Dimitri Poulos

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters introduced during 2003, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 16th season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. This year saw the arrival of the Hunter family: Scott (played by Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), and siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), all making their first appearances between January and November. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, while in November, Maggie Kirkpatrick returned portraying Viv "The Guv" Standish.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, brought to life by Kip Gamblin, made his debut on 23 January 2003 and remained until 25 November 2005. For his portrayal, Gamblin received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Linda Barnier from the Newcastle Herald described Scott as a "beefcake," highlighting his entrance on horseback Jacko as reminiscent of a classic "Man from Snowy River" scene.

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, formerly Sutherland), portrayed by Clarissa House, first appeared on 17 April 2003 and exited on 30 January 2007. According to the official series website, Beth is characterized as "open-minded" with a "strong sense of personal morality and integrity," alongside a developing "delicious sense of humour." Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald reviewed an episode centered around Beth and Rhys' wedding, suggesting it primarily appealed to loyal viewers, criticizing its storyline as "unengaging" with "painful" music, acting, and script.

Kit Hunter

Kit Hunter, played by Amy Mizzi, was introduced on 25 April 2003 and was a regular cast member until February 2004, with occasional appearances continuing until 3 July 2007. Although Isabel Lucas initially auditioned for this role, Mizzi was ultimately cast. Mizzi received a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Awards.

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, enacted by Isabel Lucas, debuted on 31 July 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Talent scout Sharron Meissner discovered Lucas, who was originally encouraged to try out for Kit Hunter; however, that part went to Mizzi. Subsequently, Series Producer Julie McGuaran created the character of Tasha specifically for Lucas, who relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to join the cast. Lucas earned the Most Popular New Female Talent award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Brian Courtis of the Sunday Age referred to Tasha as a "Blonde Princess" in anticipation of her wedding plotline. The character's storyline involving the fictional cult known as "the Believers" drew commentary from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who criticized the show's depiction of religion as cult-like, noting its media appeal despite controversial implications.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, portrayed by Maggie Kirkpatrick, appeared between 11 November 2003 and 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick, previously famous for her role as Joan "The Freak" Ferguson in Prisoner: Cell Block H, was introduced through a storyline connected to Dani Sutherland's imprisonment for attempted murder. Filming took place at the historic Maitland Gaol.

Kirkpatrick described Viv as a former magistrate who was unjustly incarcerated after exposing a pedophile ring involving judges, lawyers, and politicians. Viv is depicted as mentally tough and intelligent rather than physically imposing. Kirkpatrick expressed interest in returning to this role.

Initially intimidating Dani, Viv later develops affection for her, affectionately calling her "princess." She assists in vindicating Dani during an escape attempt by pressuring the true offenders. Subsequently, Viv orchestrates an attack on Dani's stalker Felix Walters, which results in an extended prison sentence.

Months afterward, Viv's deteriorating heart condition is revealed through a visiting order sent to Dani. At this time, Viv is working on her autobiography and asks Dani to oversee its publication. After the manuscript is destroyed in a fire, Dani helps reconstruct it and campaigns for Viv's early release with support from Morag Bellingham. Morag identifies Viv as a former lover of her brother, Alf Stewart, with whom Viv had a teenage romance that ended when she vanished following Alf's marriage proposal.

Viv receives day release to spend her final moments with Alf, disclosing that she was pregnant with his child and gave up the baby for adoption to Marion and Marianne Dalby from Yabbie Creek. Alf forgives her before she peacefully passes away in his arms. It later emerges that their son was Owen Dalby, who died from a heart attack during an altercation with his own son Ric.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, a character played by Jason Smith, made his first appearance on 25 November 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Chris Hemsworth originally auditioned for this role but was ultimately cast as Kim Hyde. Smith was excited to join the show, appreciating the chance to be part of a well-established series with a talented ensemble. His portrayal led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2005 Logie Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	Claire oversees the Drop-in centre during Flynn Saunders's (Joel McIlroy) absence, which leads to misunderstandings when Noah Lawson (Beau Brady) misreads her behavior, prompting an inquiry by the Department of Child Services. She leaves after misinterpreting a diabetic episode as drug use.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	As editor of Northern District University's campus newspaper, Anna briefly dates Noah Lawson (Beau Brady), causing tension with Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) before their relationship ends.
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts surgery on Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) following a collapse caused by a brain tumor.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	Enrolled at TAFE alongside Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), Trevor pursues a romantic connection that falters when Irene begins dating Paris Burnett (Rhett Giles).
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Reporter covering coastal news, involved in major storylines such as Angie Russell's dismissal and the Caravan Park's heritage status; conducts an interview with Nick Smith (Chris Egan) following his reality show eviction.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	An education department official who initially passes over Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) for principal, selecting Angie Russell instead before temporarily appointing Sally.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	A former schoolmate tied to Angie Russell's storyline; his false testimony results in Nick Smith receiving community service, followed by his mental breakdown and institutionalization.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Scott Hunter's (Kip Gamblin) wife; their previous marriage arranged to avoid deportation complicates Scott's relationship with Dani Sutherland (Tammin Sursok) before Mira departs on good terms.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	The long-lost daughter of Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood); reconnects with her mother and briefly dates Alf Stewart before moving away while maintaining contact.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating Angie Russell's murder; apprehends Dylan Russell after his confession.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Mother of Angie Russell, offers support to grandson Dylan and responds to revelations about Angie's conduct.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	A drug addict under Noah Lawson's care who dies from an overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Member of the local girls' soccer team coached by Alex Poulos (Danny Raco).
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Leah Patterson's (Ada Nicodemou) eldest brother; involved in family disputes and later appears during Leah's wedding and her son's move to Summer Bay.
23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Son of Sophie Simpson (Rebekah Elmaloglou) and Blake Dean (Les Hill); born during Sally Fletcher's hen night and named after David Croft (Guy Pearce).
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer involved in various investigations including arrests related to traffic violations and drug possession offenses.
4–9 July	Courtney	Emily Sexton	Contestant on the reality show The Dorm; planted by producers to stir drama, resulting in Nick Smith's eviction.
	Damien	Simon Mullard	Another contestant on The Dorm who antagonizes Nick Smith.
11 July 2003 – 10 September 2004	Andrew Hilton	James Camden	Student attending Summer Bay High.
11 July–17 November	Eloise Lennox	Suzanne McEachern	Enrolls at Summer Bay High; befriends Max Sutherland who fulfills her final wishes as she battles leukemia.
11 July–3 October	Mr. Lennox	Christopher Burken	Eloise Lennox's father; provides support during school events.
6 August–15 October	Ross McLuhan	Angelo D'Angelo	Dani Sutherland's communications lecturer with complicated personal connections; involved in controversial interactions leading to rejection by Dani.
5 September 2003 – 30 June 2004	Norman Shadbolt	David Whitford	Owner of a bookshop who develops a relationship with Colleen Smart; their engagement ends due to misunderstandings about his private life.
11 September 2003 – 10 August 2005	Gary Rogers	Leigh Martin	President of Summer Bay High’s P&C committee; advocates for stricter school policies and participates in local disputes before being succeeded by Beth Hunter.
19 September–21 October	Toby Clark	Richard Kessell	School cleaner who briefly dates Jade Sutherland; their relationship dissolves due to family secrets and dishonesty.
24 September 2003 – 22 November 2012	Gloria Clayton	Maria Matteo	Nurse at Northern Districts hospital, frequently seen alongside colleague Julie Cooper; handles emergencies including Kane Phillips after an accident.
24 September	Mrs Lennox	Bernadette Cogin	Mother of Eloise Lennox; participates in family gatherings supporting Eloise.
2–15 October	Baz Fulsome	Stuart Fenton	Dealer supplying steroids at the surf club gym; implicated in framing Jesse McGregor but later confesses clearing him.
8 October 2003 – 3 May 2004	The Dean	Philip Holder	Dean of Northern Districts University; addresses academic misconduct and disciplinary matters involving students Noah Lawson and Dani Sutherland.
9 October	Jack Hunter	Ian Lind	Deceased husband of Beth Hunter and father of five children; appears posthumously in family visions during visits to the farm.
13 October	Matt Owen	David Francis	Drifter involved in motorcycle theft affecting Seb Miller; dies accidentally causing confusion about Seb’s fate.
21 October	Mr. Clark	Andrew Hunter	Toby Clark’s estranged family members appearing during Jade and Kirsty Sutherland’s visit to their home.
	Mrs. Clark	Trudi-Ann Tierney
	Jimmy Clark	Will Blackney
	Toby's Sister	Amy Blackney
22 October 2003–11 June 2004	David Callahan	Felix Williamson Nicholas Cassim	Fiancé of Shelley Sutherland; acts as legal representative for Dani Sutherland but ends relationship due to concerns over medical procedures affecting Shelley’s daughter Kirsty.
29–31 October	Mr. Robertson	Danny Adcock	Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland's attempted murder trial; secures conviction through rigorous cross-examination.