Constable Corelli
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. He is introduced as a surgeon at Northern Districts Hospital and the former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). Riley conducts surgery on Justin Morgan (James Stewart (Australian actor)), which sparks tension with Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who harbors jealousy over Riley's previous relationship with Tori.
The narrative surrounding Riley focuses on his efforts to revive his romance with Tori despite a prior infidelity. After carrying out medical procedures such as a bronchoscopy on Billie Ashford (Tessa de Josselin), Riley’s professional behavior declines when he manipulates medical records to discredit Nate, resulting in his termination. Following a heated exchange involving Tori and Justin, Riley chooses to resign and departs from the storyline.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, appeared first on 8 May 2017. Nolan, who was residing in Los Angeles at the time, traveled to Sydney for an audition and secured a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as "somewhat enigmatic" with a tragic background, which motivated her to accept the role and relocate to Sydney.
Scarlett’s plotline includes intricate interactions with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), whom she assists in confronting his substance abuse issues. Initially detaining Brody, she later supports his rehabilitation efforts, even providing him accommodation. Scarlett expresses disapproval of Justin Morgan's (James Stewart) approach to managing Brody’s addiction. After Brody relapses and commits theft, Scarlett faces eviction but receives help from Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), who offers her a caravan and employment at his bait shop.
Her estranged spouse dispatches Bruno Addlen (Johnny Nasser) to locate her, demanding $8,000 in exchange for silence. Scarlett obtains the money after Tori expresses gratitude for her assistance in securing legal aid for Brody. She develops a close bond with Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) and opens up about her painful history, including the loss of her son Max Snow (Addison Price). Despite initial friction, Scarlett cultivates a strong relationship with Justin, who supports her through emotional hardships.
Scarlett's connection with Justin deepens amid challenges, including Justin’s unresolved feelings for his former fiancée Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo). They try to pursue a relationship but encounter difficulties. Scarlett provides legal support to Brody during his court proceedings and manages conflicts involving Kat and Robbo.
The introduction of Caleb Snow (Josh McConville), Scarlett’s estranged husband, further complicates the situation. Caleb brings reminders of their deceased son and seeks reconciliation. Following an incident at a bush cabin that injures Scarlett, tensions escalate between her, Justin, and Caleb. Ultimately, Scarlett opts to leave the Bay with Caleb, recognizing the complexities within her relationship with Justin.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, portrayed by Sophie Dillman, first appeared on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The Astoni family marks the first traditional nuclear family introduced in the soap opera in 17 years, since the Sutherlands debuted in 2000. Characterized as a "rebellious teenager" and "wild child," Ziggy was also established as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, made his debut on 20 June 2017. To be nearer to the filming location at Palm Beach, Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly. Ben relocates to Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters, Coco and Ziggy. The introduction of the Astonis signifies the return of a traditional nuclear family to the series after a 17-year gap. Nichol characterized Ben as dependable, affectionate, and someone he would enjoy sharing a drink with.
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, brought to life by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi's casting was announced early in 2017, with further details about her character released on 4 June. She commented on adapting to the rapid pace of television production compared to her previous film work. Maggie moves into Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astonis represent the first nuclear family introduced since the Sutherlands in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, played by Anna Cocquerel, appeared for the first time on 21 June 2017 as the youngest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The Astonis were notable for being the first nuclear family introduced in nearly two decades. Coco was mentioned as a possible romantic interest for VJ Patterson. In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12 studies.
Coco’s narrative includes being suspended due to cyberbullying and battling bulimia. After facing school conflicts and family strain, she acknowledges her eating disorder following a seizure. She forms close friendships with Raffy Morrison and Ryder Jackson while managing complex relationships amid personal struggles. Coco also supports Maggie through her cancer diagnosis and serves as maid of honour at Ziggy’s wedding.
After experiencing several breakups with Ryder and dealing with family challenges, Coco opts to attend boarding school in Cairns despite initial opposition from Maggie. She makes a brief return for Raffy’s birthday, confronting family issues before heading back to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), enacted by Jake Ryan, premiered on 25 July 2017. Prior to his debut, Ryan lost 13 kilograms and was cast to fill the "heart-throb" role left vacant by Stephen Peacocke’s character Darryl Braxton. Robbo was introduced as a handyman, AFP Federal Agent, and gym owner who became a central figure and Kat's romantic partner before his storyline concluded with his death in early 2020. Ryan expressed that he departed feeling his character’s journey had reached its natural end, appreciating the powerful exit.
Initially appearing with amnesia under the name John Doe, Robbo was discovered hiding on a boat and later allowed to stay at Alf Stewart's Caravan Park. Although struggling to remember his past, he demonstrated skills indicative of law enforcement experience. Through various investigations and encounters—including rescuing residents and facing dangerous adversaries—he uncovered that his true identity was Ryan Shaw, an undercover AFP officer whose memory had been erased as part of a secret operation.
Robbo’s backstory revealed he was undercover to protect Kat and investigate those responsible for his family’s murder. His fabricated identity caused complications such as being falsely accused of murder. Following a tense trial and intervention by the AFP, Robbo’s true role came to light. He chose not to return to the AFP, instead purchasing the local gym and developing relationships with Jasmine Delaney and Tori Morgan.
His personal storyline involved intricate dynamics: supporting Tori through IVF struggles and pregnancy loss, proposing marriage to Jasmine but ending their engagement upon learning about Tori’s pregnancy secrets. They later reconciled and married. Robbo’s arc concluded tragically after a car accident led to fatal internal bleeding, marking a pivotal moment in the series.
The character of Robbo intertwined themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption, playing a crucial role in advancing the show’s narrative while captivating Summer Bay’s audience.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Cast in June 2017, Santariga was spotted filming scenes at Palm Beach alongside Matt Little and Anna Cocquerel. Introduced as a high school student who bullies Cocquerel's character, Coco Astoni, Jennifer later develops into a romantic interest for Hunter King (Scott Lee), attracting considerable attention at Summer Bay High.
Initially, Jennifer targets Coco by mocking an embarrassing nickname given by her mother and school principal, Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi), and defacing her locker. After Coco’s friend Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) steps in to defend her, Jennifer insults Coco’s looks, sparking a fight that leads to both girls being suspended. Jennifer manipulates Coco’s eating disorder to force an uneasy partnership aimed at securing a date with VJ Patterson (Little), which strains Coco’s friendship with Raffy.
Jennifer’s storyline features a surfing lesson with VJ and Coco, during which she supports Coco after she faints. At a fashion launch event, Jennifer encourages Raffy to drink excessively, causing tension the following day. During Summer Bay's Glow Day, an obstacle course injury leaves Jennifer with a wrist wound. She flirts with Raffy’s brother Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), training alongside him at the gym before he turns down her advances due to his own personal grief.
After Hunter breaks up with Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno), Jennifer offers him comfort and they start dating, much to Olivia's displeasure. At a university party, Jennifer’s father Nick confronts Hunter about concerns over alcohol consumption and warns him away. Jennifer runs away from home and moves in with Hunter at Summer Bay House but is evicted by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) after being caught kissing him. Following their breakup, Jennifer briefly experiences homelessness before returning to live with Nick and saying goodbye to Hunter.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, debuted on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Initially uncertain about her audition performance, she was later recalled and ultimately cast.
Apps described Beth as "cheeky," "multi-dimensional," and "quirky," emphasizing her character's mission to uplift those around her. Beth was introduced as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan (Pledger), with Apps noting that Beth sees qualities in Mason that mirror herself and seeks to support him.
Beth first appears in the hospital overhearing Mason express frustration about his paralysis. Disguised in nursing attire, she encourages Mason to use his wheelchair more confidently, leading to moments that deepen their bond. Although initially pretending to be a nurse, Beth reveals she is actually a patient awaiting a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy. She explains adopting the nurse persona was her way of avoiding pity, and they agree to rebuild their friendship.
Beth inspires Mason to forgive his brother Brody Morgan for the accident that caused his paralysis. After discovering Beth’s bucket list, Mason organizes tattoo outings and dates, including a casino visit. During one outing, Beth faints and requires urgent medical attention. Mason supports her through treatment and introduces her as his girlfriend to his siblings.
Mason meets Beth’s parents, Alan (Blair McDonough) and Jackie Ellis (Rachael Coopes), who initially disapprove of their relationship because of Beth’s health issues. Despite this opposition, Beth insists on remaining with Mason. After collapsing again and needing a stent insertion, her condition worsens, moving her higher on the transplant waiting list.
When feeling better, Mason takes Beth out for lunch and presents her with a promise ring. Suddenly, Beth suffers fatal arrhythmia and passes away at the hospital. Following her funeral, Mason experiences a vision of Beth encouraging him to move forward with his life.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, portrayed by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his debut in acting. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His early plotlines include breaking into the Surf Club and being caught trying to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, during which he reveals his connection to Alf Stewart. Suspicion arises when Ryder hesitates to provide Quinn’s phone number, leading his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) to suspect he may have run away.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), played by Sarah Roberts, first appeared on 14 November 2017. Prior to securing this role, Roberts auditioned for parts such as Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She traveled from Melbourne to Sydney for a chemistry test alongside James Stewart, who portrays Justin Morgan. Roberts described Willow as a "strong, independent, loyal, and fierce" individual who injects "mischief and a bit of trouble" into Summer Bay. Characterized as a "bad girl," Willow’s actions are driven by a desire to protect those she cares about. She quickly becomes romantically involved with Justin Morgan.
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, enacted by Sam Frost, debuted on 18 December 2017. Her casting was publicized on 17 July 2017 after an audition while she was participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite facing stiff competition, Frost won the role following a second audition, marking her first acting experience. She expressed enthusiasm, having been a longtime fan of Home and Away.
Her casting sparked criticism from some actors who considered it more of a promotional move than a casting choice. Jasmine’s storyline begins with a car accident that results in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost described her character as "guarded" with an underlying "anxious energy," concealing secrets and a troubled past.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived following Mick’s assault on Billie. She allows VJ Patterson to believe he is her father until their wedding day. Luc is born soon after escaping a bushfire. Named in honor of Billie’s late brother Luke Ashford, Mick kidnaps her but eventually returns her safely. Billie passes away from terminal cancer while holding Luc. VJ and Leah entrust Irene Roberts with Luc’s care. Ashford gains temporary custody but faces challenges including Luc’s health problems and Patrick Stanwood’s PTSD. Mick reappears but ultimately VJ takes Luc abroad to Cyprus for upbringing. |
| 1 February– | Constable Corelli | Nick Cain | Assists Kat Chapman during an arson investigation and later uncovers CCTV footage showing Robbo being threatened at gunpoint. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | Provides support to Billie Ashford while nursing her newborn daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | Transports John Palmer and Zac MacGuire to medical facilities following health emergencies. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Billie and Martin Ashford’s presumed deceased brother who faked his death due to depression linked to military service. He suffers from PTSD affecting relationships with Ash and others. After incidents including a car crash involving Ava Gilbert, Patrick agrees to seek treatment and forms a bond with Luc. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay | A university student engaged in drug dealing with brief romantic involvement with Brody Morgan. She influences Brody’s drug dependency and later enters rehabilitation alongside him. |
| 7 March | Byron | Benjamin Winckle | Encourages Olivia Fraser Richards to attend social gatherings; has conflicts with Hunter King. |
| 9 March | Local Woman | Meagan Caratti | Together with Local Man, confronts John Palmer about fires he started; Marilyn defends John. |
| Local Man | James Caitlin | ||
| 13 March–18 April | Jess Kearney | Jess Bush | Meets Olivia Fraser Richards for study sessions; participates in social events impacting Hunter King. |
| 21 March | Cal Whitman | Craig Scott | A resident displaced by bushfire; appreciates John Palmer’s apology and offer of assistance. |
| 22 March, 6 December | Terry Diamond | Rob Flanagan | Food critic who reviews Salt restaurant; later commends chef Brody Morgan’s culinary skills. |
| 29 March–3 April | Donna Fields | Melissa Bonne | Visits Phoebe Nicholson prior to her engagement party; discusses music career opportunities and encourages Phoebe to join a US tour. |
| 29 March–29 August | Lachlan Piers | Warwick Allsopp | Legal representative for John Palmer; advises on legal matters; later involved in heritage status dispute affecting Ben Astoni’s pier application. |
| 29 March–20 April | James Mayvers | Tim Ross | Roo Stewart’s boyfriend visiting Summer Bay; involved in pregnancy and miscarriage storyline with Roo; works as news photographer covering John Palmer's trial. |
| 3 April–30 August | William Zannis | Caleb Alloway | Drug dealer linked to Brody Morgan; involved in methamphetamine distribution, violent incidents, kidnapping Ziggy Astoni, confrontations leading to police intervention and revoked bail. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the official AU Home and Away site
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
- Ben Astoni profile on the official AU Home and Away website
- Coco Astoni profile on the official AU Home and Away website
- Ziggy Astoni profile on the official AU Home and Away website