Duncan Stewart (Home and Away)

Duncan Stewart
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	1989–2001, 2004–2005, 2016–2018
Known for	Home and Away

Duncan Stewart is a character from the Australian television soap Home and Away, who first appeared on 14 June 1989. The role was initially undertaken by Allana Ellis, with Lewis Devaney assuming the part from 1990 until 1998, followed by Brendan McKensy who portrayed Duncan from 1998 to 2001. McKensy later reprised the character for special episodes in 2004 and 2005, concluding with his final appearance on 13 July 2005. The character was brought back in 2016, this time played by Benedict Wall. Duncan is the son of Ailsa (played by Judy Nunn) and Alf Stewart (portrayed by Ray Meagher). His 2016 return marked the first occasion in nearly three decades that Duncan shared screen time with both Alf and his half-sister Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). During this storyline, Duncan became involved in a business-related rivalry for the affections of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee), competing against Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor).

Casting

The character of Duncan was originally played by Allana Ellis before Lewis Devaney took over from 1990 through 1998, and subsequently Brendan McKensy assumed the role. McKensy later returned for a special appearance during the show's landmark 4000th episode, which focused on Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) 60th birthday celebration, broadcast on 8 July 2005.

Development

Duncan exited the series in 2001 when he left Summer Bay to reside with his aunt Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) in the city after conflicts with his father Alf. Morag encouraged Duncan's rebellious behavior, prompting Alf to send him away. Duncan confessed that he felt unwelcome in Summer Bay because of his strained relationships. He made brief returns in both 2004 and 2005.

On 19 July 2016, Duncan reappeared with Benedict Wall, a New Zealand actor, cast in the role. Wall had initially auditioned for Justin Morgan but was offered Duncan after submitting an audition tape from New Zealand. He observed parallels between himself and Ray Meagher, who plays Alf, and worked on refining his Australian accent for authenticity; however, it remained subtle since Duncan had been living abroad in the United States.

Following Alf's declining health and his decision to exclude Duncan from his will, Duncan's visit was met with coldness. This return marked the first time in twenty-seven years that Duncan appeared alongside Alf and half-sister Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) on screen. Additionally, Duncan quickly forms a bond with Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) and enters into a rivalry with Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor) for her attention; Wall and Pryor had previously collaborated and humorously acknowledged now competing for the same woman.

Storylines

Duncan is born to parents Alf and Ailsa. After being dressed in the Stewart family's traditional christening gown by his aunt Celia, he suffers an allergic reaction requiring hospitalization. Ailsa experiences postnatal depression but soon establishes a strong connection with him. As he grows up, Duncan befriends Christopher Fletcher and shares surrogate sibling relationships with several teenagers fostered by his parents, including Blake, Karen Dean, Simon Fitzgerald, Sarah Thompson, Curtis Reed, and Aaron Welles.

After sustaining a fall during an outing with local youths, Duncan spends months hospitalized before returning with a noticeably altered demeanor. His behavior at school deteriorates further, culminating in creating a homemade bomb that injures his father Alf, which leads the family to seek counseling from Natalie Nash.

In an incident where Duncan drops a tape while driving, causing a car accident that leaves Ailsa in a coma, he feels responsible but insists that doctors maintain life support upon noticing signs of movement. When homeless teenager Mitch McColl saves Duncan's life, the Stewarts take Mitch into their home, where he develops a sibling-like relationship with Duncan. Duncan also befriends Nick Smith, with both dating sisters Jade and Kirsty Sutherland.

Following Ailsa’s death due to a heart attack, Duncan's conduct worsens, straining his relationship with Alf. After engaging in destructive acts—including setting off a bomb that backfires—his aunt Morag Bellingham returns to offer him refuge in the city; Alf agrees reluctantly.

Three years later, Duncan returns for Robbie Hunter and Hayley Smith's birthday celebration but reveals struggles with drug addiction and involvement in a drag race that injures Jade and Seb Miller. With Morag’s legal assistance, he avoids prosecution. Back in Summer Bay, he causes trouble at school and harasses peers before departing to join half-sister Roo in New York City. He later contacts Alf regarding Roo’s serious car accident.

The following year sees Duncan attend Alf’s 60th birthday party but feeling neglected. After being falsely accused of involvement in a fatal car crash, he reconciles with Alf before returning to the United States. Years later, Duncan marries Caroline Stewart; although Alf attends their wedding, tensions arise leading to estrangement after Alf suffers a stroke and removes Duncan from his will.

After eleven years away, Duncan comes back aiming to mend ties with Alf and Roo. He reveals he has a five-year-old son named Bryce from his marriage to Caroline; she took Bryce to Hawaii following their divorce due to her infidelity. Despite initial conflicts concerning the will, they eventually reconcile. Duncan becomes closer to Tori Morgan and offers to fly her group to a vineyard for her thirtieth birthday celebration. During this flight, carbon monoxide poisoning causes everyone onboard to lose consciousness; although all survive except Tori’s brother Brody Morgan who goes missing following the crash. Duncan participates in rescue efforts alongside others and reunites with Roo and Alf at the hospital before traveling to Hawaii to support Caroline after she sustains injuries.

In 2018, Caroline passes away; both Alf and Roo travel to the United States for her funeral.

Reception

McKensy earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards due to his portrayal of Duncan.