Doris McKinnon
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section details characters introduced during 2006, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 19th season ran from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Amy Mathews made her first appearance as Rachel Armstrong in the season opener. In February, Jessica Tovey joined the cast portraying Belle Taylor. April saw Sam North take on the role of Dom Moran. Rodger Corser and Trent Baines were cast as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. July introduced Bobby Morley as Drew Curtis alongside Chris Sadrinna playing Rachel’s brother, Brad Armstrong. October brought new characters Jessica Chapnik as 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, first appeared on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed in 2010 to explore other opportunities, which coincided with the exit of her character's husband, Tony Holden. According to the official series website, Rachel possesses "sharp people instincts," a keen intellect, strong independence, and a resilient nature. Mathews describes her character as lively, enjoyable, principled, and romantically inclined. In recognition of this role, Mathews received the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the Inside Soap Awards. The soap opera website Holy Soap highlights a significant storyline where Rachel is kidnapped by a cult determined to force her into childbirth.
Belle Taylor
Susan "Belle" Taylor, portrayed by Jessica Tovey, made her debut on 3 February 2006. Her major plotlines encompassed uncovering her birth mother’s identity, struggling with drug addiction, her romantic involvement with Aden Jefferies, and coping with a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the series in 2009, with Belle’s final episode airing on 11 August that year. This role marked Tovey’s television debut at age 18.
RTÉ described Belle as a "cheeky, outgoing young woman" molded by a "strict and controlling" upbringing, yearning for parental affection she never received. Her conservative family was taken aback by her rebellious actions.
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. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, she was up for "Sexiest Female," while in 2009 she earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" related to her addiction arc. Belle and Aden’s wedding was nominated in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap awards. Additionally, the character’s funeral episode received an Australian Writer's Guild Award nomination that same year. Virgin Media recognized Belle and Aden as one of "Soaps' sexiest couples," and 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, made his debut on 20 April 2006 and exited the series on 14 February 2008.
Dom is employed at Moran Motors, the garage owned by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey). He engages in reckless antics targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), causing Ric injury on two occasions—first with battery acid and later through a malfunctioning jack. Dom also bullies Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), which leads to conflicts culminating in Ray dismissing Dom due to his hazardous behavior.
Upon returning the following year, Dom supplies illegal car components to Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) and becomes involved in drag racing alongside local criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A race involving Denni tragically results in Lisa Duffy's (Jessica McNamee) death. To evade arrest, Dom steals and sets fire to Drew's vehicle but agrees to assist in clearing Drew's name if Belle agrees to kiss him. Belle reluctantly complies; Dom admits the truth and is subsequently incarcerated for theft.
After his release, Dom kidnaps Belle but is stopped by Drew and Ray. He later reappears, collapses at the diner, and requires emergency surgery. Belle professes love to aid his recovery, though she confesses to Drew that it was insincere. With support from physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom enters rehabilitation but continues pursuing Belle. He takes employment at the diner, taunting Drew over repeating Year 12. To distance Dom from Belle, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange a job interview for Dom at a city restaurant with Irene’s daughter, Finlay (Tina Thomsen). Dom sabotages his own opportunity and leaves 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 between 5 April 2006 and 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was seen with Home and Away cast members in Coogee, stirring rumors about a potential comeback since his character was never killed off.
Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former partner of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). He asks Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), who is separating from her husband Dan, out on a date; she initially refuses but later agrees before ultimately turning him down.
When Hugh returns months later, he develops romantic feelings for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). He supports her through marital struggles and attempts to set her up with Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips). After an awkward dinner date between Hugh and Julie, Rachel invites Hugh to stay with her and Kim. Following a drunken admission from Rachel, Hugh moves out and shares accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).
During a night out, Hugh meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but confesses he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him about his feelings; he admits his affection, which she attributes to their shared past. After a quarrel with Kim, Rachel stays with Hugh, leading to them sharing a kiss.
Hugh receives an assignment in Johannesburg and presents Rachel with an ultimatum: commit to their relationship or he will leave. Rachel hesitates, prompting Hugh’s departure to South Africa. Months later, he emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden—and requests a meeting, which she declines.
Inside Soap readers preferred Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with 57% casting their vote 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.
The primary narrative involving Macca focuses on his turbulent relationship with Cassie Turner (portrayed by Sharni Vinson) and his ongoing pattern of domestic violence toward her. Baines emphasized the societal importance of this storyline, underlining the necessity of seeking assistance in abusive circumstances.
Macca arrives in Summer Bay as the brother of Martha MacKenzie. He quickly forms a friendship with Cassie, helping her with boxing training. Although Martha expresses concerns about Macca’s previous conduct with women, he begins a romantic relationship with Cassie. After accepting a courier position, Macca leaves but assures Cassie they will maintain their relationship long-distance. He returns earlier than expected, renting an apartment above the Beachside Diner, but struggles to cope with work pressures and turns to drug use. Ric Dalby uncovers Macca’s substance abuse and confronts him; Cassie also learns about it and suffers abuse when she challenges him.
The violence intensifies, prompting Cassie to try to leave Macca. Following Sally Fletcher’s intervention, Macca hands himself over to the police and seeks help. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he arrives during an explosion and rescues several injured guests but becomes trapped under debris. Cassie stands by him until he is hospitalized. Later, he discharges himself to assist in searching for missing friends, preventing injury to Ric before leaving again.
After several months, Macca returns, stating he has completed counseling. Despite Cassie reconciling with Ric, she resumes an affair with Macca. When Ric discovers this, he attacks Macca; Sally and Alf Stewart step in to stop the fight. Evicted from the caravan park, Macca stays with Amanda Vale, who attempts to seduce him but is refused. Offered a desk job in the city, Macca plans to relocate with Cassie despite Sally’s objections. The move ends when Cassie returns due to local emergencies; following another violent episode, Macca once again surrenders himself.
Drew Curtis
Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, first appeared on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining the cast, Morley had acted in Angels with Dirty Faces and was cast after being noticed by Home and Away talent scouts. Although older than his character, Morley relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for the role and adapted quickly to the show's rapid production pace. He left at the end of 2007 and later described feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent scenes requiring him to be shirtless.
The official Home and Away website characterized Drew as "brooding" with a "chip on his shoulder the size of Queensland." Morley’s portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics referred to Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heartthrob," highlighting his appeal among younger audiences.
Brad Armstrong
Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, played by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced as a supportive presence for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders' death, Brad's storylines involved personal loss and intricate relationships. After his mother Elaine dies tragically, Brad helps his sister Rachel cope with grief and oversees funeral arrangements.
Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Brad quickly becomes involved in significant community events, including rescuing Sally from a fire. He marries his girlfriend Emily Vincent on the beach; however, Emily soon succumbs to leukaemia, leaving Brad heartbroken. He develops a closer bond with Sally during their mutual mourning. Serving as principal of Summer Bay High from 2006–07, Brad faces challenges such as conflicts with students Rocco and Johnny Cooper and later confronts controversy involving teacher Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece), which results in his temporary suspension.
Despite setbacks—including being stood up by Sally on their wedding day—Brad remains a central character. A dramatic boat trip amid a storm showcases his resilience. Brad and Rachel uncover that their father Robert had an affair resulting in a half-sister named Tamsyn. They struggle to care for her given her behavioural difficulties, which affects Brad's career when he loses an opportunity at Yabbie Creek High.
Eventually, Brad chooses to move to Tasmania with Heather McCabe and Tamsyn, marking his departure from the series.
Sadrinna received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards; both he and Ritchie were also nominated for Best Couple. The episode featuring Sally standing Brad up won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008, while the storm-at-sea episode was nominated for Best Single Episode at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.
Rocco Cooper
Rocco Cooper, played by Ian Meadows, appeared on screen from 11 October 2006 until 6 February 2007. He transferred to Summer Bay High with the approval of Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), despite principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) expressing reservations due to Rocco’s history as a gang member. Through consistent effort, he gradually gained the school community’s confidence. Subsequently, Sally offered him a place to live.
Rocco’s elder sibling, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), exerted pressure on him to stay involved in gang activities, threatening lethal consequences if he attempted to leave. After initially providing Johnny with an alibi for criminal offenses, Rocco ultimately reported him following a fabricated Credit Union heist. Johnny’s incarceration led to threats against Rocco, demanding he kill Sally; coerced, Rocco stabbed her.
Sally survived the attack, which intensified the conflict involving Johnny and foster son Ric Dalby (Mark Furze). Fearing retaliation, Rocco arranged a safe location with Johnny’s assistance but was later discovered severely assaulted by Ric. After spending several days in a coma, Rocco passed away and was interred in an unmarked grave attended solely by Sally, Brad, and Johnny (under police supervision). Ric was initially charged with murder but was released after Johnny’s culpability emerged.
This narrative arc received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.
Sam Holden
Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, made her debut on 17 October 2006. Chapnik secured the role unexpectedly and departed in 2008 to advance her career in the United States. She characterized Sam as a deeply troubled and self-critical individual whose tragic downfall made her difficult to sympathize with. Eleven Magazine highlighted Sam as a major disruptive force in Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis of the Sun-Herald described her as a "murderous psycho."
Johnny Cooper
Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, first appeared on 19 October and exited on 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 for his portrayal.
Rory Tolhurst
Rory Holden (born Deeks, formerly known as Tolhurst) featured from 20 October 2006 until 14 April 2008, initially portrayed by Ed Willis and later by Jack Rickard.
Introduced through his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden, Rory develops a strong father-son connection with Jack. After Sam’s abduction and subsequent return, Rory and Sam leave Summer Bay but return when Sam suffers a broken ankle. Rory is later kidnapped by his father Shane Deeks, who escapes custody; Shane dies during a police pursuit while Rory is rescued unharmed. From then on, Rory considers Jack his father figure.
An academically gifted student, Rory advances directly to Year 7 at Summer Bay High but encounters bullying that leads him to collaborate with Aden Jefferies on tampering with election ballots. Upon discovery, Rory is assigned detention. During a school excursion, he becomes lost along with Annie Campbell but they are eventually found.
Rory is excited when Jack and Sam become engaged but experiences behavioral difficulties amid conflicts between Martha MacKenzie and Jack. Nonetheless, he walks his mother down the aisle at her wedding. The family’s stability deteriorates after Sam is attacked by Johnny Cooper, prompting her to take Rory to stay with her sister Britt Grey. Following Sam’s death weeks later, Rory holds Jack responsible and distances himself from the funeral.
Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his performance as Rory.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 January–28 February | Rebecca Tate | Janneke Arent | Once affiliated with Mumma Rose's cult, The Believers, Rebecca alerts Robbie Hunter to the manipulative tactics used against his wife Tasha. After being abducted and drugged, she pretends to cooperate in order to save Tasha and Jonah, then contacts authorities before vanishing. |
| 15 February–22 March | Brian Helpman | John Noble | Brian Helpman serves as a senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital and subjects Rachel Armstrong to harassment, escalating to blackmail concerning her involvement with patient Kim Hyde. Rachel files a complaint with CEO Geoff Olivetti. |
| 22 February–2 March | Judge Gilroy | Elizabeth Gentle | Oversees Alf Stewart's fraud case, ultimately sentencing him to nine months incarceration following a guilty finding. |
| 2 March–13 April 2012 | James Gibson | Richard Sydenham | Acts as the police prosecutor in local crown court proceedings, including the trials of Alf Stewart, Angelo Rosetta's settlement, Casey Braxton’s arson charges, and Sasha Bezmel’s murder case. |
| 2 March–5 July 2009 | Geoff Olivetti | Barry Quin | As CEO of Northern Districts Hospital, he addresses staff disputes such as Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint against Brian Helpman and handles a malpractice lawsuit initiated by Rex Avent. |
| 21–26 April | Robert Armstrong | John Gregg | Estranged father of Rachel and Brad Armstrong, appointed Regional Director of Emergency at Northern Districts Hospital. He pressures Rachel to testify in a lawsuit stemming from a past accident he caused; she declines and cuts ties. He also fathered a child from an extramarital relationship. |
| 21 April–5 November 2007 | Ray Moran | Damien Garvey | Proprietor of Moran Motors and employer of Ric Dalby. After incidents involving his nephew Dom Moran at work, Ray terminates Dom’s employment and later dismisses Ric as part of a scheme to coerce him into illicit fighting. |
| 25 April–20 June | Elaine Armstrong | Julie Hudspeth | Mother to Rachel and Brad Armstrong who suffers severe amnesia due to a car crash caused by Robert Armstrong. She ultimately dies from injuries sustained in a gas explosion. |
| 5 May–1 June | Doris McKinnon | Julie Herbert | Elderly patient under Rachel Armstrong’s care; passes away from cardiac arrest after her grandson Charlie illegally administers morphine intending to prolong her life. |
| 5 May–6 June | Charlie McKinnon | Matt Levett | Initially antagonistic, Charlie develops connections with Rachel and Kim Hyde but becomes obsessive. Following Doris McKinnon's death by morphine overdose he perpetrates a kidnapping of Rachel before being subdued and institutionalized. |
| 11 May–28 November | Lee Morton | Natasha Lee | Teen mother impregnated by science teacher Steve Braeburn. After delivering son Joe, she entrusts him temporarily to Rachel Armstrong but later returns to regain custody amid relationship difficulties. |
| 23 May–20 June | Tracey Thompson | Sarah Enright | Detective assisting in the Summer Bay stalking investigation; later unveiled as colluding with stalker Eve Jacobsen. Both perish in an explosion during Jack Holden and Martha MacKenzie’s wedding. |
| 5 June–23 March 2007 | Kitty Landsdowne | Geraldine Turner | Amanda Vale’s mother who misleads Belle Taylor regarding her adoption for financial benefit before leaving Summer Bay under pressure. |
| 6 June–11 September | Evan Rice | Matthew Starling | Police constable in Yabbie Creek involved in various investigations including framing Drew Curtis through blackmail; later faces charges of arson and bribery. |
| 15 June | David Taylor | Mark Pegler | Belle Taylor’s adoptive father who extorts Kitty Landsdowne financially and attempts reconciliation with Belle but is rejected. |
| 23 June–17 July | Colin Page | Shane Withington | Helicopter pilot whose crash strands key individuals en route to the burns unit; facilitates mediation during the crisis until rescue arrives. |
| 13–19 July | Steve Braeburn | Sam Lyndon | Science teacher engaged in an affair with student Lee Morton; impregnates her and pressures for abortion. Arrested after a failed kidnapping attempt. |
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| 3 August–27 September | 'Dean Silverman' | 'Gary Brun' | - | 'Vanessa Covacs' | 'Emma Terracini' | -}
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