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Dennis Gillen

From Alfawiki
Home and Away
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryTelevision, Soap opera
FoundedJanuary 17, 1988; 38 years ago (1988-01-17)
FounderSeven Network
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
Website7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation focuses on characters introduced during 2006, all under the direction of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's nineteenth season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Notable character debuts include Amy Mathews as Rachel Armstrong in January, Jessica Tovey as Belle Taylor in February, Sam North portraying Dom Moran in April, alongside Rodger Corser and Trent Baines who joined as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. In July, Bobby Morley arrived as Drew Curtis, with Chris Sadrinna cast as Rachel’s brother, Brad Armstrong. October introduced Jessica Chapnik in the role of Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings, Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, played by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities; her character’s husband, Tony Holden, was also written out at that time. Rachel is characterized as highly intuitive, intelligent, fiercely independent, and possessing considerable resilience. Mathews describes Rachel as sociable, enjoyable to be around, principled, and inherently romantic. In recognition of this role, Mathews won the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and received nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel’s most prominent story arcs involved her being held hostage by the Believers cult, who compelled her to give birth under duress.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, portrayed by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on 3 February 2006. Her major storylines included searching for her biological mother, struggling with drug dependency, developing a relationship with Aden Jefferies, and coping with a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the show in 2009, with Belle’s final scenes airing on 11 August 2009. Joining Home and Away at age eighteen, this marked Tovey’s debut television role.

RTÉ described Belle as a "cheeky, extroverted young girl" whose insecurities were rooted in a "disciplined and controlling" upbringing that left her yearning for the parental affection she never received. Her parents were dismayed by her rejection of their traditional values.

Tovey garnered several award nominations for portraying Belle, including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. She was also shortlisted for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" in 2009 due to the drug addiction plotline. The wedding of Belle and Aden was recognized with a nomination in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Additionally, Belle’s funeral episode received a nomination from the Australian Writer's Guild in 2010.

Virgin Media ranked Belle and Aden among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while fans voted them "Home and Away's Hottest Couple" in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, was featured from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors, Dom engages in hazardous pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), causing him injury on two occasions—first with battery acid and later using a defective jack that nearly crushes Ric. He also antagonizes Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), provoking physical altercations. Due to his recklessness, Ray dismisses Dom from the business.

When Dom returns the following year, he supplies Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components for "The Beast" and becomes involved in drag racing alongside the criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A drag race involving Denni leads to the fatal accident of Lucas Holden's former partner, Lisa Duffy (Jessica McNamee). To evade charges related to stolen parts, Dom steals and incinerates Drew’s vehicle. He agrees to assist in exonerating Drew on the condition that Belle kisses him; she reluctantly complies. Dom ultimately admits his actions and is incarcerated.

Following his release, Dom kidnaps Belle. Drew intervenes, rescuing her during a struggle that leaves Dom injured. Although he disappears afterward, Dom later reappears and leaves a ring for Belle. Weeks later, he collapses at the diner, requiring emergency surgery. Belle confesses love to aid his recovery but clarifies her feelings were more supportive than romantic. With the help of physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom renews his pursuit of Belle. He takes a job at the diner and mocks Drew for repeating Year 12.

Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange for Dom to be interviewed at a city restaurant by Irene’s daughter, Finlay (Tina Thomsen), intending to distance him from Belle. However, Dom sabotages this chance and departs for the city, promising to return for Belle.

Clayton Smales of The Townsville Bulletin criticized North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," describing Dom as a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, appeared on screen from 5 April 2006 through 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was seen with Home and Away cast members in Coogee, sparking rumors of a possible comeback since Hugh's character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both an old friend and former lover of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). During Leah Patterson-Baker’s (Ada Nicodemou) separation, he asks her out but leaves after she declines. Returning months later, Hugh develops romantic feelings for Rachel—now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth)—and becomes her trusted confidant amid her marital issues. He also tries to date Nurse Julie Cooper but feels uneasy when Rachel attempts to set them up.

After an incident at a medical conference, Hugh moves out and shares accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). On an evening out, he meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but admits he is emotionally unavailable. When Rachel confronts him about his feelings, they share a kiss following her separation from Kim.

Hugh receives a work assignment in Johannesburg and offers Rachel an ultimatum: commit to their relationship or he will leave. After she hesitates, he departs for South Africa. Several months later, Hugh reaches out to Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden—but she refuses to meet him.

Readers of Inside Soap preferred Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with 57% voting in his favor.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, made his first appearance on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

Macca's narrative primarily explores his volatile involvement with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson) and his recurring pattern of domestic violence. Baines underscored the social significance of this plotline, stressing the necessity of providing support and counseling services to those affected.

Upon his arrival in Summer Bay, Macca is quickly assimilated into the community as the brother of Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). He establishes a rapport with Cassie through their shared interest in boxing training. Although initially uncertain about committing, Macca takes on a courier position, vowing to sustain their relationship despite the distance. After an early return, he rents an apartment above the Beachside diner but finds himself overwhelmed by demanding work hours, which leads to substance abuse. Both Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) and Cassie confront him regarding his drug use; however, Macca’s addiction endures alongside increasing abusive behavior toward Cassie driven by jealousy.

Following intervention from Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Macca turns himself in to the authorities and pursues rehabilitation. He is prohibited from attending Martha’s wedding but later displays bravery by rescuing guests during an explosion, sustaining injuries in the process. After leaving the hospital prematurely, he participates in a search for a missing helicopter and saves Ric from peril before departing once more.

Several months later, Macca returns, claiming he has completed counseling and reignites his affair with Cassie despite her renewed relationship with Ric. When Ric uncovers this betrayal, a confrontation leads to Macca being evicted from the caravan park. Briefly staying with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley), he rejects her romantic advances. Offered a desk position in the city by his employer, Macca plans to move with Cassie; however, she ultimately returns to Summer Bay amid local crises involving Sally’s stabbing and Ric’s arrest. After physically assaulting Cassie again, Macca surrenders to law enforcement once more.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, debuted on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Morley, who had previously appeared in Angels with Dirty Faces, was discovered by casting agents for Home and Away despite being older than the character he portrayed. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to accommodate the role and adapted to the show's rapid filming pace. Morley departed at the end of 2007 and later expressed dissatisfaction with being treated like a "meat puppet" due to frequent scenes without a shirt. The official Home and Away website described Drew as "brooding" with a notable "chip on his shoulder." Morley received a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards for this performance. Critics characterized Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb."

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced as a support figure for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband's death, Brad's character introduced storylines focusing on grief and perseverance. His background includes coping with his mother Elaine's death, navigating family relationships, and serving as Principal of Summer Bay High.

Brad arrives in Summer Bay after Elaine’s passing and provides emotional support to his sister Rachel (Amy Mathews) during her mourning period. He develops a close relationship with Sally, especially after his wife Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond) succumbs to leukemia shortly after their beach wedding. Brad’s tenure as high school principal encounters obstacles such as disputes with students like Rocco Cooper and staff issues involving Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece), culminating in Brad’s suspension from his role.

Tensions mount both personally and professionally when Sally jilts Brad on their wedding day, prompting him to relocate. Later, Brad survives a dangerous storm at sea during an excursion with other key characters. Family secrets emerge when Brad and Rachel learn that their father Robert (John Gregg) has an illegitimate daughter, Tamsyn (Gabrielle Scollay). Brad assumes full responsibility for Tamsyn but faces challenges including losing employment opportunities due to her conduct.

Ultimately, Brad supports Sally through subsequent difficulties before deciding to move to Tasmania, inviting Heather and Tamsyn to accompany him.

Sadrinna’s portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards along with a Best Couple nomination shared with Ritchie. The storyline involving Sally abandoning Brad on their wedding day received an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008. Additionally, the episode featuring Brad lost at sea was nominated for Best Single Episode at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, brought to life by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed on 6 February 2007.

After Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) intervened, overriding principal Brad Armstrong's (Chris Sadrinna) reservations about Rocco’s gang-related background, he transferred to Summer Bay High. Sally, impressed by his commitment, championed his opportunity for redemption and eventually provided him with accommodation.

Rocco's elder sibling Johnny (Callan Mulvey) exerted pressure on him to stay involved in gang affairs, issuing threats. Although Rocco initially supported Johnny’s criminal acts, he ultimately betrayed him by alerting the authorities following a fabricated Credit Union heist. After Johnny’s capture, Rocco was forced under duress to assault Sally; he stabbed her, but she survived the attack. Johnny responded with intimidation, culminating in a violent clash where Rocco suffered severe injuries and later succumbed while in a coma. His funeral saw minimal attendance and was held under police supervision. Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) was mistakenly convicted of Rocco’s murder until Johnny’s culpability was revealed.

The plotline featuring Rocco stabbing Sally received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, first appeared on 17 October 2006. Chapnik landed the role unexpectedly and exited in 2008 to explore career opportunities in the United States. She depicted Sam as a deeply troubled individual plagued by self-hatred and misfortune, whose downfall seemed inevitable. Chapnik remarked that Sam's emotional complexity made it challenging to rationalize her decisions, setting this role apart from her previous ones.

Eleven Magazine emphasized Sam’s disruptive influence on Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald labeled her a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, appeared from 19 October until 25 March 2008. Mulvey received nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) debuted on 20 October 2006 and left on 14 April 2008. The role began with Ed Willis before Jack Rickard assumed it in 2007.

Introduced through his mother Sam’s relationship with Jack Holden, Rory quickly developed a close bond with Jack, who acted as a paternal figure. The family shared a home until Sam’s kidnapping prompted Rory to intervene before they eventually left Summer Bay.

Following Sam’s injury, Rory returned but was later abducted by his father Shane Deeks, an escaped prisoner. A police pursuit ended with Shane’s death; Rory was found unharmed and grew even closer to Jack.

Academically gifted, Rory advanced to Year 7 early but encountered bullying. He teamed up with Aden Jefferies during a school election controversy that resulted in detention. During a school trip, Rory and Annie Campbell became lost but were found safely.

He joyfully celebrated Jack and Sam’s engagement and eagerly shared the news. Rory earned top marks for an essay about Jack but later exhibited rebellious behavior, including stealing Jack’s firearm and nearly causing harm. Despite difficulties, he gave Sam away at her wedding.

The family’s stability was shattered when Sam was assaulted by Johnny Cooper. She took Rory to stay with her sister Britt before dying weeks later. Rory blamed Jack for Sam’s death and refused to attend the funeral.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his portrayal of Rory.

Others

Date(s) Character Actor Context
24 January–28 February Rebecca Tate Janneke Arent Once part of The Believers cult, Rebecca alerts others about hazardous rituals before being abducted. She feigns cooperation to aid in rescuing others and orchestrates their escape, subsequently vanishing.
15 February–22 March Brian Helpman John Noble Senior medical officer at Northern Districts Hospital who sexually harasses Rachel Armstrong, escalating to blackmail. Rachel reports his misconduct to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March Judge Gilroy Elizabeth Gentle Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case and sentences him to nine months in prison.
2 March–13 April 2012 James Gibson Richard Sydenham Prosecuting attorney handling several cases, including those of Alf Stewart and Casey Braxton’s arson charges.
2 March–5 July 2009 Geoff Olivetti Barry Quin CEO of Northern Districts Hospital; addresses employee issues such as harassment allegations against Brian Helpman and malpractice claims involving Rachel Armstrong.
21–26 April Robert Armstrong John Gregg Estranged father to Rachel and Brad Armstrong; assumes role as Regional Director of Emergency Services, influencing hospital staffing decisions. Attempts to use Rachel for legal protection related to a prior accident.
21 April–5 November 2007 Ray Moran Damien Garvey Owner of a garage and employer of Ric Dalby; involved in workplace disputes and staff misconduct schemes.
25 April–20 June Elaine Armstrong Julie Hudspeth Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; suffers severe amnesia following a car crash and later dies due to injuries from a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June Doris McKinnon Julie Herbert Elderly woman under Rachel Armstrong’s care; dies from cardiac arrest after medication complications involving her grandson Charlie.
5 May–6 June Charlie McKinnon Matt Levett Initially antagonistic, Charlie develops bonds with Rachel and Kim Hyde but displays obsessive tendencies. His behavior results in Doris McKinnon’s death and a hostage crisis; subsequently committed to psychiatric care.
11 May–28 November Lee Morton Natasha Lee Teenage girl impregnated by a teacher; gives birth to son Joe and faces custody battles before leaving the area with her child.
23 May–20 June Tracey Thompson Sarah Enright Detective assisting with stalking investigations; revealed as an accomplice to antagonist Eve Jacobsen before both perish in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007 Kitty Landsdowne Geraldine Turner Amanda Vale’s mother; involved in family secrets concerning adoption and financial manipulation, departing after conflicts arise.
6 June–11 September Evan Rice Matthew Starling Police officer implicated in corruption, framing Drew Curtis, later charged with arson and bribery offenses.
15 June David Taylor Mark Pegler Belle Taylor’s adoptive father; attempts extortion from biological grandmother Kitty Landsdowne but is rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July Colin Page Shane Withington Helicopter pilot involved in an accident stranding key characters; acts as mediator during the crisis.
13–19 July Steve Braeburn Sam Lyndon Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; attempts coercion leading to arrest after threats and kidnapping incidents.
3 August–1 May 2008 Betty Allsop May Turner Acquaintance of Colleen Smart; participates in community activities such as aerobics and bowls tournaments.
3 August–5 September Tara O'Neill Cashelle Dunn Surf club gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of assault for attention; later confesses to fabricating the claims.
Date(s) Character Actor Context
3–28 August Mel Harris Sara Zwangobani Counsellor at a youth retreat supporting Matilda Hunter with bulimia treatment and emotional guidance.
3 August–27 September Dean Silverman Gary Brun Troubled adolescent who forms a relationship with Matilda Hunter; faces false arson accusations, reveals his sexual identity, then departs.
3–10 August Vanessa Covacs Emma Terracini Teen participant at retreat struggling with anger issues leading to a suicide attempt; transferred for specialized treatment.
18–23 August Hal Enpace Leigh Scully Encourages Lucas Holden into rebellious behavior including theft and vandalism causing property damage.
Lawrence Uncredited Associate of Hal Enpace involved in delinquent activities.
21 August–15 September Emily Armstrong Libby Richmond Fiancée of Brad Armstrong diagnosed with leukemia; marries Brad before passing away peacefully.
21 August–5 September Gordon O'Neill Andrew Tighe Police superintendent entangled in false assault allegations involving his daughter Tara O'Neill, causing family tension.
21 August–10 October Ella Hunter Zoe Littler, Indya Bottomsley, Paris Steen, Matina Commes, Toby Wormer, Jack Thompson Newborn daughter of Tasha Hunter and Robbie Hunter, central to kidnapping plots linked to cult storylines; family relocates afterward.
28 August–27 September Gareth Westwood Benjamin Ronczka Introduced as Dean Silverman’s sibling but revealed as partner; reconciles relationship before moving away.
4 September Grace Carter Elaine Smith Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill who supports Tara O'Neill's history of falsehoods during legal proceedings.
16 October Dennis Gillen Danny Adcock Criminal adversary seeking vengeance against Peter Baker; presumed dead following violent conflict.
17 October–7 February 2007 Ash Nader Ben Geurens Police officer romantically involved with Martha MacKenzie while concealing marriage and family life; relationship ends after exposure.
30 October–28 November,
19 September–3 October 2008 		Joe Morton Declan Ransley, Justin Martin, Olivia Barclay, Sayer Long, Rafferty Grierson, Cooper Brittian, Henry Lucas, Marley Cooke Son of Lee Morton temporarily cared for by Rachel Armstrong; suffers abuse allegations and bone cancer resulting in death.
31 October–24 October 2008 Dane Smith Cody Kaye Lee Morton’s boyfriend involved in custody disputes over Joe Morton; suspected abusive behavior but child diagnosed with cancer before passing away.
27 November– Reverend Peter Flett Local clergyman officiating numerous weddings and funerals involving key characters across several years.
1 December–7 February 2007 Rianna Nader Lotte St. Claire Ash Nader’s wife arriving with children Declan and Jess; unaware of Ash's affair, later becomes pregnant prompting Ash's return home.
Declan Nader Jack Concoran
Jessica Nader Amy Baran


External links

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