Darren McGrath

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 long-running Australian soap opera. Below is an overview of characters introduced in 2005, under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's eighteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. Initial character introductions included Emily Perry as Eve Jacobsen, Isaac Gorman portraying Ryan Baker, Sharni Vinson as Cassie Turner, and Doug Scroope as Graham Walters. In June, Holly Brisley began her role as Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother. August saw Todd Lasance join the cast as Aden Jefferies, alongside the arrival of the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November featured James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson taking on the role of Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen (also known as Zoe McCallister), played by Emily Perry, first appeared on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting represented a major step forward in her career following earlier work as an extra. Eve is introduced as a psychiatric nurse who becomes central to a gripping storyline involving her patient Sarah Lewis, whose own actions result in several fatalities.

After Sarah's demise, Eve kills nurse Zoe McCallister and adopts her identity, unleashing a reign of terror across Summer Bay. Her criminal acts include arson, sabotaging a seaplane that causes deaths, framing innocent individuals, and targeting prominent locals such as Sally Fletcher. As Eve’s violent behavior intensifies, she escalates to kidnapping, issuing bomb threats, and engaging in direct confrontations with Detective Peter Baker.

Though believed dead following an explosion, Eve reemerges under the pseudonym "Maxine Trood," continuing to menace the community through fabricated bomb scares and physical assaults. Her storyline concludes dramatically when she takes hostages at Jack Holden and Martha MacKenzie's wedding, ending in a fatal gas explosion.

The "Summer Bay Stalker" arc featuring Eve garnered widespread acclaim and multiple nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 and 2007 Inside Soap Awards. Media outlets highlighted the narrative's strong impact on audiences and its importance within the series’ history.

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, brought to life by Isaac Gorman, made his debut on 16 March 2005 and remained until 2007, with guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Prior to this role, Gorman had appeared in the series as Riley Edwards in 2002.

Ryan arrives shortly before his father Dan's wedding to Leah Patterson, initially concealing his disapproval of Leah by acting out—spilling drinks and damaging her wedding dress. His behavior worsens after his mother Amanda Vale is excluded from the invitation list; he burns the wedding invitations, leading to Leah’s son VJ suffering a minor burn from the ashes. Following this incident, Ryan runs away but is located by his uncle Peter, who explains that Dan will not reunite with Amanda. Ryan then reconciles with Dan and Leah before returning to Amanda in America.

Subsequently, Dan relocates Ryan to live with Leah due to concerns over Amanda’s influence; however, after an argument, Amanda takes Ryan back to Los Angeles. They later return to Summer Bay together with Belle Taylor—Amanda’s daughter and Ryan’s half-sister. Ryan supports Amanda’s engagement to Peter but eventually moves back with Dan and Leah when their relationship encounters difficulties. When Dan accepts employment in America, Ryan initially resists relocating but ultimately joins Amanda and Peter overseas. Following Dan’s accidental death, Amanda and Ryan come back for his memorial service; Leah reassures Ryan about his place within the family unit. They also attend Belle’s wedding and funeral before returning to their city life.

For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman received 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 departed the series on 2 April 2008. Prior to this role, Vinson had guest appearances in 2001 and 2003 portraying different characters. After auditioning for the role of Martha MacKenzie in 2004, she was instead offered the character of Cassie Turner. Reports surfaced in July 2007 that Vinson planned to leave the show to explore career opportunities in Los Angeles. By November, it was confirmed she had exited for personal reasons, although Cassie's storyline continued into early 2008.

Cassie was depicted as "strong-willed and fiercely independent," with an ability to learn from her errors and influence those around her. Vinson’s performance earned her a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards. A columnist from the Sunday Mirror referred to Cassie as a "sexy soap siren" and commented that Vinson’s exit was a disappointment to the show’s male viewers.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, portrayed by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and remained until his character's death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter’s eighteenth birthday, revealing a strained relationship with his daughter Beth, stemming from his emotionally distant nature due to Vietnam War trauma. He sells his farm intending to rebuild family connections. Graham becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, who had previously dated his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite opposition from family members, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda takes advantage of Graham by avoiding intimacy and frequently leaving her son Ryan in his care. Graham discovers Amanda is having an affair with Josh West and, with assistance from Morag Bellingham, exposes Josh’s illegal Project 56 activities. During a confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack; although Amanda calls for medical help, she abandons him afterward. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over continuing life support; ultimately, Robbie makes the decision to turn off the machine, ending Graham’s life.

Amanda inherits Graham’s estate and holds a wake that is largely ignored as most attend the Hunter family gathering instead. Later, she returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. Robbie admits to turning off the life support during his trial; despite being found guilty, he avoids imprisonment.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, portrayed by Marcus Jacometti, first appeared on 9 May 2005 and departed on 17 June 2005.

This role marked Jacometti’s acting debut after completing Year 12, with a contract for twenty episodes. He traveled from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney for filming. Jacometti described the experience as thrilling yet intimidating, noting difficulties adjusting to sudden public attention. He commended his fellow cast members for their support. Regarding Diesel’s character, he explained Diesel "falls for unsuitable people, stirs up trouble, then leaves," sharing some personal traits.

Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High School and is introduced to Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) by principal Barry Hyde (Ivar Kants). His distinctive style leads to bullying by Jason Pappa (Joshua Biagi) and his friends, who suspect Diesel is gay due to a rose tattoo. To counter rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans), though he confides in Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson) that he has no romantic interest in Matilda. Jason continues harassing and physically attacking him.

After conflicts with his foster parents, Diesel becomes homeless until Sally invites him to stay with her and husband Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy), though Flynn is hesitant. Tensions develop between Diesel and Flynn; Diesel eventually moves out when hostel accommodation is arranged.

Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally and kisses her during tutoring sessions; this incident is witnessed by Dan Baker (Tim Campbell). Following Sally’s rejection, Diesel accuses her of sexual harassment, resulting in her suspension. Attempts by Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) and Cassie to mediate fail; Diesel demands Sally admit love for him in exchange for dropping the complaint.

He steals Sally’s locket and fabricates emails implicating her. Investigator Carl Summons (John O'Hare) questions Diesel; when Sally’s locket reveals a photo of Diesel inside, she is stood down from her position. Barry threatens Diesel with consequences if he does not confess. Diesel later takes Sally’s baby Pippa hostage, demanding an admission of love. Flynn intervenes and arrests him.

Diesel admits to Ken Harper (Mark McCann) that he fabricated the allegations against Sally. During a visit, he apologizes and acknowledges his unhealthy obsession before being taken into psychiatric care.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, brought to life by Holly Brisley, made her debut on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with short-lived returns in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as the quintessential "attention seeker," someone who skillfully manipulates those around her to achieve her goals. During her 2009 comeback, the storyline incorporated Brisley’s real pregnancy. This portrayal earned her a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, portrayed by Todd Lasance, first appeared on 4 August 2005 as a recurring figure connected to Cassie Turner’s narratives. Although Lasance initially auditioned for a different role, he was later cast as Aden, a part that expanded into a regular role by 2007. Despite announcing intentions to work abroad in 2009, his exit was confirmed with his final scenes shot in January 2010. Lasance described Aden as "an absolute bad-arse," deliberately avoiding turning him into a stereotypical "good guy." His performance garnered a nomination for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won 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, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and departed on 28 November 2008. O’Brien received several award nominations for this character, including winning the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O’Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon were nominated for "Best Storyline" due to Jack and Martha’s wedding plot. In 2008, he earned nominations for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" alongside Gordon. Additionally, at the first-ever Digital Spy Soap Awards, O’Brien received a nod for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, played by Jon Sivewright, entered the series on 5 August 2005 and exited on 11 August 2010. By his final year, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male actor on the show. Tony’s story arcs largely focused on themes of grief and dedication to family, portraying him as a devoted "family man" who places great importance on his loved ones. After co-star Amy Mathews left, producers opted to write Tony out of the series. His character is known for his kindness, understanding nature, and optimistic attitude, combining physical fitness with an active social life. A significant storyline involved Tony reversing a vasectomy in order to father children with Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, portrayed by Rhys Wakefield, made his first appearance on 5 August 2005 and departed on 14 February 2008. For this role, Wakefield received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards. Critics described Lucas as a "stroppy lad," delivering moments that left a lasting impression on audiences. In October 2007, both Home and Away and the Seven Network were formally reprimanded by the ACMA due to broadcasting "raunchy scenes" during G-rated episodes—specifically episode 4358—which depicted Lucas and Belle deciding to have sex. The regulator deemed this content unsuitable for the classification level, raising concerns about how teenage sexuality was presented.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast following his graduation from the NIDA in 2004 and appreciated the opportunity to gain practical experience on set.

Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." This group manipulates Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into joining, with Mumma Rose intending for Jonah to impregnate her. Initially, Jonah complies by abducting Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) to prevent interference. After a sequence of events involving sedation and wrongful accusations, Jonah rebels and attempts to flee with Tasha but is ultimately apprehended. The police intervene, leading to the arrest of both Mumma Rose and Jonah.

Following his parole the next year, Jonah returns under the name Michael Abraham. It is revealed that Mumma Rose adopted him at age five, renaming him after her deceased son and subjecting him to ongoing brainwashing. His infertility clears him of any rape allegations. Although initially shunned by the community, he sells land formerly owned by the cult and finds employment as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). Michael's relationship with Martha encounters difficulties, particularly jealousy over her ex-husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)). Although Martha plans to leave town with Michael, he ultimately departs alone after realizing he cannot compete with Jack.

Mumma Rose

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

As the leader of The Believers cult, Mumma Rose enlists her son, Jonah Abraham (James Mitchell), to recruit Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into their fold. Despite doubts from Tasha’s friends and boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Mumma Rose manipulates circumstances to retain control, including pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha’s mobile phone to delay any rescue attempts.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) warns Robbie about Mumma Rose’s scheme for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah’s child, Mumma Rose has Rebecca kidnapped and denies involvement when questioned by authorities. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to join the cult in an effort to save Tasha but is discovered near Rebecca’s captivity and fails to gather sufficient evidence against The Believers.

Mumma Rose orchestrates a plan involving drugging both Jonah and Tasha to facilitate impregnation. After their escape attempt is thwarted, she arranges a purification ritual involving fire. However, Tasha turns the group against Mumma Rose, resulting in her arrest—though she manages to escape using a hidden vehicle.

Months later, Mumma Rose reemerges, kidnapping Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) and holding both Tasha and Martha hostage while attempting to force Tasha into labor. When Rachel tries to sedate Mumma Rose but accidentally injects Tasha instead, Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips) alerts law enforcement, leading to Mumma Rose’s capture.

With assistance from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose escapes once more, abducting Tasha’s newborn daughter, Ella Hunter. Charity’s change of heart prompts police intervention during a hostage situation. After a struggle, Mumma Rose is apprehended and committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

A journalist from the Daily Record characterized Mumma Rose as "sinister".

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg serves as a physician at Northern Districts hospital, attending to principal characters such as Leah Patterson and Sally Fletcher during significant health crises.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus, the estranged father of Kane Phillips, is entangled in criminal debts and indirectly causes Kane’s arrest following a robbery-related event.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Arriving after the bushfire, Marc blackmails Josie Russell regarding her history and is ultimately killed after being falsely accused of violent offenses.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	As hospital administrator, Anna temporarily revokes Flynn Saunders’ surgical privileges but reinstates them after his successful procedures.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Associate of Gus Phillips involved in criminal activities, he intimidates Kane Phillips and provides testimony that implicates Kane in a robbery.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	A senior constable stationed at Yabbie Creek Police, Lara participates in numerous investigations and mentors incoming officers over several years.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Pilot of a charter flight that crashes, resulting in his death; the incident affects several main characters.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	A journalist who enlists Colleen Smart’s help to collect information on a local stalker but is ultimately dismissed.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Engaged in a complicated relationship with Scott Hunter while hiding her marriage; eventually departs the town alone.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	A community celebrant officiating many weddings and funerals over more than a decade, playing a vital role in key local events.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Senior Constable assigned to Yabbie Creek Police Station.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Visits Summer Bay to see his wife Lisa, unaware she is involved with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Cassie Turner’s grandmother who arrives to revive a beauty pageant but suffers a fatal stroke during her stay.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Physician at Northern Districts hospital engaged in critical cases; dies in a car accident before disclosing important paternity test results.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Briefly involved romantically with Robbie Hunter to incite jealousy in Tasha Andrews.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Senior Detective leading the investigation into the Summer Bay Stalker; develops a complicated relationship with Peter Baker culminating in engagement and later separation.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Manager of a local storage facility connected to the discovery of bomb-making materials during the Summer Bay Stalker case.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Arrives after Joy Foxton’s stroke; exposed as an abuser reported by Cassie Turner leading to his removal from the community.
25 April	Pauline Bennett	Beth Armstrong	Cassie’s aunt who comes with her children following family tragedies; involved in abuse revelations.
	Carla Bennett	Ashleigh Johnson	One of Pauline’s children, victim of abuse reported by Cassie.
	Liam Bennett	Uncredited	Son of Pauline Bennett.
3 May	Zoe McCallister	Uncredited	Nurse murdered by Eve Jacobsen, who then assumes Zoe’s identity; her body is found by locals.
9 May–7 June	Jason Pappa	Joshua Biagi	Student involved in bullying incidents at Summer Bay High; provides testimony impacting staff reputations.
20–23 May	Jim Wallace	Harold Hopkins	Retired police officer connected to a past cover-up involving Josie Russell; disappears before fully revealing details.
1–13 June	Callan Sherman	Kain O'Keeffe	Initially friend then antagonist to Ric Dalby; involved in drug offenses and assault causing him to flee town.
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 appearance attempting to catch Hayley Lawson’s attention.
10–14 June	Terry Rawlings	Laurence Coy	Suspect in Matilda Hunter’s disappearance; arrested after she escapes from his shed.
16 June–5 July	Noelene Baker	Kris McQuade	Mother of Peter and Dan Baker; involved in wedding disputes highlighting cultural family differences.
24 June–14 July	Troy Peters	Christian Willis	Stalker and former boyfriend of Chloe Richards; initially suspected in her death but cleared after alibi confirmation.
4–5 July	Kevin Baker	Andy Anderson	Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with son and supports family occasions.
22–23 July	Judith Lane	Jane Fullerton Smith	Mediator during custody dispute over Olivia Richards among family members.
22–23 July	Michael Maleto	Antony Grey	Attorney assisting Diana Fraser in custody proceedings concerning Olivia Richards.
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	Kevin Green	Scott Hall-Watson	Medical doctor attending major cases including Flynn Saunders’ illness and injuries from critical incidents.
9–24 August	Tom Anderson	Don Halbert	Former partner of Kerry Hyde visited by her son Kim during his search for Kerry.
10 August	Harry Chambers	Rodney Dobsen	Accuses Jack Holden of responsibility for his daughter’s death, causing community tensions resolved through public meetings.
12–25 August	Leo Simms	Johann Walravan	Burglar involved in multiple offenses including threatening Amanda Vale and hired for poisoning attempts; dies accidentally during confrontation.
15–23 August	Lorraine Robertson	Gael Ballantyne	Barry Hyde’s sister who impersonates Kim Hyde’s mother and is connected to family secrets involving past crimes.
23 August	Brian Robertson	Paul Coolahan	Husband of Lorraine Robertson, unaware of his wife’s ties to the Hyde family.
2 September–1 November	Corey Henderson	Adam Saunders	Probationary constable whose criminal actions include poisoning Irene Roberts and jurors; arrested and imprisoned following investigation led by Jack Holden.
9–13 September	Sean Jefferies	Gabriel Egan	Older brother of Aden Jefferies; assaults Ric Dalby and takes Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration.
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006	Greg Matthews	Josef Ber	Physician at Northern Districts Hospital who diagnoses Flynn Saunders’ terminal condition and attends his funeral.
27 September		Len Green	Gary Baxter	Local mayor framed for scandal by Josh West during mayoral elections.|
29 September		Pat McGrath	Uncredited	Wife of Darren McGrath; appears socially alongside other characters.|
13 October–25 November		Kylie Kopperton	Leah Etkind	Employee at nudist camp introducing a drug use subplot impacting Kim Hyde.|
19 October–8 November		Bert Biddle	Zachary Garred	Hospital intern caught up in paternity deception involving Amanda Vale.|
25 October–25 November		Noah Hunter	Multiple actors	Newborn son of Hayley Lawson amid paternity dispute resolved through blood type testing.|
28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006		Dudley Shepherd	Terry Serio	Bookmaker entangled in Dan Baker’s gambling debts which lead to kidnapping and hostage situations.|
28–29 October		David Knotts	Alan Dukes	Firearms dealer facilitating illegal gun purchase affecting Martha MacKenzie.|
9–22 November		Jimmy Knox	Paul Caesar	Associate of Dudley Shepherd exerting pressure on Dan Baker over gambling debts.|
11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012		Derek Young	Charlie Hopkins	Doctor succeeding Flynn Saunders following his retirement due to terminal illness.|
11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006		Charity Fernbrook	Charlotte Gregg	Member of The Believers cult involved in prominent storylines including kidnappings and confrontations with central characters.|