed Kim as someone who maintains a flawless exterior that hides her substance abuse. Kim rationalizes her drug use by believing "everyone else is doing it," living according to the philosophy "Why not enjoy life fully while you are young?"
During her visit to Grant, Kim steals money from his flatmate Matt Wilson (Greg Benson). Matt and Steven Matheson (Adam Willits) uncover her addiction when she asks them for drugs. After failing to return from an outing one night, Kim lies about where she has been. To support her habit, she resorts to theft including stealing Carly Lucini's (Sharyn Hodgson) purse and forging Grant’s signature on a cheque to pay dealer Eddie (Peter Williams). Steven informs Grant, who initially dismisses it as typical teenage rebellion but later finds speed pills in Kim’s bag. Grant confronts her, arranges for rehabilitation, and sacrifices his teaching position at Summer Bay High School to assist her recovery. He contacts their parents without mentioning drugs but warns Kim that he will inform them if she relapses. Grant returns months later confirming Kim’s progress.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January | Robbo | Ned Manning | A veterinarian brought in by shark hunter Zac Burgess (Mark Conroy) to verify whether a shark was responsible for a fatality. Though Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) and Andrew Foley (Peter Bensley) suspect the shark, it is ultimately ruled out. |
| 29 January | Henry Thompson | Tim Allen | Potential purchasers of the Blaxland estate who are discouraged by an exorcism conducted by Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue) and Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence), who believe the property is haunted. |
| Doris Thompson | Jane Archer | ||
| 2–16 February | Greta | Jodie Gilles | A friend of Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) introduced to Martin Dibble (Craig Thomson). Although initially put off by her looks, Martin eventually develops affection before she departs. |
| 9 February–1 March | Detective Hunt | Kim Knuckey | Investigates and arrests Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) over an old homicide case; probes blackmail activities by Al Simpson (Terence Donovan). Ultimately apprehends Simpson after he takes hostages. |
| 27 February–8 March | Dave Porter | John Adam | A military comrade of Ben Lucini (Julian McMahon) on leave; unsuccessfully courts Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson); tries to rig bets during local competitions but is caught. |
| 12 March | Travis | Craig Black | A Year 12 pupil attending Grant Mitchell's class. |
| 30 March–3 April | Reverend Christopher Goodhope | Ron Becks | An African clergyman staying with Celia Stewart for charitable activities; mistakenly detained as a burglar but later freed. Motivates Celia to engage in missionary work. |
| 6 April 1990, 21 May 2007 – 26 January 2012 |
Delivery Man | Steve Cox | An unseen delivery person supplying goods to the Surf Club and residents intermittently over several years, delivering items such as cupboards, beverages, cribs, and cakes. |
| 16 April–11 September | Des Thompson | Brian Harrison | Bank official who authorizes loans for Carly Morris and subsequently the Lucinis to fund local acquisitions like the boatshed. |
| 17–26 April | Melody | Suzi Dougherty | Tenant at Beach House alongside Adam Cameron and Matt Wilson; unreliable with rent payments; moves in her boyfriend Bruce after his parole; both are expelled through a prank exploiting Bruce's ophidiophobia. |
| 18 April | Peter Butcher | Matthew Booker | A Year 10 student who mocks Sophie Simpson for her illiteracy. |
| 25–26 April | Bruce | Bill Charlton | Melody’s recently paroled boyfriend who intimidates flatmates until frightened away by a snake prank. |
| 3 May–17 July | Minister | John Mann | Local clergyman officiating at Tom Fletcher's funeral as well as Carly Morris and Ben Lucini's wedding ceremonies. |
| 8 May–19 June | Lorraine Jensen | Elizabeth Chance | Mother of Paul and Murray Jensen; employed at a local bookmaker; initially opposes Paul's piano aspirations but later offers support. |
| 15 May–27 July | Doctor Walker | Earle Cross | Community physician treating Marilyn Chambers for chickenpox, Ben Lucini for food poisoning, and diagnosing Bobby Simpson’s pregnancy. |
| 21–24 May | Helen Wakefield | Shayne Foote | Social worker investigating alleged abuse involving Tammy Newton; assists in reuniting Tammy with her estranged mother Angela Newton. |
| 21–23 May | Megan Tierney | Pamela Hawkesford | Former schoolmate of Carly Morris who flaunts wealth, creating friction with locals; marital issues culminate in separation during dinner with Carly and Ben Lucini. |
| 23 May | Julian Tierney | Cranston Brecht | 'Affluent spouse of Megan Tierney who confronts her over excessive spending during dinner with Carly Morris and Ben Lucini. |
| 23–25 May | 'Angela Newton' | 'Annie Byron' | 'Estranged mother of Viv and Tammy Newton; reconciles with daughters after social worker involvement; family relocates to Queensland. |
| 29 May–5 September | 'Chris Reynolds' | 'Jay Hackett' | 'Contact from dating agency for Bobby Simpson following her divorce; discovered to be married, leaves town. Returns amid personal difficulties involving wife Wendy, daughter Suzie, and Bobby's pregnancy. Ultimately departs defeated after family disputes. |
| 29 May–19 October | 'Geoff Lime' | 'William Usic' | 'Romantic rival to Chris Reynolds vying for Bobby Simpson's affection; supports Bobby during pregnancy despite opposition from her mother. Engagement later dissolved by Bobby. |
| 12–15 June | 'Gus' | 'Harry Lawrence' | 'Homeless individual befriending Sophie Simpson to motivate her return to schooling through a fabricated treasure hunt scheme. |
| 27 June–23 July | 'Sheree Anderson' | 'Beth Champion' | 'Friend of Vicki Baxter involved in framing Emma Jackson for exam theft and attempting to lure Paul Jensen away from Emma. |
| 11–18 July | 'Francesca Lucini' | 'Kim Leon' | 'Sister of Ben Lucini attracted to Steven Matheson; instigates conflict with cousin Angelo who also harbors feelings for her. |
| 'Gina Lucini' | 'Arianthe Galani' | 'Mother of Ben Lucini managing family affairs during his wedding, influencing events at the Fletcher household. | |
| 'Antonio Lucini' | 'Alistair Duncan' | 'Father of Ben Lucini present during wedding events providing family support. | |
| 12–18 July | 'Angelo' | 'Raj Sidhu' | 'Ben Lucini's cousin and best man; creates tension through reckless actions including near-accidents, fights, pranks, and inappropriate behavior at the wedding reception resulting in confrontation. |
| 30 July | 'Alec Dean' | 'Norm Galton' | 'Guardian uncle of Blake and Karen Dean following sister’s death; loses custody when teenagers run away to Summer Bay where they remain under alternate guardianship arrangements. |
| 9 August | 'Anna' | 'Rebecca George' | 'Cousin assisting Vicki Baxter in framing Emma Jackson for exam theft; exposed by peers leading to Emma’s reinstatement at school. |
| 29 August–5 September | 'Wendy Reynolds' | 'Liz Newman' | 'Wife of Chris Reynolds who leaves him due to infidelity; temporarily cares for daughter Suzie in Summer Bay amid family conflicts involving Bobby Simpson’s pregnancy revelation. |
| 'Suzie Reynolds' | 'Sophia Davidson' | 'Daughter of Chris and Wendy Reynolds caught in parental disputes; safely returned to mother following custody conflict. | |
| 6 September | 'Vince McGrath' | 'Felix Nobis' | 'Delivery person from Coastal Video who dates Marilyn Chambers before jealousy from housemate Adam Cameron ends their relationship. |
| 10 September – 12 October | 'Fred Owens' | 'Keith Holloway' | 'Owner of local boatshed initially agreeing sale to Ben and Carly Lucini but opts for higher bidder Michael Ross, affecting their business plans. |
| 14 September – 17 October | 'Hazel Lime' | 'Kaye Stevenson' | "Mother of Geoff Lime who initially objects to his relationship with Bobby Simpson due to pregnancy but later reconciles, attending family events including Geoff’s proposal." |
| 19 September–2 November | "Alan Stone"' | "Philip Hinton" | "Recently appointed Deputy Principal at Summer Bay High revealed as an abusive alcoholic enforcing corporal punishment. His misconduct toward students prompts intervention by Donald Fisher resulting in transfer." |
| 9–16 October | "Daniel Atkinson"' | "Ken Radley" | "Violent alcoholic husband confronting his wife's relationship with Steven Matheson. Assaults Steven and threatens others as an alibi. Faces charges following community intervention." |
| 14 November | "Eddie" | "Peter Williams" | "Drug dealer supplying Kim Mitchell with speed pills until warned off by Steven Matheson." |
| 19 November 1990 – 8 March 1991 | "Patricia Coleman"' | "Pam Western" | "Former nun teaching at Summer Bay High offering support to students Blake Dean and Sally Fletcher amid personal challenges. Develops close bond with Donald Fisher before position termination leads her relocation for new employment." |
References
- Desmond, Kesta. Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd, 1990. ISBN 0-86227-787-6.
- Desmond, Kesta; Nicholls, David. Home and Away Annual Authorised Edition. Grandreams Ltd, 1992. ISBN 0-86227-863-5.
- Hopwood, Clive. Home and Away Special. World International Publishing LTD, 1990. ISBN 0-7235-6899-5.
External links
- Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the official UK Home and Away website
- Full cast list at the Internet Movie Database