Diesel Williams

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia
Key people	Julie McGuaran (series producer in 2005)
Products	Television drama series
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a soap opera from Australia. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 2005, under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show’s 18th season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. Emily Perry made her debut as Eve Jacobsen in January. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast portraying Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner, respectively. Doug Scroope took on the role of Graham Walters starting in April. Holly Brisley appeared as Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother, in June. August brought Todd Lasance in the role of Aden Jefferies, alongside the introduction of the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November saw the arrival of James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen (also known as Zoe McCallister), portrayed by Emily Perry, first appeared on-screen on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting was announced in TV Week towards the end of 2004; she had previously appeared on the series as a background performer. She regarded this role as a major step forward in her acting career.

Eve is employed as a nurse at a psychiatric facility and becomes entangled with patient Sarah Lewis (Luisa Hastings-Edge). After Sarah’s boyfriend dies due to a drug overdose connected to her, Eve helps Sarah escape to seek vengeance. Following Sarah’s murder-suicide, Eve sets her sights on Summer Bay, where she murders nurse Zoe McCallister and assumes her identity.

Eve commits arson at Noah Lawson’s property, putting his widow Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) in danger, and sabotages a seaplane, resulting in the death of pilot Benny Barron (Colin Borgonon). She frames Marc Edwards (Christopher Hobbs) for these offenses and targets Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after Sally labels Sarah as mentally unstable. Eve makes two failed attempts on Sally’s life.

After a bomb threat at a murder mystery party is neutralized, Marc is freed but later killed by Eve, who once again pins the blame on him. Eve threatens further attacks during the "Miss Groper" beauty pageant, keeping law enforcement alert. Detective Peter Baker (Nicholas Bishop) suspects Eve may be Sarah returned from the dead. Their confrontation at an abattoir leads to Eve kidnapping Sally; however, Sally is rescued before the building explodes with Eve trapped inside.

Though presumed dead, Eve survives; it was Laura McPhearson’s body found—who vanished at the same time. She relocates to Peter’s apartment complex under the pseudonym "Maxine Trood" (an anagram of "I Am Next Door"), orchestrating bomb threats to unsettle residents. During Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) and Martha MacKenzie’s (Jodi Gordon) engagement party, she sends them a videotape that disturbs Peter.

At an abandoned abattoir, Eve overpowers Peter but escapes upon Jack’s arrival. Holding Jack over a balcony edge, she forces Peter to swap places for Jack's safety. Police arrest her after intervention by Tracey Thompson (Sarah Enright) and others. At the station, Peter believes he has triumphed, but Eve is already plotting retaliation.

Eve returns at Jack and Martha’s wedding, taking Tracey hostage; Peter negotiates once more but Tracey reveals herself as Eve’s collaborator. A gas explosion triggered by sparklers instantly kills both women.

The storyline involving the Summer Bay Stalker featuring Eve received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards. The disruption at Jack and Martha’s wedding earned a nomination in 2007. In 2012, Eve was featured in Digital Spy's Serial Killer Poll.

Michael Idato from the Sydney Morning Herald described Eve’s reign of terror as "the storyline of the moment," generating widespread discussion among diverse viewers. He observed that clues to her identity were hinted by her absence from opening credits—a common trait for guest roles. An Inside Soap journalist called her planned bombing at the murder mystery party "bonkers – but nonetheless brilliant."

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, played by Isaac Gorman, made his first appearance on 16 March 2005 and departed in 2007, with subsequent guest spots in 2008 and 2009. Prior to this, Gorman appeared in the series as Riley Edwards in 2002.

Ryan arrives just before his father Dan is set to marry Leah Patterson, initially hiding his disapproval of Leah. He expresses his frustration through disruptive actions such as spilling drinks and damaging wedding decorations. His behavior escalates when, upon discovering his mother Amanda Vale has been excluded from the event, he burns the wedding invitations, inadvertently causing a minor burn to Leah's son VJ. After running away, Ryan returns to apologize and goes back to Amanda in America, later reappearing as a ring bearer at the wedding.

Dan eventually brings Ryan and Leah together under the same roof, convinced Amanda's influence is detrimental. However, after ongoing disputes, Amanda takes Ryan back to Los Angeles. They come back to Summer Bay several months later, moving into a mansion with Amanda's daughter and Ryan’s half-sister, Belle Taylor. Amidst family conflicts and relocations involving Amanda, Peter, Dan, and Leah, Ryan stays with Dan and Leah until Dan passes away in America, after which Ryan moves in with Amanda and Peter.

Ryan makes appearances for key family occasions including Dan’s memorial service as well as Belle's wedding and funeral. Isaac Gorman received a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards for his portrayal of Ryan.

Cassie Turner

Cassie Turner, portrayed by Sharni Vinson, debuted on 18 March 2005 and exited on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously guest-starred in the show during 2001 and 2003. After auditioning for the role of Martha MacKenzie in 2004, she was instead offered the part of Cassie Turner. In July 2007, reports surfaced that Vinson planned to leave the series to pursue career opportunities in Los Angeles. By November that year, it was confirmed she had quit for personal reasons, although her character remained on-screen into early 2008.

Cassie was depicted as fiercely independent and determined, with an ability to easily make friends and influence those around her. Vinson earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards for this role. Media outlets described Cassie as a "sexy soap siren," and Vinson's departure was seen as a disappointment among the show's male viewers.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, enacted by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and exited following the character’s death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter’s eighteenth birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth. He explains that his emotional distance originates from traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War. Graham decides to sell his farm and attempts to mend family relationships. He becomes romantically involved with the younger Amanda Vale, who had previously been linked to his grandson Scott. Despite family objections, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda takes advantage of Graham by avoiding intimacy and frequently leaving her son Ryan Baker in Graham’s care. Graham discovers Amanda is having an affair with Josh West and works alongside Morag Bellingham to expose Josh’s illegal dealings. During a confrontation related to this investigation, Graham suffers a heart attack; although Amanda calls for medical assistance, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over continuing life support; Robbie makes the decision to switch off the machine, resulting in Graham’s death.

Amanda inherits Graham’s estate and holds a wake that is largely overlooked as most attend events hosted by the Hunter family. She later returns Graham's war medals to Beth. Robbie admits to turning off life support; he is tried and found guilty but avoids incarceration.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, brought to life by Marcus Jacometti, featured on Home and Away between 9 May and 17 June 2005. This role marked Jacometti's acting debut shortly after completing Year 12, committing to a total of 20 episodes. He traveled from Kingston, Tasmania, to Sydney for filming sessions. Jacometti described the opportunity as both thrilling and intimidating, highlighting the difficulties of sudden public attention and adapting to his fellow actors.

The character Diesel is introduced at Summer Bay High by principal Barry Hyde and quickly becomes subjected to bullying due to his distinctive appearance and a rose tattoo, which fuels speculation about his sexual orientation. In response, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter, although he reveals to Cassie Turner that his feelings are not genuine. The harassment intensifies when Jason Pappa physically assaults him.

Following a disclosure that he is homeless after conflicts with his foster parents, Diesel moves in with Sally Fletcher and her husband Flynn Saunders, though friction develops between Diesel and Flynn. Diesel’s conduct worsens; he falsely accuses Sally of sexual harassment after making inappropriate advances toward her. These accusations result in Sally’s suspension and create unrest within the community.

Diesel further complicates matters by stealing Sally’s locket and fabricating emails to back up his claims. An Education Department investigator interviews Diesel, who presents the counterfeit evidence. When confronted, Diesel takes Sally’s baby hostage, demanding she confess love for him. The crisis concludes with Flynn stepping in and Diesel being taken into custody.

Eventually, Diesel admits to inventing the allegations and framing Sally. While receiving psychiatric treatment, he expresses regret and acknowledges his unhealthy obsession. Sally shows empathy regarding his loss but condemns his actions, bringing the storyline to a close with themes of responsibility and mental health care.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, portrayed by Holly Brisley, made her debut on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with brief reappearances in 2008 and 2009. Brisley described Amanda as a transient figure who "moved to the city only to come and go." Her real-life pregnancy was written into the plot during her 2009 return. Amanda is depicted as a consummate attention-seeker who manipulates others to fulfill her ambitions. Brisley received a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards for this portrayal.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, enacted by Todd Lasance, first appeared on 4 August 2005 as a recurring character connected to Cassie Turner’s storylines. After auditioning for another role, Lasance was cast as Aden and subsequently promoted to the main cast. Although he initially planned to pursue opportunities abroad in 2009, his exit was postponed, with his final scenes filmed on 15 January 2010. Lasance described Aden as "a complete bad-arse" and resisted transforming him into a typical hero figure. His performance earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won him "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, along with another nomination in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, brought to life by Paul O'Brien, made his debut on 5 August 2005 and exited the series on 28 November 2008. O'Brien received several award nominations for his portrayal, notably 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, alongside co-star Jodi Gordon, earned a nomination for "Best Storyline" centered on Jack and Martha’s wedding. In 2008, he garnered nominations in categories including "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" with Gordon. Furthermore, he was nominated for "Best On-Screen Partnership" at the inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, portrayed by Jon Sivewright, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and departed on 11 August 2010. By the time of his exit, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male cast member. His departure coincided with that of co-star Amy Mathews, as producers felt it was an appropriate moment to conclude Tony’s storyline. Tony's narrative arcs predominantly explore his sorrow following the loss of his wife, girlfriend, and child, emphasizing his role as a dedicated "family man." The official show website highlights his caring nature, empathy, and optimistic attitude, noting his interests in both fitness and social activities. Key moments include reversing a vasectomy to start a family with Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, enacted by Rhys Wakefield, entered the series on 5 August 2005 and left on 14 February 2008. For this role, Wakefield received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards. Critics characterized Lucas as a defiant youth exhibiting significant teenage turmoil. In October 2007, Home and Away along with the Seven Network faced criticism from the ACMA due to airing explicit scenes during G-rated episodes, including one depicting Lucas and Belle deciding to engage in sexual activity. ACMA determined that the episode was misclassified because of its mature content and portrayal of adolescent sexuality.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his first appearance on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast after graduating from the NIDA in 2004, valuing the professional setting offered by the production.

Originally named Jonah, Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads the cult known as "The Believers." The cult coerces Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into joining, with Mumma Rose intending for Jonah to impregnate her. To prevent interference, Jonah kidnaps Tasha’s friend Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). Though initially believed to have sexually assaulted Tasha, Jonah eventually rebels against the cult's control and attempts to flee with her before law enforcement intervenes, resulting in arrests of both him and Mumma Rose.

After being released on parole under the name Michael, he reveals that he was adopted and subjected to brainwashing by Mumma Rose. His infertility disproves earlier accusations of rape. Despite facing initial hostility from locals Martha and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), Michael secures employment as a farmhand under Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). Following an incident where Michael and Martha become trapped in a mineshaft, their relationship strengthens despite opposition from others in the community. Michael's jealousy over Martha’s former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) escalates tensions, ultimately leading to Michael leaving town alone after accepting his position as second best.

Mumma Rose

Mumma Rose, whose actual name is Florence White, is portrayed by Linden Wilkinson and made her debut on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously appeared on the series in 1996 as Katherine Walker.

As the head of a cult known as The Believers, Mumma Rose enlists her son, Jonah Abraham (played by James Mitchell), to persuade Tasha Andrews to join their ranks. Despite doubts expressed by Tasha's friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Mumma Rose orchestrates manipulative tactics to retain influence, such as pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha's mobile phone to hinder rescue attempts.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) attempts to alert Robbie about Mumma Rose’s intentions for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah’s child, Mumma Rose arranges for Rebecca’s abduction and denies any involvement when questioned by authorities. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to be interested in joining the cult in an effort to save Tasha, but her plan fails after she is spotted near the location where Rebecca is held.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to facilitate impregnation without their awareness. After Jonah assists Tasha in escaping, they are recaptured, and Mumma Rose organizes a purification ritual involving fire. Tasha manages to turn the cult members against Mumma Rose, resulting in her arrest; nevertheless, she manages to flee custody.

Several months later, Mumma Rose returns, kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews), and threatens harm to force Tasha into labor. An attempted sedation fails, leading to Mumma Rose’s arrest following a tip-off from Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips).

With help from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose escapes once more, abducts Tasha’s newborn daughter Ella Hunter, and tries to conduct a cleansing fire ritual. However, Charity’s change of allegiance prompts police intervention. During a hostage crisis, Mumma Rose falls from a window ledge amid a struggle and is subsequently detained. She is then committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

Catholic Priest Toby Sherring criticized the depiction of religion through the storyline involving Mumma Rose's cult as exaggerated and misleading. A Daily Record columnist described Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital treating key characters including Leah Patterson and Sally Fletcher following serious injuries.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Estranged father of Kane Phillips; involved in criminal debts and robbery leading to Kane’s wrongful arrest.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Arrives after bushfires; blackmails Josie Russell over her past; ultimately killed during a murder mystery event.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	Hospital administrator who temporarily suspends Flynn Saunders’ surgical privileges but reinstates him after successful procedures.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Criminal associate of Gus Phillips; pressures Gus for money and provides evidence against Kane in robbery charges.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	Police constable at Yabbie Creek involved in major investigations; mentors successor Charlie Buckton.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Pilot of charter flight that crashes resulting in his death.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Journalist who uses Colleen Smart as an informant regarding the Summer Bay Stalker.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Engages in relationship with Scott Hunter while concealing her marriage; leaves town alone after revealing the truth.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	Local celebrant officiating numerous weddings and funerals over more than a decade in Summer Bay.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Visits Summer Bay to see wife Lisa, unaware of her affair with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Grandmother of Cassie Turner; organizes revival of beauty pageant before suffering fatal stroke.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital involved in critical cases; dies in car accident before disclosing key paternity information.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Brief romantic involvement with Robbie Hunter intended to provoke jealousy in Tasha Andrews.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Senior Detective investigating Summer Bay Stalker; has complex relationship with Peter Baker; eventually relocates to city.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Manager of storage site who assists police investigation into bomb-making materials linked to stalker case.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Arrives after mother’s stroke; revealed as abuser of Cassie Turner and Carla Bennett leading to arrest.
25 April	'Pauline Bennett'	'Beth Armstrong'	'Cassie Turner's aunt; arrives with children Carla and Liam after Joy Foxton's death; Ben's abuse of Carla reported by Cassie.'
	'Carla Bennett'	'Ashleigh Johnson'	'Victim of Ben Foxton's abuse.'
	'Liam Bennett'	'Uncredited'	'Pauline's son.'
3 May	'Zoe McCallister'	'Uncredited'	'Nurse murdered by Eve Jacobsen who assumes Zoe’s identity.'
9 May–7 June	'Jason Pappa'	'Joshua Biagi'	'Student at Summer Bay High involved in bullying Diesel Williams and entangled in conflicts affecting peers.'
20–23 May	'Jim Wallace'	'Harold Hopkins'	'Retired police officer who covered up Josie Russell's self-defense killing; later found dead under suspicious circumstances.'
1–13 June	'Callan Sherman'	'Kain O'Keeffe'	'Ric Dalby’s friend with criminal background; attempts exploitation of Matilda Hunter leading to violent incidents.'
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'	'Unsuccessful suitor of Hayley Lawson.'
10–14 June	'Terry Rawlings'	'Laurence Coy'	'Suspected kidnapper who imprisons Matilda Hunter; arrested after her escape.'
16 June–5 July	'Noelene Baker'	'Kris McQuade'	'Mother of Peter and Dan Baker; involved in wedding preparations marked by cultural tensions.'
24 June–14 July	'Troy Peters'	'Christian Willis'	'Ex-boyfriend stalking Chloe Richards; falsely suspected in her death.'
4–5 July	'Kevin Baker'	'Andy Anderson'	'Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with Peter and supports family events.'
22–23 July	'Judith Lane'	'Jane Fullerton Smith'	'Mediator in custody dispute over Olivia Richards.'
	'Michael Maleto'	'Antony Grey'	'Lawyer assisting Diana Fraser in custody battle for granddaughter Olivia Richards.'
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	'Kevin Green'	'Scott Hall-Watson'	'Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital managing major cases including Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness and explosion victims.'
9–24 August	'Tom Anderson'	'Don Halbert'	'Former lover of Kerry Hyde contacted by her son Kim during search for Kerry.'
10 August	'Harry Chambers'	'Rodney Dobsen'	"Blames Jack Holden for his daughter's death causing community tension."
12–25 August	"Leo Simms"	"Johann Walravan"	"Burglar involved in events escalating to poisoning schemes targeting Irene Roberts."
	"Lorraine Robertson"	"Gael Ballantyne"	"Barry Hyde's sister who deceives Kim Hyde about his mother’s identity and hides family secrets."
23 August	"Brian Robertson"	"Paul Coolahan"	"Husband of Lorraine Robertson unaware of her connection to Kim Hyde's family."
2 September–1 November	"Corey Henderson"	"Adam Saunders"	"Probationary constable involved in multiple investigations; revealed as poisoner targeting jurors including Irene Roberts; imprisoned."
9–13 September	"Sean Jefferies"	"Gabriel Egan"	"Brother of Aden Jefferies; assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration."
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006	"Greg Matthews"	"Josef Ber"	"Medical colleague diagnosing Flynn Saunders’ terminal melanoma and attending his funeral."
27 September	"Len Green"	"Gary Baxter"	"Local mayor framed by Josh West affecting mayoral election outcomes."
29 September	"Pat McGrath"	"Uncredited"	"Wife of Darren McGrath who socializes with Martha MacKenzie and Corey Henderson."
13 October–25 November	"Kylie Kopperton"	"Leah Etkind"	"Employee at nudist camp introducing Kim Hyde to drug use that leads to overdose."
19 October–8 November	"Bert Biddle"	"Zachary Garred"	"Hospital intern manipulated by Amanda Vale during paternity test deception involving Hayley Lawson."
25 October–25 November	"Noah Hunter"	"Multiple actors"	"Newborn son of Hayley Lawson central to paternity dispute resolved through blood type testing."
28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006	"Dudley Shepherd"	"Terry Serio"	"Bookmaker entangled with Dan Baker’s gambling debts resulting in kidnapping and hostage situations."
28–29 October	"David Knotts"	"Alan Dukes"	"Gun dealer facilitating illegal firearm purchase by Martha MacKenzie leading to accidental shooting."
9–22 November	"Jimmy Knox"	"Paul Caesar"	"Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over unpaid gambling debts."
11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012	"Derek Young"	"Charlie Hopkins"	"Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital present during Flynn Saunders’ retirement announcement due to cancer diagnosis."
11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006	"Charity Fernbrook"	"Charlotte Gregg"	"Member of The Believers cult involved in kidnapping and custody disputes concerning Tasha Andrews’ newborn daughter Ella."