Clare Brody

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Television drama series
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their debut in 2005, introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 18th season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The year opened with Emily Perry portraying Eve Jacobsen. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast as Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner, respectively. April welcomed Doug Scroope in the role of Graham Walters. Holly Brisley appeared in June playing Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother. August marked the arrival of Todd Lasance as Aden Jefferies, alongside the introduction of the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November brought in James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen (also known as Zoe McCallister), portrayed by Emily Perry, made her first appearance on 21 January 2005. Perry had previously appeared on the show in a minor role as an extra, and this casting was considered a pivotal step in her acting career.

Eve was introduced as a psychiatric nurse who became central to a gripping narrative involving Sarah Lewis, a patient bent on vengeance following her boyfriend’s fatal drug overdose. To escape her past, Eve murdered fellow nurse Zoe McCallister and set fire to cover her tracks. Her actions escalated into a series of violent attacks targeting residents of Summer Bay. She cunningly framed others for these offenses, including Marc Edwards, whom she eventually killed.

Her storyline intensified with kidnappings of key characters and bomb threats that sustained suspense throughout. Detective Peter Baker pursued Eve relentlessly, culminating in tense encounters such as Eve holding Jack Holden hostage before her capture. Although presumed dead after an explosion, Eve reemerged under another alias to continue terrorizing the community, leading to a final deadly showdown at Jack and Martha’s wedding.

The "Summer Bay Stalker" arc featuring Eve received nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 and 2007 Inside Soap Awards and was acknowledged by Digital Spy in their Serial Killer Poll. Critics highlighted the storyline's powerful effect on audiences and its significance within the series’ plotlines, emphasizing Eve’s role as a captivating villain who maintained viewer interest.

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, brought to life by Isaac Gorman, debuted on 16 March 2005 and remained until 2007, with subsequent guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Gorman had previously been seen on the series portraying Riley Edwards in 2002.

Ryan arrives just before his father Dan's wedding to Leah Patterson. Initially courteous toward Leah, Ryan soon reveals his resentment by sabotaging wedding preparations—damaging Leah’s dress and burning invitations upon discovering that his mother, Amanda Vale, was excluded from the event. This incites family tension, prompting Ryan to run away before apologizing and returning to Amanda in America. He later comes back briefly to serve as a ring bearer at the wedding.

Concerned about Amanda’s influence, Dan invites Ryan to live with him and Leah. After conflicts arise, Amanda retrieves Ryan back to Los Angeles but returns months later with him to settle in Summer Bay. They are accompanied by Amanda’s daughter Belle Taylor, Ryan’s half-sister. Ryan supports Amanda’s engagement to Peter but eventually moves back in with Dan and Leah amid their marital difficulties. When Dan accepts employment overseas, Ryan initially resists relocating but later rejoins Amanda and Peter in America.

Following Dan’s tragic death during an abseiling accident, Amanda and Ryan attend his funeral service. Ryan expresses concerns about fitting into Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance. He also returns for Belle’s wedding and later her funeral after her cancer diagnosis before heading back to the city.

For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.

Cassie Turner

Cassie Turner, played by Sharni Vinson, made her debut on 18 March 2005 and exited the series on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously appeared in the show as guest characters in 2001 and 2003. In 2004, after auditioning for the role of Martha MacKenzie, she was instead cast as Cassie Turner. By July 2007, Vinson expressed a desire to leave the series to explore opportunities in Los Angeles. Her departure was confirmed by November when she relocated there with her boyfriend, although the show did not officially comment on her exit since Cassie remained part of the storyline into 2008.

Cassie was depicted as strong-willed and fiercely independent, with a knack for making friends easily and influencing those around her. Vinson earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards for her portrayal. Media outlets described Cassie as a "seductive soap siren," and Vinson’s departure was regarded as a loss particularly felt by the show's male viewers.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, portrayed by Doug Scroope, entered the storyline on 22 April 2005 and departed following his character’s death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter's eighteenth birthday, revealing underlying conflict with his daughter Beth. He explains that his emotional distance results from trauma endured during the Vietnam War. After selling his farm, Graham aims to rebuild family relationships. He becomes romantically involved with the younger Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley), who had previously dated his grandson Scott. Despite objections from family members, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda soon reveals manipulative tendencies. She avoids physical intimacy and often leaves her son Ryan Baker in Graham’s care. Upon discovering Amanda's affair with Josh West, Graham collaborates with Morag Bellingham to expose Josh’s illegal activities related to Project 56. During a heated confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack. Although Amanda calls emergency services, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over continuing life support; Robbie decides to turn it off, resulting in Graham’s passing.

Amanda inherits Graham’s assets and holds a wake largely unattended due to the Hunter family's absence. She later returns his war medals to Beth. After Robbie admits to ending life support, he faces trial, is convicted, but avoids jail time.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, played by Marcus Jacometti, appeared on Home and Away from 9 May until 17 June 2005. This marked Jacometti's first acting role after completing Year 12, committing to twenty episodes. He traveled from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney for filming, describing the experience as both thrilling and demanding.

Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High School, introduced by principal Barry Hyde. His nonconformist demeanor makes him a target of bullying by Jason Pappa and his associates, who assume Diesel is gay because of a rose tattoo he has. To dispel rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but later confides in Cassie Turner that he lacks romantic interest in her. Jason persists with harassment and physical attacks.

After revealing he is homeless due to conflicts with foster parents, Diesel is invited by Sally Fletcher to live with her and her husband Flynn Saunders; however, Flynn is hesitant. Rising tensions between Diesel and Flynn lead Diesel to move out when Flynn arranges accommodation at a hostel.

Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally and kisses her during tutoring sessions, witnessed by Dan Baker. When Sally rejects him, Diesel accuses her of sexual harassment, resulting in her suspension. Despite efforts from Ric Dalby and Cassie to mediate, Diesel demands that Sally confess love for him in exchange for dropping the allegations.

The situation escalates as Diesel steals Sally's locket and fabricates emails supporting his claims. Investigator Carl Summons interviews Diesel; when a photo of Diesel is discovered inside Sally's locket, she is suspended from duty. Barry Hyde urges Diesel to admit the truth. In a critical moment, Diesel takes Sally’s infant daughter hostage but is ultimately subdued by Flynn and arrested. He confesses to Ken Harper that he manufactured the allegations and framed Sally.

While visiting Diesel in custody, Sally learns he sees her as reminiscent of his mother. She acknowledges his personal loss but condemns his unhealthy obsession. Diesel apologizes before being transferred for psychiatric treatment.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, brought to life by Holly Brisley, made her first appearance on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with short reappearances in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as a quintessential "attention-seeker" who uses manipulation to attain her objectives. During her 2009 comeback, the storyline incorporated Brisley’s actual pregnancy. For this portrayal, she received a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, portrayed by Todd Lasance, entered the series on 4 August 2005 in a recurring capacity connected to Cassie Turner’s plotlines. Initially cast after auditioning for a different role, Lasance was elevated to a regular cast member in 2007. Although he announced intentions to leave in 2009 to explore career options in Los Angeles, his exit was confirmed with final scenes shot in January 2010. Lasance described Aden as "an absolute bad-arse," resisting the transformation of his character into a stereotypical "good guy." His performance earned him a "Best Bad Boy" nomination at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and secured him the "Most Popular Actor" award at the 2009 Logie Awards, followed by another nomination in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, enacted by Paul O'Brien, debuted on 5 August 2005 and exited on 28 November 2008. O’Brien garnered several award nominations for this role, including winning the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also nominated for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O’Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon received a nomination for "Best Storyline" centered on Jack and Martha’s wedding. In 2008, he earned nods for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" alongside Gordon. Additionally, at the first-ever Digital Spy Soap Awards, O’Brien was nominated for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, played by Jon Sivewright, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and departed on 11 August 2010. By the time of his exit, Sivewright was tied as the second longest-serving male actor on the show. His departure came shortly after co-star Amy Mathews left, with producers deciding it was fitting to write out his character then. Tony’s narrative focused heavily on coping with the loss of his wife, girlfriend, and child, reinforcing his image as a committed family man. The official show website portrays Tony as kind-hearted and empathetic, maintaining optimism despite personal tragedies. Key story moments include his decision to reverse a vasectomy to start a family with his on-screen spouse, Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, portrayed by Rhys Wakefield, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and exited on 14 February 2008. For this role, Wakefield was nominated for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards. A reviewer described Lucas as a "stroppy lad," notable for his dynamic interactions with Tony. In 2007, both Home and Away and Seven Network were reprimanded by the ACMA due to airing sexually explicit scenes within G-rated episodes—specifically episode 4358, which depicted Lucas and Belle choosing to engage in sexual activity. ACMA ruled that such content was unsuitable for the classification level, constituting a breach of broadcasting standards.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast after completing his studies at the NIDA in 2004 and expressed admiration for the commitment shown by both cast and crew members.

Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." She coerced him into schemes involving Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas). Originally named Jonah, he was subjected to indoctrination and drug manipulation by Mumma Rose during his upbringing. Upon release from parole and returning to Summer Bay under his original name, Michael's infertility cleared him of suspicion regarding Tasha's assault allegations.

After selling off cult assets, Michael took up farm work for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). His romantic involvement with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) encountered opposition from the community but grew despite obstacles, including tensions caused by Martha’s former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien). Ultimately, Michael decided to leave the area alone, acknowledging he could not compete with Jack.

Mumma Rose

Mumma Rose (real name Florence White), played by Linden Wilkinson, first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously portrayed Katherine Walker in the series in 1996.

Mumma Rose heads a cult called The Believers. She manipulates her son, Jonah Abraham (James Mitchell), into persuading Tasha Andrews to join their group. Though Tasha's friends and boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith) are doubtful, Mumma Rose orchestrates events to isolate Tasha, including pushing Robbie into a river and stealing Tasha’s phone to delay assistance.

When Rebecca Tate alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose’s plan for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah's child, Mumma Rose has Rebecca abducted and denies any involvement when questioned by police. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to be interested in joining the cult to rescue Tasha but fails to uncover proof.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to enable impregnation without their awareness. After Jonah aids Tasha's escape, they are recaptured, and Mumma Rose organizes a purification ritual involving fire. Tasha turns the other members against Mumma Rose, resulting in her arrest by authorities; however, she manages to flee.

Several months later, Mumma Rose returns, taking Tasha and Martha hostage while attempting to induce premature labor. She kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) to force compliance but is subdued during a rescue effort. Following a tip-off, police apprehend Mumma Rose.

With help from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose kidnaps Tasha’s newborn daughter, Ella Hunter, intending to perform a cleansing fire ritual. Charity eventually contacts law enforcement, triggering a hostage crisis. After a confrontation, Mumma Rose is captured and committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

A writer from the Daily Record described Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Catholic Priest Toby Sherring criticized the series’ depiction of religion through the cult storyline involving Mumma Rose, raising concerns about perpetuating negative stereotypes of religious groups in media.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg serves as a physician at Northern Districts Hospital. He provides medical care to Leah Patterson after her appendix bursts and treats Sally Fletcher following a fall and diagnosis of a blood clot.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus, the estranged and abusive father of Kane Phillips, rescues Hayley Lawson from a fire. He owes $3000 to Greg Harvey and involves Kane in a robbery that results in Kane’s arrest.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Arriving after a bushfire, Marc reconnects with Josie Russell and extorts $20,000 from her over her past. He is framed for assault, murdered by Eve Jacobsen, and posthumously linked to a bombing incident.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	Anna holds the position of Administrator at Northern Districts Hospital and suspends surgeon Flynn Saunders following a surgical error before reinstating him.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Greg is involved in criminal activities with Gus Phillips, demanding repayment of $3000, threatening Kane, and providing false testimony during Kane’s trial.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	Lara works as a constable at Yabbie Creek Police, participating in various cases including arresting Kane Phillips and mentoring officers during maternity leave.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Benny pilots a charter flight carrying key individuals; he succumbs to injuries sustained when the plane crashes.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Arthur is a journalist who uses online dating as a means to investigate the Summer Bay Stalker but is rejected once his intentions are uncovered.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Lisa dates Scott Hunter while concealing her marriage to Alan Stanniford. After the truth emerges, she departs alone despite offering to leave her husband.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	A local celebrant who officiates numerous significant weddings and funerals throughout the years, including prominent community ceremonies.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Darren serves as Senior Constable at the Yabbie Creek Police Station.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Alan visits Lisa during an advertising conference unaware of her affair with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Grandmother to Cassie Turner, Joy arrives to rejuvenate a beauty pageant but suffers a fatal stroke amid tensions with Colleen Smart.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	A physician at Northern Districts Hospital involved in significant medical cases; uncovers paternity information but dies before disclosing it.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Brief romantic partner of Robbie Hunter, used strategically to incite jealousy.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Senior Detective leading the investigation into the Summer Bay Stalker; develops a complex relationship with Peter Baker culminating in engagement and relocation.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Manager of a storage facility who assists investigations into bomb-making materials linked to the Summer Bay stalker case.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Arriving after his mother Joy’s stroke, Ben is exposed for abusing family members leading to police involvement.
25 April	'Pauline Bennett'	'Beth Armstrong'	'Aunt of Cassie Turner who arrives with children Carla and Liam; reports abuse allegations against uncle Ben.'
	'Carla Bennett'	'Ashleigh Johnson'
	'Liam Bennett'	'Uncredited'
3 May	'Zoe McCallister'	'Uncredited'	'Nurse whose murder prompts identity theft by Eve Jacobsen.'
9 May–7 June	'Jason Pappa'	'Joshua Biagi'	'Student involved in bullying and conflicts at Summer Bay High; provides testimony against Sally Fletcher.'
20–23 May	'Jim Wallace'	'Harold Hopkins'	'Retired police officer reveals past cover-up involving Josie Russell; later found dead under suspicious circumstances.'
1–13 June	'Callan Sherman'	'Kain O'Keeffe'	'Acquaintance of Ric Dalby who pressures him for money and attempts exploitation of Matilda Hunter; flees after exposure.'
7–16 June	'Carl Summons'	'John O'Hare'	'School inspector investigating allegations against Sally Fletcher; suspends her pending police inquiry.'
9–10 June	'Mystery Man'	'Lleyton Hewitt'	'Brief role as an unsuccessful suitor of Hayley Lawson.'
10–14 June	'Terry Rawlings'	'Laurence Coy'	'Suspect in Matilda Hunter's disappearance; arrested following her escape.'
16 June–5 July	'Noelene Baker'	'Kris McQuade'	"Mother of Peter and Dan Baker; involved in wedding disputes highlighting cultural tensions."
24 June–14 July	"Troy Peters"	"Christian Willis"	"Former boyfriend stalking Chloe Richards; wrongly suspected in her death, later hospitalized after assault."
4–5 July	"Kevin Baker"	"Andy Anderson (actor)"	"Father to Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with Peter during preparations for Dan's wedding."
22–23 July	"Judith Lane"	"Jane Fullerton Smith"	"Mediator overseeing custody dispute concerning Olivia Richards."
22–23 July	"Michael Maleto"	"Antony Grey"	"Attorney assisting with Olivia Richards’ custody proceedings."
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	"Kevin Green"	"Scott Hall-Watson"	"Physician treating critical patients including Flynn Saunders and Leah Patterson-Baker."
9–24 August	"Tom Anderson"	"Don Halbert"	"Former partner of Kerry Hyde; contacted during Kim Hyde’s search for his mother."
10 August	"Harry Chambers"	"Rodney Dobsen"	"Accuses Jack Holden of responsibility for daughter's death; town meeting convened to address allegations."
12–25 August	"Leo Simms"	"Johann Walravan"	"Burglar involved in insurance fraud and poisoning plot targeting Irene Roberts."
15–23 August	"Lorraine Robertson"	"Gael Ballantyne"	"Poses as Kim Hyde's mother before revealing family secrets related to Kerry Hyde's death."
23 August	"Brian Robertson"	"Paul Coolahan"	"Husband of Lorraine Robertson; unaware of his wife's connection to the Hyde family."
2 September–1 November	"Corey Henderson"	"Adam Saunders"	"Probationary constable engaged in multiple investigations; revealed as poisoner targeting Irene Roberts and jurors; subsequently arrested and imprisoned."
9–13 September	"Sean Jefferies"	"Gabriel Egan"	"Older sibling of Aden Jefferies who assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration."
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006	Josef Ber	Physician diagnosing Flynn Saunders’ terminal melanoma; attends Flynn’s funeral.
27 September	Gary Baxter	Local mayor subjected to political framing by Josh West through fabricated scandal.
29 September	Uncredited	Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially alongside other characters.
13 October–25 November	Leah Etkind	Employee at nudist camp influencing Kim Hyde into drug use resulting in overdose.
19 October–8 November	Zachary Garred	Intern at Northern Districts Hospital unwittingly involved in paternity test deception orchestrated by Amanda Vale.
25 October–25 November	Multiple actors	Newborn son of Hayley Lawson caught up in paternity dispute resolved through medical testing.
28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006	Terry Serio	Bookmaker connected to Dan Baker’s gambling debts leading to kidnapping and hostage situations; re-arrested following prison escape.
28–29 October	Alan Dukes	Gun dealer facilitating illegal firearm sale to Martha MacKenzie that results in accidental shooting.
9–22 November	Paul Caesar	Associate of Dudley Shepherd enforcing debt collection from Dan Baker.
11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012	Charlie Hopkins	Physician at Northern Districts Hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ retirement announcement.
11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006	Charlotte Gregg	Member of The Believers cult controlling Tasha Andrews and involved in kidnapping plot; arrested following intervention by Irene Roberts.