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Coco Astoni

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Riley Hawkins

Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his debut on 31 January 2017. Introduced by executive producer Lucy Addario, Riley works as a surgeon at Northern Districts Hospital and is the former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). O'Kane was cast in the role ahead of his housemate Rob Mills.

Riley’s arrival is prompted by the need to operate on Justin Morgan (James Stewart (Australian actor)), Tori’s brother, who is under witness protection after their parents were shot. His past relationship with Tori creates friction with fellow doctor Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who harbors jealousy over Riley’s history with her.

On his initial day, Riley performs surgery on Justin and confides in Nate about his desire to rekindle things with Tori, expressing regret for previous unfaithfulness. Later, during a bronchoscopy on Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), he detects a growth. Riley and Tori briefly reconnect, but she declines his invitation to relocate to the city, choosing instead to focus on family commitments.

Upon noticing the closeness between Nate and Tori, Riley manipulates Billie’s medical records and lodges a complaint against Nate, aiming to have him dismissed for alleged negligence. When Tori uncovers the falsification and Riley admits to it, she ends their relationship. After a confrontation involving Justin, Riley resigns from the hospital and leaves town.

Scarlett Snow

Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. At the time based in Los Angeles, Nolan moved to Sydney for this six-month contract role. She described Scarlett as somewhat enigmatic with a tragic backstory, making her narrative distinctive and engaging.

Within the storyline, Scarlett becomes involved with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who is evading the police. Initially detaining him, she later assists Brody in addressing his drug addiction by reaching out to his family and providing support. Scarlett disapproves of Justin Morgan (James Stewart)'s methods concerning Brody’s recovery. After Brody relapses and steals $10,000, Scarlett loses her accommodation but receives help from Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), who offers her both a caravan and employment at his bait shop.

Scarlett faces pressure from her estranged husband Caleb, who hires a private investigator to locate her. Financially strained, she pays off Bruno Addlen (Johnny Nasser), hired by Caleb to conceal her whereabouts. She forms a bond with Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) and reveals that the death of her son Max contributed to her marital breakdown.

Her relationship with Justin develops amid various personal struggles, including a near-drowning episode and emotional flashbacks related to Max’s passing. Despite initial hesitation due to Justin's lingering feelings for his former fiancée Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo), they begin dating. Scarlett supports Brody legally during his court proceedings while navigating tensions with Kat.

The arrival of Caleb further complicates Scarlett’s life; he shows signs of seeking therapy and brings reminders of Max. A trip to a bush cabin ends in violence when an explosion injures Scarlett, heightening the emotional turmoil between Caleb and Justin. Ultimately, Scarlett decides to leave the Bay with Caleb, recognizing that continuing her relationship with Justin is untenable.

Ziggy Astoni

Ziggy Astoni, brought to life by Sophie Dillman, made her first appearance on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni, representing the first traditional family unit introduced to the series in 17 years. Ziggy is portrayed as a rebellious and spirited teenager, and her character was developed as a potential romantic partner for Brody Morgan.

Ben Astoni

Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, also debuted on 20 June 2017. To facilitate filming at Palm Beach, Nichol relocated from Melbourne to Manly. Ben arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters, Coco and Ziggy. The introduction of the Astoni family marked the return of a nuclear family to the soap after nearly two decades. Nichol describes Ben as a devoted, affectionate, and approachable "good guy."

Maggie Astoni

Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, appeared for the first time on 21 June 2017. Morassi's casting was announced earlier in 2017, with character information released on 4 June. She commented on the faster pace of television production compared to film. Maggie relocates to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family is notable as the first nuclear family introduced since the Sutherlands arrived in 2000.

Coco Astoni

Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, first appeared on 21 June 2017. She is the youngest member of the Ben and Maggie Astoni family, which was the first full nuclear family added in 17 years. Coco was identified as a possible love interest for VJ Patterson.

In late 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming schedule to focus on completing Year 12 studies, balancing education alongside acting.

Coco’s narrative involves suspension due to cyberbullying, moving to Summer Bay following parental decisions, and facing school-related difficulties such as bullying and an eating disorder. She forms friendships with Raffy Morrison and develops a romantic connection with VJ Patterson. Her struggle with bulimia results in hospitalization and support from loved ones. Later, she dates Ryder Jackson but experiences relationship challenges including jealousy and breakups.

She stands by Maggie during her cancer battle and serves as maid of honour at Ziggy’s wedding. Eventually, Coco opts to attend boarding school in Cairns despite initial opposition from Maggie.

Several months later, Coco returns for Raffy’s birthday celebrations, becoming involved in family disputes linked to Ziggy’s relationship before returning to boarding school.

Robbo

Robbo (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Jake Ryan, made his debut on 25 July 2017. Prior to joining the cast, Ryan lost 13 kg following a taekwondo injury that ended his athletic career. The producers introduced Robbo to fill the "heart-throb gap" left after Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke) departed. Ryan had previously auditioned for Brax’s role and noted similarities in their "bad boy" personas while highlighting key differences. Robbo also became romantically linked with Kat. The character was written out in early 2020; Ryan explained his exit was motivated by having completed his arc and wanting to leave while at a career peak.

Initially found hiding in a cove by Alf Stewart, Scarlett Snow, and Justin Morgan, John Doe suffers from amnesia and is caught attempting to hot-wire a boat. After a confrontation with Alf, he is hospitalized and given the nickname "Robbo." Despite police database checks yielding no matches for his identity, Alf permits him to stay at the Caravan Park.

Robbo intends to leave Summer Bay but remains after rescuing Raffy Morrison. With assistance from Kat and Scarlett, he investigates his past via tattoos and photographs, discovering a burned photo featuring himself with a woman whose body is later recovered. Choosing to cease searching further, he helps Coco Astoni during her hospital stay.

On a bush trip, Dennis Novak sets fire to Robbo’s cabin; Novak reveals they were criminal partners. Novak abducts Kat but Robbo kills him while rescuing her; this leads police to suspect Robbo of murder. After fleeing custody and crashing with Kat—who later dies along with their unborn child—Robbo grieves deeply. He collapses due to infection and is concealed by Tori Morgan and Willow Harris while evading Ash’s pursuit.

Robbo regains fragments of his true identity as Ryan Shaw and recalls that his family has died. Preparing to surrender, he is chased by Ash; both are eventually arrested but Robbo is granted bail.

Close to trial conclusion, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) take Robbo into custody where he recovers memories revealing he is an undercover AFP agent named Ryan Shaw working under the alias Beckett Reid investigating his family’s murder. His identity was erased for operational security. He was assigned to Summer Bay to protect Kat but suffered memory loss.

Returning alongside AFP officer Lance Salisbury, Robbo receives official documents and badge, contemplating rejoining the force. He discloses his true identity to Ash who initially rejects but ultimately accepts this truth.

Choosing not to resume AFP duties, Robbo purchases the local gym. He forms a close bond with Jasmine Delaney; they begin dating after she acknowledges her feelings for him. Tori requests Robbo father her child through IVF; she becomes pregnant but suffers a miscarriage. Robbo proposes marriage to Jasmine, who agrees.

Subsequent revelations about Tori’s second pregnancy using another embryo—and Jasmine’s awareness—cause Robbo to call off their engagement and briefly leave Summer Bay. He returns for Tori’s ultrasound appointment; Jasmine struggles with his presence due to past abandonment issues but they eventually reconcile and marry.

During their wedding reception, AFP agents escort Robbo, Jasmine, and Tori to a safe house. Robbo undergoes hypnotherapy aimed at recovering memories related to Dylan Carter; although initially hostile toward Alex Neilson, successful sessions reveal critical information.

Following surgery related to injuries sustained in a car accident, Robbo experiences hemorrhaging and dies despite medical intervention. He later appears in a dream sequence to Jasmine.

Jennifer Dutton

Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga’s casting was announced in June 2017 during the show's production at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Introduced as a high school student, Jennifer initially bullies Coco Astoni (Anna Cocquerel) before becoming romantically involved with Hunter King (Scott Lee). Santariga’s performance swiftly influenced the series’ narrative.

Jennifer’s plotline revolves around her antagonistic behavior toward Coco Astoni, involving taunting and deliberate disruption, which culminates in a physical fight that results in her suspension. She manipulates Coco by exploiting her eating disorder to coerce her into setting up a date with VJ Patterson (Matt Little), creating friction with Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble), one of Coco’s close friends. Additionally, Jennifer persuades Raffy to overindulge in alcohol at a fashion event, escalating tensions further.

During the Glow Day event at Summer Bay, Jennifer injures her wrist while navigating an obstacle course and flirts with Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), sharing a brief kiss before Mason rejects her due to his own emotional struggles. Subsequently, Jennifer offers support to Hunter King following his breakup with Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) and starts dating him, much to Olivia's displeasure.

Challenges arise in Jennifer’s relationship with Hunter when her father, Nick Dutton, discovers her at a university party and intervenes. After disagreements at home, Jennifer moves in with Hunter but is later asked to leave by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) after being caught in an intimate moment. The breakup leaves Jennifer temporarily without a place to stay before she returns to live with her father and eventually exits Summer Bay.

Beth Ellis

Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after completing her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Initially unsure about her audition, she was called back and informed of her success a week later.

Apps characterized Beth as "cheeky," "multi-dimensional," and "quirky," emphasizing her intention to bring positivity to those around her. Beth was introduced as a potential romantic partner for Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), with Apps explaining that Beth identifies with Mason and desires to support him.

Beth’s initial appearance takes place at the hospital where she overhears Mason expressing frustration about his paralysis. Wearing nursing attire, she aims to cheer him up by encouraging him to use his wheelchair and spending time together. It is revealed that Beth herself is a patient battling cardiomyopathy and awaiting a heart transplant. Preferring not to be pitied, she initially conceals her illness from Mason, but they rebuild their friendship once he learns the truth.

Beth inspires Mason to forgive his brother Brody Morgan for causing the accident that left him paralyzed. Upon finding Beth’s bucket list, Mason arranges activities such as tattoo sessions and dates, including a casino visit. During one outing, Beth faints due to breathing problems; Mason immediately takes her to Tori Morgan for urgent medical attention. He later introduces Beth as his girlfriend to his siblings.

When Mason meets Beth’s parents—Alan Ellis (Blair McDonough) and Jackie Ellis (Rachael Coopes)—he realizes their relationship has been kept private. Alan later demands that Mason stay away from Beth, leading to a confrontation between father and daughter. Beth collapses again and requires a stent; her health deteriorates further, advancing her position on the transplant list.

After showing signs of recovery, Mason takes Beth for lunch on the beach and presents her with a promise ring. Tragically, Beth experiences a fatal arrhythmia shortly afterward and passes away in hospital. At her funeral, Mason envisions Beth encouraging him to continue moving forward with his life.

Ryder Jackson

Ryder Jackson, brought to life by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast in this role soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his inaugural acting engagement. Ryder is the offspring of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His early narrative arc includes breaking into the Surf Club and attempting theft from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, which ultimately reveals his familial link to Alf Stewart. His hesitation to provide Quinn’s contact information prompts concern from his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), who suspects he might have fled.

Willow Harris

Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, debuted on 14 November 2017. Prior to securing this part, Roberts auditioned for roles such as Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She described Willow as a "strong female figure" marked by independence, loyalty, and fierceness, injecting "mischief and a touch of trouble" into Summer Bay. The character is portrayed as a "bad girl" driven by the desire to protect those she cares about, frequently making contentious choices. Willow quickly develops into a romantic interest for Justin Morgan (James Stewart).

Jasmine Delaney

Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, was introduced on 18 December 2017. Frost’s casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 while she was participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. After undergoing a second audition, she earned the role, marking her debut in acting. Frost shared her enthusiasm, having been a longtime fan of Home and Away.

Her appointment faced some backlash from fellow actors who perceived it as a publicity maneuver. Jasmine’s initial storyline centers around a car accident that results in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost characterized Jasmine as "guarded" with an "anxious energy," concealing secrets and a "troubled past."

Additional Characters

Date(s) Character Actor Role Summary
31 January–23 November Luc Patterson
  • Eva Lockyer, Piper Dickson,
  • Annabel May Sealey,
  • Tayari Gee, Archie Freeland,
  • Sterling McKenna Foster,
  • Anastasia Lee Hayes,
  • Sierra Sila, Lucas Bowman
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived following Mick’s assault on Billie. Billie allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is Luc’s father until their wedding day. After escaping a bushfire, Billie gives birth; Luc is named in honor of Billie’s deceased brother. Mick abducts Luc but later returns her. Following Billie’s terminal cancer diagnosis and subsequent passing, VJ struggles with caring for Luc, who then stays with Irene Roberts. Custody disputes arise between Ash and Mick, complicated further by Patrick’s PTSD and Luc’s serious illness requiring surgery. Eventually, Mick acknowledges he cannot fulfill parental duties; VJ relocates overseas with Luc.
1 February– Constable Corelli Nick Cain Constable Corelli supports Kat Chapman during an arson investigation and later discovers CCTV footage linking Dylan Carter to a hostage event.
2 February Lactation Consultant Gail Knight Provides assistance to Billie Ashford with breastfeeding her newborn daughter.
23 February–1 May Ambulance Officer Rob Baird Offers emergency medical transport for key figures including John Palmer and Zac MacGuire following health emergencies.
27 February–8 May Patrick Stanwood Luke McKenzie Patrick, believed dead brother of Billie and Ash, returns suffering from PTSD. He experiences difficulties within family relationships, worsened when Ash temporarily gains custody of Luc. After incidents including a hit-and-run accident, Patrick reveals his military trauma and commits to healing.
7 March–15 August Lena Ascot Felicity McKay A university student involved in drug dealing at Salt restaurant, affecting Brody Morgan’s storyline through themes of addiction and recovery.
7 March Byron Benjamin Winckle Encourages social engagement with Olivia Fraser Richards; causes tension with Hunter King.
9 March Local Woman Meagan Caratti Criticizes John Palmer regarding fire incidents; Marilyn Chambers defends him.
9 March Local Man James Caitlin
13 March–18 April Jess Kearney Jess Bush Interacts academically and socially with Olivia Fraser Richards; indirectly influences Hunter King’s storyline.
21 March Cal Whitman Craig Scott A resident displaced due to bushfire; engages with John Palmer during recovery efforts.
22 March, 6 December Terry Diamond Rob Flanagan A restaurant critic impacting Brody Morgan’s culinary career; offers professional validation.
29 March–3 April Donna Fields Melissa Bonne A musician who challenges Phoebe Nicholson’s career decisions; proposes an opportunity for a US tour.
29 March–29 August Lachlan Piers Warwick Allsopp A lawyer involved in John Palmer’s defense case; also influences Ben Astoni’s planning application through heritage status complications.


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