Colby Thorne

Colby Thorne
Occupation	Senior Constable (fictional)
Years active	2018–2021 (in-show)
Known for	Character on Home and Away

Colby Thorne is a character created for the Australian soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actor Tim Franklin. Franklin discovered he had landed the role on his 27th birthday. Although he had a guest appearance on the show in 2015, this marks his first ongoing television role. Production began in August 2017, with Colby's first episode broadcast on 6 February 2018. The character was introduced to fill the vacancy left by Kat Chapman (Pia Miller), who was killed off in the previous season’s finale, and was featured prominently in promotional trailers showcasing the 2018 story arcs.

Portrayed as a reserved and dependable Senior Constable, Colby carries a complicated history. Upon his arrival, he conceals a personal secret that unfolds during his early storylines. His debut involves breaking up a confrontation involving the River Boys surf gang, revealing his past connections as a former member and close friend of their leader Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor). A significant plotline centers on his romantic involvement with nurse Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost), which leads to the revelation that Colby is on a quest to find his younger sister, who was abducted by his abusive stepfather.

Following an incident where Colby shoots Boyd Easton (Steve Le Marquand) while on duty, he becomes the target of Boyd’s sister Ebony Harding (Cariba Heine) in a vendetta that results in Colby being poisoned and left for dead. Subsequent storylines introduce Colby’s ex-fiancée Chelsea Campbell (Ashleigh Brewer) and his sister Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller). After reconciling and briefly separating, Colby and Chelsea wed in the finale of the 2018 season. Later, Colby is convicted of murdering his stepfather and sent to prison. His final appearance aired on 11 February 2021. Franklin’s work as Colby earned him a nomination for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards.

Casting

On 5 February 2018, The Daily Telegraph announced that Tim Franklin had been cast as Senior Constable Colby Thorne in Home and Away. His casting had been hinted at through trailers promoting the show's 2018 narratives and press images taken at Palm Beach filming locations. Franklin found out about securing the part on his birthday when his agent called to sing "Happy Birthday" but replaced his name with "Colby," sparking an enthusiastic response. Despite having appeared briefly in 2015, this role marked his first permanent television engagement. He described returning to the series as "a lot of fun," noting that he had often imagined being a police officer during childhood and now gets to portray one professionally. Filming commenced in August 2017, with his debut episode airing on 6 February 2018.

Characterisation

Colby was brought into the series as a replacement for police officer Kat Chapman (portrayed by Pia Miller), who died at the end of the previous season. Franklin initially found taking on the role somewhat intimidating but mentioned that wearing Colby's uniform helped him embody the character’s authoritative presence. He also commented on how putting on the uniform and heavy duty belt requires time and effort. Franklin enjoys delving into Colby's personality beyond his official duties, describing him as highly skilled—with sharp observational abilities, adeptness at handcuffing, and expert marksmanship—which are all traits he will utilize within Summer Bay. Beneath this professional exterior, Colby is secretly investigating a personal matter that he has been burdened with since joining the police force.

Franklin explained that Colby's stoicism stems from a difficult childhood marked by trauma. While they do not share many traits, Franklin relates to Colby's determination to overcome his past mistakes, his strong loyalty, and his desire for meaningful relationships despite being hindered by prior experiences. Colby believes that assisting residents of Summer Bay might be a way to find self-forgiveness for what has happened before. By October 2018, Franklin expressed growing confidence in portraying Colby as he gained deeper insight into the character’s motivations.

Introduction

Colby makes his first appearance shortly after the River Boys surf gang returns to the Bay. He steps in when gang members Taz (Jerome Meyer) and Bluey (Alex Jewson) launch an attack on Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger) at the surf club. After issuing a warning, Taz strikes Colby just as the police arrive to break up the altercation. Both Taz and Bluey are taken into custody, and Colby reveals his role as the Bay’s new senior constable. It soon becomes clear that Colby was once part of the River Boys, as shown by his "Blood and Sand" tattoo. Franklin anticipated that audiences would be split over Colby’s loyalties, appreciating the tension between his conflicting worlds, which adds complexity to his character. Although dedicated to law enforcement, Colby’s past with the River Boys continues to influence him.

Colby’s connections to the Bay are immediate through friendships with River Boys member Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) and Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts). Early plotlines delve into their relationships, uncovering Colby’s remorse about a previous incident involving Dean. Colby asks Dean to hit him as a way to resolve a grudge, but Dean declines, explaining he “lost everything” in a car accident they were both involved in. Later, Dean experiences seizures caused by homebrewed beer. At the hospital, Willow confronts Colby regarding the crash; he admits that he persuaded Dean to help steal a car but left him to take the blame alone. Willow condemns Colby for allowing Dean to be jailed. As Dean recuperates, he is enraged that Willow knows the truth.

Relationship with Jasmine Delaney

Tamara Cullen from TV Week predicted that Colby would become romantically involved with nurse Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost), and producers soon developed this storyline. Their first encounter occurs when Jasmine reports her stalker to Colby, who assures her protection. After being stood up by Mason, Jasmine spends time with Colby at Salt, a local restaurant, where they connect as newcomers to the Bay and share “an unexpected kiss.” Franklin and Frost confirmed that their characters were intended to have a romantic arc from the beginning, with Franklin performing his debut on-screen kiss.

As their bond strengthens, Colby and Jasmine become intimate; however, Colby insists their relationship cannot advance further because of a secret he is concealing. He confides that he is searching for his kidnapped younger sister Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller) and mother, who were taken by his abusive stepfather. Joining the police force was part of his plan to aid in this search, fully aware that he might have to leave town or end relationships if new leads emerge.

While Jasmine supports Colby’s mission, her feelings grow stronger. Frost commented on their ongoing attraction, while Franklin explained that Colby fears putting Jasmine in danger due to his risky life. He added that without the burden of finding Bella, Colby could commit more deeply to their relationship—something Jasmine understands. They settle on maintaining a casual relationship. Jasmine also listens as Colby opens up about feelings of failure stemming from family troubles and a broken friendship with Dean. The relationship concludes when Colby discovers Jasmine shared information about his past involvement with the River Boys with a friend shortly before it became public knowledge through the press.

Shooting and vendetta storyline

Colby's life is put at risk after he shoots a kidnapper, triggering a revenge campaign from the offender's family. The plot kicks off with the abduction of Ava Gilbert, daughter of Justin Morgan. Following an unsuccessful ransom handover, Colby is resolute in rescuing Ava, aware that criminals Boyd Easton and his mother Hazel are holding her captive. Colby devises a plan involving a strike team to recover Ava. Willow, who is Justin's girlfriend, delivers the ransom money to Boyd, resulting in Ava’s release. When Boyd panics and seizes Willow, Dean steps in to protect her.

Franklin characterized Colby’s instantaneous choice to shoot Boyd as profoundly distressing and laden with guilt, yet one he stands by. The emotionally charged scene posed challenges for Franklin, who inadvertently made shooting noises during filming. Subsequently, Dean confronts Colby about saving his life, causing Colby to worry about potential police scrutiny regarding his River Boys associations.

The producers introduced Ebony Harding (Cariba Heine), Boyd’s sister, who arrives in Summer Bay intent on avenging her brother’s death. Ebony keeps a close watch on Colby before executing her plan. She sabotages his vehicle and requests his assistance; however, Colby is called away, allowing others to intervene. Ebony later invites Colby out on a date; he declines due to his relationship with Jasmine but soon forms a friendship with her, confiding about his personal struggles and search for his sister. Franklin observed that Ebony is the only individual Colby feels genuinely connected to—though this trust was established through deception.

Ebony’s objective is to undermine Colby’s relationship with Jasmine by openly flirting during their date, provoking Jasmine’s jealousy and sparking disputes between them. Ebony eavesdrops on their arguments, furthering her manipulative agenda.

Next, Ebony targets Colby’s law enforcement career by exposing his River Boys background to the local press, resulting in his suspension without pay for associating with known criminals. She sends pictures of Colby shaking hands with Dean to the police station and insinuates plans to frame his flatmate Robbo as part of her vendetta.

The storyline reaches its peak when Ebony poisons Colby with suxamethonium chloride after striking him with a frying pan and leaving him for dead. Willow and Dean discover him and rush him to the hospital. Ebony also frames Robbo by poisoning her own mother. Due to an allergic reaction, Colby falls into a coma but eventually awakens with malignant hyperthermia—a hereditary condition that could affect his sister—motivating him to continue searching for her.

Ebony reappears pretending to be Colby's sister Bella through an online profile he created. Despite warnings from Jasmine and Robbo, Colby agrees to meet her. Robbo records their video call as proof and equips Colby with an earpiece. Ebony traps Colby inside a bedroom and attempts to ignite the house but is stopped just in time by Robbo.

Romantic involvement with Chelsea Campbell

In September 2018, producers introduced police officer Chelsea Campbell (Ashleigh Brewer) as a new romantic interest for Colby. Brewer described Chelsea as determinedly focused on Colby, sharing a history that includes a previous engagement. Their superior, Sergeant Phillip McCarthy (Nicholas Cassim), uncovers their past relationship and insists they collaborate professionally or face repercussions.

Chelsea endeavors to reconcile with Colby despite his initial reluctance. They share a kiss and agree to give their relationship another chance. A wedding plotline soon follows when Colby proposes sincerely after revealing truths about Dean and a car accident. They plan a swift wedding.

Following Colby's reunion with his sister Bella, the writers scripted their breakup. Chelsea ends their engagement upon discovering that Colby lied about locating Bella and had actually kidnapped her; she also distrusts Dean’s involvement in recent incidents. Chelsea informs their superior about Bella’s presence in town, leading to tension and her decision to leave Summer Bay. Encouraged by Dean and Bella, Colby fights for Chelsea and proclaims his love.

The couple wed in the 2018 season finale before relocating to the city so Chelsea can pursue detective training. Brewer described their small ceremony as fitting for their low-key style. Franklin noted that Colby finally attained the stable family life he long sought. However, Colby remains unaware that his stepfather, Ross Nixon (Justin Rosniak), is scheming revenge. Ross kidnaps Chelsea, Bella, and Willow after masquerading as a limousine driver, creating intense moments that profoundly affect Colby's life.

Departure

Franklin's concluding appearances as Colby were broadcast on 11 February 2021. Following his conviction for Ross's murder, Colby was placed in solitary confinement. Franklin expressed surprise that his character was not killed off and revealed he had attempted to persuade the writers to allow him to "exit with a bang." Nonetheless, he valued the resolution of Colby's storyline, recognizing that his character needed to "face consequences eventually." The ambiguous nature of his departure leaves room for a possible comeback; Franklin discussed with the production team the idea of Colby returning as "a notorious escapee," embracing the darker facets of the role. He conveyed a sense of sorrow at leaving, emphasizing the close relationships he had developed with his fellow cast members.

Reception

At the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards, Franklin earned a nomination for Best Soap Newcomer but finished last, securing just 0.9% of the votes. Before his first appearance, The Daily Telegraph described Colby as the show's "latest heart-throb cop." A writer from TVNZ commended his introduction and charisma, noting his timely intervention to protect Mason from a fight. Tamara Cullen of TV Week characterized him as "tall, attractive, and self-assured," anticipating he would draw significant attention. Sarah, an Inside Soap columnist, found Colby captivating, especially in relation to the new River Boys storyline.

John Burfitt from Soap World identified Colby as one of six Australian soap characters worth watching, portraying him as a man torn between his past and present lives. Burfitt referred to him as a dedicated crime fighter facing opposition from Dean and the River Boys. Claire Crick of Soaplife highlighted Colby's complicated history as an ex-River Boy despite his current role upholding the law in Summer Bay. TV Soap contributor Seth Adamson pointed out that Colby and Dean represent "the next generation of River Boys," promising intense drama ahead.

Concerning Colby's relationship with Jasmine, a columnist from TV Week described them as a "visually appealing couple" who captured audience interest. After Chelsea's introduction, Johnathon Hughes of Radio Times observed ongoing attraction between Colby and Chelsea despite their emotional complications, questioning the blend of romance and work. Tamara Cullen from TV Week remarked that Chelsea's transfer to Summer Bay police introduced both personal and professional difficulties for Colby.

External links

• Colby Thorne at 7plus
• Colby Thorne at TVNZ