Home and Away| Industry | Television |
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| Founded | January 17, 1988; 38 years ago (1988-01-17) |
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| Headquarters | Australia |
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Area served | Australia |
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| Website | 7plus.com.au/home-and-away |
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Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following compilation outlines characters introduced during 2017, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show’s 30th season commenced broadcasting on 30 January 2017.[1] Notable introductions include Riley Hawkins in January, Scarlett Snow in May, and the Astoni family—parents Ben and Maggie, along with their daughters Coco and Ziggy—who arrived in June. Additional characters such as Robbo, Jennifer Dutton, Beth Ellis, Ryder Jackson, Willow Harris, and Jasmine Delaney were also introduced throughout the year.
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017.[2] He secured the role ahead of his roommate, fellow auditionee Rob Mills.[3] Introduced as a surgeon working at Northern Districts Hospital, Riley is also the former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) and steps in to perform surgery on Justin Morgan (James Stewart (Australian actor)).[4]
Riley’s narrative involves reuniting with Tori after a seven-year separation, dealing with jealousy from colleague Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), and striving to revive their relationship despite prior betrayals. His professional ethics come under scrutiny when he fabricates medical records to accuse Nate of malpractice, resulting in his split from Tori. Ultimately, Riley resigns from the hospital and departs the town. His character added layers of conflict both within hospital dynamics and personal interactions.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, was introduced on 8 May 2017. At the time based in Los Angeles, Nolan traveled to Sydney for auditions and secured a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as somewhat enigmatic with a sorrowful history, which inspired her move to Sydney for the role.
Within the plot, Scarlett crosses paths with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who, while evading law enforcement, commandeers her vehicle. After initially detaining him, Scarlett supports Brody through his struggle with addiction by involving his family and providing encouragement. She expresses disapproval toward Justin Morgan’s (James Stewart) methods in handling Brody’s recovery. Following Brody’s relapse and theft from her residence, Scarlett relocates to a caravan offered by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) and begins employment at his bait shop.
Scarlett encounters pressure from Bruno Addlen (Johnny Nasser), who was hired by her estranged husband Caleb Snow to demand payment in exchange for keeping her whereabouts confidential. With financial assistance arranged through Brody’s family, she settles this debt. Scarlett forms a bond with Justin’s daughter and confides in Justin about her son Max’s death a year prior. Despite initial friction, Scarlett and Justin develop a complex relationship as they navigate grief and past complications.
Her estranged husband Caleb Snow (Josh McConville) returns unexpectedly, bringing emotional turmoil. After an incident at a bush cabin where Scarlett sustains injuries, Justin ends their relationship due to the difficulties involving Caleb. Ultimately, Scarlett opts to leave the Bay alongside Caleb, concluding her storyline within the series.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, brought to life by Sophie Dillman, made her first appearance on 20 June 2017. As the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni, she is part of the first traditional family unit introduced to the series in 17 years. Ziggy is depicted as a rebellious and spirited teenager, introduced with a storyline that includes a potential romantic connection to Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, joined the cast on 20 June 2017. To accommodate filming at Palm Beach, Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly. Ben arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco and Ziggy, reestablishing the presence of a nuclear family on the show for the first time in nearly two decades. Nichol describes his character as dependable, affectionate, and someone he would enjoy spending time with socially.
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, was introduced on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was revealed earlier that year, with character specifics announced on 4 June. She commented on the demanding pace of television production compared to film work. Maggie relocates with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman) to Summer Bay. The Astoni family represents the first traditional family unit added to the soap since the Sutherlands in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, debuted on 21 June 2017 as the youngest member of the Astoni family. Their arrival marked the introduction of a full nuclear family after almost twenty years. Coco was developed as a potential love interest for VJ Patterson. In late 2018, Cocquerel reduced her screen time to focus on completing Year 12 education.
Coco’s narrative includes suspension due to cyberbullying, which prompts her family’s relocation from the city to Summer Bay. She forms a friendship with Raffy Morrison and faces typical adolescent struggles such as bullying, an eating disorder (bulimia), and complicated social relationships. Her health challenges lead to hospital visits and require emotional support from those close to her.
She embarks on a romantic relationship with Ryder Jackson, experiencing common teenage issues like jealousy and breakups. Coco also stands by her mother Maggie during her cancer battle and acts as maid of honour at her sister Ziggy’s wedding. Eventually, she opts to attend boarding school in Cairns, eliciting varied responses from her family.
Coco returns briefly months later for Raffy’s birthday celebration, where she confronts family tensions related to Brody Morgan’s infidelity. After resolving these issues, she discusses new romantic interests before heading back to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), played by Jake Ryan, made his first appearance on 25 July 2017. Prior to his debut, Ryan shed 13 kg and was selected to fill the "heart-throb gap" left by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a handyman, an AFP Federal Agent, and the owner of a gym, becoming romantically involved with Kat. The character met his end in the premiere of the 33rd season on 27 January 2020. Ryan explained that he departed because his "time was up," expressing gratitude for the story arcs and feeling satisfied to exit "at a peak."
Found hiding on a boat in Summer Bay by Alf Stewart and others, John Doe suffers from amnesia, unable to remember his identity. Given the nickname "Robbo" after Robinson Crusoe, he is permitted to stay at the Caravan Park and offered work maintaining the property. Struggling to piece together his history, Kat Chapman and others assist him. Robbo uncovers a link to a woman named Rose and discovers her body, prompting him to cease his search.
Robbo’s history comes to light during a confrontation with Dennis Novak, who reveals they were criminal partners. After killing Novak in self-defense, Robbo becomes the main suspect. Following several incidents—including a car crash involving Kat, her subsequent death, and Robbo’s collapse due to infection—he goes into hiding with help from Tori Morgan and Willow Harris. He recalls his true name as Ryan Shaw and learns that his family has died. After turning himself in to authorities and being released on bail, Robbo faces trial.
At the trial’s conclusion, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) intervene, taking Robbo into custody and disclosing his actual identity as undercover AFP officer Ryan Shaw. His cover involved erasing his real identity to safeguard a mission tracking those responsible for his family’s deaths. Sent to Summer Bay to protect Kat, he lost his memory when events went wrong. Returning accompanied by AFP officer Lance Salisbury, Robbo receives official documents under his real name and contemplates rejoining the AFP but ultimately chooses to purchase the local gym instead.
Robbo develops a close bond with Jasmine Delaney that blossoms into romance despite initial boundaries of friendship. When Tori Morgan asks Robbo to father a child through IVF, complications arise during pregnancy resulting in miscarriage; subsequently, Robbo proposes marriage to Jasmine. Upon discovering Jasmine had knowledge of Tori’s second pregnancy attempt without informing him, Robbo temporarily ends their engagement. They later reconcile and marry.
During their wedding reception, the AFP escorts Robbo, Jasmine, and Tori to a safe house. Robbo undergoes hypnotherapy aimed at recovering memories linked to Dylan Carter; although initially aggressive during the sessions, he eventually recalls crucial information. After suffering a car accident and undergoing surgery, Robbo experiences a hemorrhage and dies despite medical intervention. He later appears in a dream to Jasmine.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, portrayed by Brittany Santariga, first appeared on 27 July 2017. Santariga’s casting was confirmed in June 2017 during filming at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Jennifer was introduced as a high school student who bullies Coco Astoni before becoming romantically involved with Hunter King (Scott Lee), contributing significant storylines at Summer Bay High.
Initially antagonistic toward Coco, Jennifer teases her and instigates conflicts that result in suspensions. She manipulates Coco by exploiting her eating disorder to coerce her into setting up a date with VJ Patterson, which strains Coco’s friendship with Raffy Morrison. Jennifer also encourages Raffy to drink excessively and flirts with Mason Morgan; after she kisses him, Mason rejects her advances due to personal grief.
After Hunter King’s breakup, Jennifer supports him and they begin dating despite disapproval from Olivia Fraser Richards. Following an incident involving alcohol at a university party, Jennifer runs away from home and moves in with Hunter at Summer Bay House but is eventually evicted by Alf Stewart. After their relationship ends, Jennifer experiences homelessness briefly before returning to live with her father Nick Dutton and bidding farewell to Hunter.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, brought to life by Anneliese Apps, made her first appearance on 31 August 2017. Apps was cast soon after completing her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She described Beth as "cheeky and multi-dimensional," with a touch of eccentricity, emphasizing her aim to support and uplift those around her. Introduced as a romantic partner for Mason Morgan (Pledger), Apps explained that Beth recognized aspects of herself in Mason and sought to assist him.
Beth’s initial scenes occur at the hospital, where she overhears Mason voicing his frustration about being paralyzed. Wearing nursing scrubs as a disguise, she encourages Mason to engage with his wheelchair and lifts his mood. Mason later learns that Beth is actually a patient awaiting a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy; she confesses to pretending to be a nurse to avoid eliciting sympathy. Their friendship strengthens as Beth motivates Mason to forgive his brother Brody Morgan (Heywood) for the accident resulting in his paralysis.
Their bond intensifies through shared experiences such as getting matching tattoos and skinny dipping. Beth skips a hospital appointment to accompany Mason on a casino outing but faints during the trip because of her illness. After emergency treatment, Mason proudly introduces Beth as his girlfriend to his family.
When Mason meets Beth’s parents, Alan (McDonough) and Jackie Ellis (Coopes), he discovers they are unaware of the relationship. Alan later warns Mason to keep away from Beth, but she asserts her autonomy in response. As Beth’s condition worsens, requiring a stent and an expedited place on the transplant list, Mason arranges an outing during which she receives a promise ring. Tragically, she suddenly suffers fatal arrhythmia and passes away. After her funeral, Mason envisions Beth encouraging him to move forward with his life.
This narrative arc highlighted themes of emotional strength and connection, playing a significant role in the series’ exploration of serious health challenges and complex relationships.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, portrayed by Lukas Radovich, first appeared on 25 October 2017. Radovich secured the role shortly after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his acting debut. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His initial storyline involves breaking into the Surf Club and attempting theft from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, revealing his familial link to Alf Stewart. His hesitation to provide Quinn’s contact details raises concerns with his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), who fears he may have run away.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), played by Sarah Roberts, made her debut on 14 November 2017. Roberts had auditioned for other parts before landing this role. Willow is portrayed as a strong-willed, independent, and fiercely loyal character who brings an element of trouble and depth to Summer Bay. Characterized as a "bad girl," her questionable choices are driven by devotion to those she cares about. She quickly becomes an important romantic interest for Justin Morgan (James Stewart).
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, brought to life by Sam Frost, made her first appearance on 18 December 2017. Frost's casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 during her participation in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Although she faced skepticism after competing with numerous actresses, she earned the role after a subsequent audition. Frost described landing the part as a dream fulfilled, marking her first foray into acting. Some critics within the industry viewed her casting as a publicity-driven decision.
Jasmine’s narrative commenced with a car accident that resulted in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost depicted Jasmine as "reserved," exhibiting "nervous energy," concealing secrets and burdened by a "troubled history."
Others
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Various minor roles appearing between August and October include Surfer, Claire Burns, Felicity Cox (prospective buyer of Salt), Nick Dutton (patron at Pier Diner), Tyson & Paul (dates for Leah Patterson), Polygraph Examiner, Faz & Bob (associates of William Zannis), Dr Pandza (hospital physician), Rose Wagner & Trish (local residents), Leon (tattoo artist), Colin (Tori Morgan’s date interest), Sergeant Halac (police officer), Photographer (fashion event), Junkie & Mate #1 (contacts at drug den), Liz & Baby Phoenix (playdate companions), Alan & Jackie Ellis (parents of Beth Ellis), Prosecutor (Brody’s trial), Caleb Snow (Scarlett Snow’s estranged husband), Pete (caseworker), Curtis & Macca (bar patrons), Diana Walford (Maggie Astoni’s mother), Axel Boyd (fashion website representative), Judy Lawson (customer at Summer Bay Auto), Boyd Easton (antagonist linked to Willow Harris), Sidney Cheng (lawyer), DI Will Shepherd & DI Liz Vincent (investigators), Truck Driver, Naomi & Tulli & Gabriella (fashion contacts), Ambulance Officer & Russell Harris (Willow Harris’ father with Alzheimer’s disease), Trend Rep & Forensic Officer & Marli Lewis & Mark — all supporting characters contributing to plots involving business operations such as Salt restaurant, legal disputes, drug-related issues, hospital storylines, family dramas, and law enforcement investigations.
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External links
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