Dudley Shepherd

Home and Away

Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
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 in 2005, listed according to their debut dates. All new arrivals were brought in under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show’s eighteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The first character introduced was Eve Jacobsen, portrayed by Emily Perry. In March, Isaac Gorman joined as Ryan Baker, accompanied by Sharni Vinson in the role of Cassie Turner. April saw Doug Scroope take on the character of Graham Walters. Ryan’s mother, Amanda Vale, played by Holly Brisley, entered the storyline in June. August marked the arrival of Todd Lasance as Aden Jefferies, along with the introduction of the Holden family: widower Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November additions included James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen, also known as Zoe McCallister, was brought to life by Emily Perry and made her first appearance on 21 January 2005. News of Perry’s casting emerged in late 2004; she had previously appeared in a minor background role. Perry regarded this part as a pivotal step in her acting career.

Eve works as a nurse at a psychiatric facility and becomes entwined with patient Sarah Lewis (Luisa Hastings-Edge). Following the death of Sarah’s boyfriend from a crystal meth overdose connected to Sarah, Eve aids Sarah in fleeing to exact revenge. Subsequently, Sarah murders Noah Lawson (Beau Brady) before taking her own life. Eve then initiates a vendetta against Summer Bay by killing hospital nurse Zoe McCallister and assuming her identity.

Her criminal acts escalate as she sets fire to Noah’s residence while his widow remains inside, causes a seaplane crash killing pilot Benny Barron (Colin Borgonon), and falsely implicates Marc Edwards (Christopher Hobbs) for these offenses. Eve targets Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), attempting to murder her twice unsuccessfully, while intensifying her intimidation through bomb threats at events such as a murder mystery evening and the "Miss Groper" beauty contest.

Detective Peter Baker (Nic Bishop) grows suspicious that Eve might be Sarah returned from the dead. After several clashes and kidnappings, Eve appears to perish in an explosion but is later unveiled alive under the alias "Maxine Trood," infiltrating Peter’s apartment complex. She sends menacing notes to residents including Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) and Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

The final showdown occurs at an abandoned slaughterhouse where Eve overpowers Peter but is captured after Jack intervenes. During Jack and Martha’s wedding, Eve takes Tracey Thompson hostage; Tracey reveals herself as Eve’s accomplice before both perish in a gas explosion.

This "Summer Bay Stalker" storyline featuring Eve earned a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards; additionally, Eve’s disruption of Jack and Martha’s wedding received another nomination in 2007. She was also listed in Digital Spy’s Serial Killer Poll in 2012.

Michael Idato from the Sydney Morning Herald lauded Eve’s plotline as highly talked-about and influential. An Inside Soap journalist described her bomb threat scheme as "bonkers – but nonetheless brilliant."

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, brought to life by Isaac Gorman, made his debut on 16 March 2005 and exited the show in 2007, with occasional guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Notably, Gorman had appeared earlier in 2002 portraying Riley Edwards.

Ryan arrives shortly before his father Dan's wedding to Leah Patterson, initially hiding his animosity toward Leah. His rebellious conduct includes vandalizing Leah’s wedding dress and burning the invitations after discovering that his mother Amanda Vale was excluded from the guest list. These actions escalate until Leah’s son VJ suffers a minor burn, which leads Ryan to apologize and replace the destroyed invitations before returning to Amanda in America. He later comes back to serve as a ring bearer at the ceremony.

Subsequently, Dan arranges for Ryan to live with him and Leah, citing Amanda’s negative influence. However, after conflicts arise, Amanda retrieves Ryan and takes him back to Los Angeles. Months later, they return to Summer Bay, settling in alongside Amanda's previously unknown daughter and Ryan’s half-sister, Belle Taylor. Following Amanda’s engagement to Peter and ensuing marital difficulties, Ryan moves back in with Dan and Leah. When Dan accepts employment in America, Ryan resists moving due to missing Amanda but ultimately relocates to live with her and Peter. After Dan tragically dies in an abseiling accident, Amanda and Ryan come back for his memorial service. Ryan expresses concerns about fitting into Leah and VJ’s family dynamic but receives reassurance from Leah.

Ryan and Amanda also return for Belle’s wedding to Aden Jefferies as well as her final moments battling cancer; they attend her funeral before departing again for the city.

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, first appeared on 18 March 2005 and exited the series on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously made guest appearances in 2001 and 2003. Although she auditioned for the role of Martha MacKenzie in 2004, she was ultimately cast as Cassie Turner. In July 2007, it was reported that Vinson intended to leave the show to explore career opportunities in Los Angeles. By November of that year, it was confirmed she had departed to relocate with her boyfriend, although no official comment was made as Cassie's storyline continued into 2008.

Cassie was portrayed as "fiercely independent and headstrong," possessing a natural ability to "win friends and influence people." Vinson earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards for this role. The media often described Cassie as a "sexy soap siren," and her departure was noted as a disappointment by many male viewers of the series.

Graham Walters

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

Graham comes to Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter's eighteenth birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth Hunter due to his emotionally distant demeanor. He attributes this detachment to trauma endured during his service in the Vietnam War. After selling his farm, Graham aims to reconnect with his family members. He becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, who had previously dated his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite objections from family, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda’s manipulative tendencies surface as she avoids consummating their marriage and frequently leaves her son Ryan Baker in Graham’s care. Upon discovering Amanda’s affair with Josh West, Graham seeks assistance from Morag Bellingham to expose Josh's illegal dealings. During a confrontation related to this investigation, Graham suffers a heart attack. Although Amanda calls an ambulance, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over continuing life support; Robbie Hunter ultimately ends Graham’s life by turning off the machine.

Amanda inherits Graham's estate and holds a wake that is largely overshadowed by the Hunter family gathering elsewhere. She later returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. Robbie admits responsibility for ending life support, is found guilty during trial proceedings but avoids incarceration.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, brought to life by Marcus Jacometti, featured in Home and Away between 9 May and 17 June 2005. This role marked Jacometti's acting debut, secured after traveling from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney for the audition process. He described the opportunity as both thrilling and intimidating, highlighting the encouragement he received from fellow cast members.

Diesel makes his entrance at Summer Bay High, where principal Barry Hyde (Ivar Kants) introduces him to Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). His distinctive appearance quickly attracts bullying from Jason Pappa (Joshua Biagi) and his peers, who wrongly assume Diesel’s sexuality based on a rose tattoo. To counter the rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans), though he confides in Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson) that he lacks romantic feelings for Matilda. Despite this, Jason’s harassment intensifies.

After a falling out with his foster carers leaves him homeless, Sally offers Diesel a place to stay with her and her husband Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy), though Flynn is initially hesitant. Conflicts emerge between Diesel and Flynn, prompting Diesel to leave once alternative hostel accommodation is secured.

Diesel fabricates a relationship with Sally and kisses her during a tutoring session, an act witnessed by Dan Baker (Tim Campbell). When Sally rejects his advances, Diesel retaliates by burning a sketch she made and accusing her of sexual harassment, resulting in her suspension. Efforts by Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) and Cassie to mediate prove unsuccessful. Diesel demands that Sally declare her love for him in exchange for withdrawing the complaint.

The situation worsens when Diesel steals Sally’s locket and invents incriminating emails. Investigator Carl Summons (John O'Hare) uncovers discrepancies, but Sally remains suspended after a photo of Diesel is discovered inside the locket. Principal Barry threatens Diesel with consequences if he does not confess. In desperation, Diesel takes Sally’s infant daughter Pippa hostage, threatening harm unless Sally admits affection for him. Flynn intervenes during Diesel’s escape attempt, leading to his arrest.

Diesel ultimately admits to fabricating the allegations against Sally and framing her. During a visit, he reveals an obsessive fixation on Sally linked to memories of his mother. He offers an apology before being taken into psychiatric care.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, portrayed by Holly Brisley, made her debut on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with brief returns in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as the quintessential attention-seeker who manipulates those around her to fulfill her desires. Her real-life pregnancy was woven into the storyline during her 2009 comeback. For this role, Brisley earned a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, played by Todd Lasance, first appeared on 4 August 2005 as a recurring character connected to Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson). Originally cast for a guest part after auditioning for another role, Lasance was elevated to the main cast in 2007. Although he announced intentions to pursue an international career in 2009, his exit was confirmed early in 2010 following completion of his final scenes in January. Lasance described Aden as "a complete bad-arse" and was determined not to transform him into a stereotypical "good guy." His performance garnered nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, with an additional nomination in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, brought to life by Paul O'Brien, made his first appearance on 5 August 2005 and departed the series on 28 November 2008. O'Brien's portrayal earned him several award nods, including winning the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. During the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O'Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon received a nomination for "Best Storyline" centered around Jack and Martha’s wedding. In 2008, he garnered additional nominations for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and alongside Gordon, for "Best Couple." Furthermore, at the first-ever Digital Spy Soap Awards, the duo was recognized with a nomination for "Best On-Screen Partnership."

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, portrayed by Jon Sivewright, premiered on 5 August 2005 and exited on 11 August 2010. By the time of his departure, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male actor on the show. Tony’s narratives primarily explored his navigation through profound personal tragedies, embodying a devoted family man who places his loved ones above all else. After the exit of Amy Mathews, who played his on-screen spouse Rachel Armstrong, the production team opted to write Tony out of the storyline. The official series description characterizes Tony as kind-hearted and understanding, maintaining optimism despite hardships. Noteworthy story arcs include his decision to reverse a vasectomy in order to start a family with Rachel.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, enacted by Rhys Wakefield, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and left the show on 14 February 2008. Wakefield was nominated for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this role. Critics depicted Lucas as a "stroppy lad," emphasizing his rebellious teenage nature. In 2007, both Home and Away and the Seven Network faced reprimand from the ACMA after broadcasting scenes involving teenage sexual activity during G-rated episodes, particularly episode 4358 which depicted Lucas and Belle’s decision to engage in sex. The ACMA determined that this content was inappropriately classified because of explicit verbal and visual elements.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast shortly after graduating from the NIDA in 2004, valuing the opportunity for professional growth.

Originally named Jonah, Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." This group manipulates Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into joining, with Mumma Rose orchestrating Jonah to impregnate her. To prevent Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) from warning Tasha, Jonah abducts her. Although initially believed to have raped Tasha, Jonah eventually rebels against the cult, attempting an escape with her before being captured. Police rescue both; Mumma Rose and Jonah are subsequently incarcerated.

After being paroled the following year, Jonah returns under the name Michael, revealing he was adopted by Mumma Rose at age five and subjected to lifelong brainwashing. Evidence of sterility disproves allegations that he raped Tasha. Despite initial distrust from Martha and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), Michael sells off cult property and works as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). Following an incident where Martha vandalizes his van, they become trapped together overnight, which leads to a complex romantic connection.

Their relationship endures difficulties, including Michael’s jealousy over Martha’s lingering feelings for her ex-husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)), who is engaged to Sam Tolhurst (Jessica Chapnik). Michael’s aggressive confrontation with Jack further strains their ties. Although Martha plans to leave town with Michael, he ultimately chooses to depart alone after realizing he would always be second to Jack.

Mumma Rose

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

As the leader of a cult known as The Believers, Mumma Rose convinces her son, Jonah Abraham (played by James Mitchell), to enlist Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into their ranks. Although Tasha's friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith) express doubts, she remains steadfast in her commitment. Mumma Rose pushes Robbie into a river and confiscates Tasha’s phone to hinder rescue efforts; while Robbie is eventually found, he lacks evidence to confirm the assault.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose's intention for Tasha to conceive Jonah’s child, Mumma Rose abducts Rebecca and denies any involvement during police questioning. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) attempts to infiltrate The Believers by pretending interest in joining, aiming to save Tasha, but her plan fails after she is spotted near Rebecca’s location.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to both Jonah and Tasha to facilitate impregnation without their awareness. After Jonah assists Tasha in fleeing, they are recaptured for a purification ritual involving fire. Tasha manages to turn the group against Mumma Rose, who escapes prior to the police apprehending The Believers.

Several months later, Mumma Rose resurfaces, taking Tasha and Martha hostage to compel a labor induction. She also kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) to enforce compliance; however, Rachel inadvertently sedates Tasha. Following a tip from Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), authorities arrest Mumma Rose.

With help from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose escapes custody and abducts Tasha’s newborn daughter Ella Hunter, planning a fiery cleansing ritual. Charity later contacts the police after reconsidering her actions. During the resulting hostage crisis, Mumma Rose locks herself along with Tasha and others in a room. A confrontation leads to Mumma Rose falling from a window ledge; she is rescued and taken into custody. Subsequently, she is committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

A writer from the Daily Record characterized Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg serves as a physician at Northern Districts hospital, attending to principal characters such as Leah Patterson and Sally Fletcher during critical health crises.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus is Kane Phillips' estranged father with a history marked by abuse and financial troubles; his actions contribute to Kane’s wrongful arrest following a robbery, affecting familial relationships and legal matters.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Marc arrives after a bushfire incident, reconnects with Josie Russell, and blackmails her over past secrets; his storyline ends with his murder staged as an attack, intensifying plot developments.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	Anna acts as Administrator at Northern Districts Hospital, managing surgical teams and influencing operational decisions.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Greg is an associate of Gus Phillips involved in pressuring for debt repayment, escalating legal conflicts impacting Kane Phillips.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	Lara holds the position of constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station; she engages in various investigations and partnerships including mentoring Charlie Buckton and delivering Jack Holden's eulogy.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Benny pilots a charter flight that crashes fatally, influencing multiple key characters involved.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Arthur is a journalist using online dating as an investigative tool; his actions impact storylines relating to the Summer Bay Stalker.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Lisa enters into a relationship with Scott Hunter while concealing her marital status, leading to her eventual departure from Summer Bay.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	Claire officiates numerous weddings and funerals in Summer Bay over more than a decade, becoming a familiar presence at community events.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Darren serves as Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station involved in local law enforcement activities.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Alan visits his wife Lisa during business travel unaware of her affair, influencing personal dynamics.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Joy organizes the revival of the "Miss Groper" pageant before suffering a fatal stroke that affects family relations.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Alison works as a doctor at Northern Districts hospital handling critical medical cases including paternity revelations and accidents.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Samantha briefly dates Robbie Hunter aiming to incite jealousy, contributing to character development arcs.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Clare acts as Senior Detective investigating the Summer Bay Stalker; her relationship with Peter Baker complicates the inquiry.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Dale manages a local storage facility crucial in the Summer Bay stalker investigation involving bomb materials.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Ben's arrival uncovers abuse affecting Cassie Turner and Carla Bennett leading to legal proceedings.
25 April	Pauline Bennett	Beth Armstrong	Cassie's aunt who arrives with children Carla and Liam following family tragedy; involved in abuse storyline.		Carla Bennett	Ashleigh Johnson	Member of Pauline's family; victim within abuse narrative.		Liam Bennett	Uncredited	Child of Pauline's family.
	3 May	Zoe McCallister	Uncredited	Nurse murdered by Eve Jacobsen who assumes her identity; discovery of body advances mystery plotline.
	9 May–7 June	Jason Pappa	Joshua Biagi	Student engaged in bullying and school conflicts impacting central characters.
20–23 May	Jim Wallace	Harold Hopkins	Retired police officer knowledgeable about Josie Russell's past; his unexplained death adds intrigue.
1–13 June	Callan Sherman	Kain O'Keeffe	Friend of Ric Dalby whose criminal behavior causes tension among younger characters.
7–16 June	Carl Summons	John O'Hare	School inspector investigating allegations against Sally Fletcher affecting school community.
9–10 June	Mystery Man	Lleyton Hewitt	Brief role attempting interaction with Hayley Lawson.
10–14 June	Terry Rawlings	Laurence Coy	Antagonist responsible for Matilda Hunter's disappearance; arrested following escape attempt.
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	Chloe Richards' ex-boyfriend whose stalking heightens tensions; implicated but later cleared regarding Chloe's death.
4–5 July	Kevin Baker	Andy Anderson	Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with son prior to Dan’s wedding.
22–23 July	Judith Lane	Jane Fullerton Smith	Mediator in custody dispute over Olivia Richards following maternal death.
22–23 July	Michael Maleto	Antony Grey	Attorney representing Diana Fraser in custody battle over granddaughter Olivia Richards.
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	Kevin Green	Scott Hall-Watson	Physician at Northern Districts Hospital attending key patients including Morag Bellingham and Leah Patterson-Baker.
9–24 August	Tom Anderson	Don Halbert	Former partner of Kerry Hyde; visited by Kim Hyde during search for Kerry.
10 August	Harry Chambers	Rodney Dobsen	Confronts Jack Holden over daughter’s death; initiates town meeting on accountability issues.
12–25 August	Leo Simms	Johann Walravan	Burglar connected to poisoning plot against Irene Roberts; dies accidentally after confrontation with Amanda Vale.
15–23 August	Lorraine Robertson	Gael Ballantyne	Barry Hyde’s sister who deceives Kim Hyde about his mother’s identity; involved in family secrets including murder cover-up.
23 August	Brian Robertson	Paul Coolahan	Lorraine Robertson’s husband unaware of his wife’s involvement in Hyde family secrets.
2 September–1 November	Corey Henderson	Adam Saunders	Probationary constable engaged in poisoning Irene Roberts among other crimes leading to arrest and imprisonment.
9–13 September	Sean Jefferies	Gabriel Egan	Older brother of Aden Jefferies who assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration.
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006	Greg Matthews	Josef Ber	Medical colleague of Flynn Saunders delivering terminal diagnosis and attending funeral services.
27 September	Len Green	Gary Baxter	Local mayor framed by Josh West manipulating mayoral election results.
29 September	Pat McGrath	Uncredited	Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially alongside other characters at Noah's bar.
13 October–25 November	Kylie Kopperton	Leah Etkind	Worker at nudist camp influencing Kim Hyde’s drug use leading to overdose incident affecting character development.
19 October–8 November	Bert Biddle	Zachary Garred	Hospital intern unknowingly involved in Amanda Vale’s DNA deception scheme; later confronted over missing paternity test results.
25 October–25 November	Noah Hunter	Multiple actors	Newborn son central to paternity dispute between Scott Hunter and Kim Hyde resulting in family reconciliation and relocation.
28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006	Dudley Shepherd	Terry Serio	Bookmaker involved in Dan Baker’s gambling debts leading to kidnapping of Dan’s son Ryan; escapes prison causing hostage crisis before rearrested.
28–29 October	David Knotts	Alan Dukes	Gun dealer facilitating illegal firearm purchase by Martha MacKenzie contributing to accidental shooting incident and subsequent conflict with authorities.
9–22 November	Jimmy Knox	Paul Caesar	Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over unpaid gambling debts escalating threats before final warning issued.
11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012	Derek Young	Charlie Hopkins	Physician at Northern Districts hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness storyline and subsequent events.
11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006	Charity Fernbrook	Charlotte Gregg	Member of The Believers cult engaged in kidnapping and control tactics surrounding Tasha Andrews; arrested following intervention by locals including Irene Roberts.