Edward Dunglass
| 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 debuted on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced during 1999, all under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes at that time. The series' twelfth season premiered on 11 January 1999. The earliest new addition that year was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez in March. Following him, his father Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, made his first appearance in April. In May, Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi. July saw Cameron Welsh step into the role of Mitch McColl. August introduced both Bianca Zeboat and lifeguard Shauna Bradley, enacted by Kylie Watson. Science educator Harry Reynolds, played by Justin Melvey, arrived in September. Finally, October brought in Anna Hruby and Stephen James King as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son, Edward Dunglass, respectively.
Nick Smith
Nick Smith made his debut on 18 March 1999, initially portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity before becoming a regular character in 2000 with actor Chris Egan taking over the role. His final appearance was on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge depicted Nick during flashback scenes in 2003. For his portrayal, Egan earned a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2001.
Peta Janossi
Peta Janossi, brought to life by Aleetza Wood, first appeared on 27 May 1999 and departed on 14 July 2000. Wood was cast while still attending university, chosen by Series Producer Russell Webb for her youthful and fresh appearance. Her performance led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2000 awards.
Mitch McColl
Mitch McColl, played by Cameron Welsh, entered the series on 15 July 1999. Welsh originally auditioned for a short-term guest spot. In 2000, after being diagnosed with a herniated disc, he took a six-week hiatus during which Mitchell McMahon temporarily assumed the role. Welsh resumed playing Mitch on 3 April 2000. He later returned briefly in 2005 to film a cameo for the show's milestone 4000th episode, celebrating Alf Stewart's birthday. Welsh eventually transitioned to become a producer for Home and Away, citing his acting background as beneficial for his production role. He was also nominated for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2000.
Critics acknowledged Mitch's significant impact from his introduction, with James Joyce of The Newcastle Herald emphasizing the excitement surrounding Mitch and Hayley's initial kiss as a pivotal moment captivating audiences. Furthermore, Mitch's departure was highlighted as a memorable television event by the Daily Record.
Bianca Zeboat
Bianca Zeboat, portrayed by Lara Cox, made her first appearance on 11 August 1999. Cox landed this extended guest role shortly after completing work on Heartbreak High, managing concurrent appearances in both series. She described Bianca as a "manipulative" and "unpleasant" character, contrasting sharply with her previous role as Anita Scheppers. Bianca is both a model and actress striving to secure the lead part in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's novel On the Crest of a Wave. She arrives in Summer Bay with networking intentions and befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin), who develops feelings for her despite her flaws. After being dismissed from the film project by director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner), Bianca ends her relationship with Jesse and exits Summer Bay.
Shauna Bradley
Shauna Bradley, brought to life by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and exited the series in July 2002. Watson secured the part soon after relocating back to Canberra, despite initial hesitation about auditioning. Home and Away was her inaugural acting role, motivating her to undertake acting lessons to enhance her skills. For her performance, she received a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards. Shauna was characterized as "feisty" and "sassy," with a personal narrative filled with complicated relationships, particularly involving Harry and Gavin. In 2012, Channel 5 aired an episode spotlighting Shauna's storyline of discovering her adoption, underscoring its strong viewer appeal.
Harry Reynolds
Harry Reynolds, portrayed by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and departed on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the cast, Melvey had experience in modelling and formal acting training. After auditioning in Sydney, he relocated from Los Angeles to take on the role. His portrayal of Harry earned him the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2000.
Judith Ackroyd
Judith Ackroyd, enacted by Anna Hruby, premiered on 21 October 1999 and left the show on 21 November 2000. Hruby was previously known for playing Paddy Lawson on Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith assumed the position of principal at Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher’s leave. Initially met with doubt regarding her appointment, she gradually earned respect by addressing misunderstandings.
Her storyline included managing her son, Edward Dunglass, who inherited Huntington’s disease from his deceased father. Judith navigated Edward’s rebellious tendencies while supporting his relationship with Peta Janossi. She also developed a nuanced connection with Donald Fisher, aiding him professionally, and later pursued a romantic involvement with Joel Nash. However, this relationship ended when Joel reconciled with his former wife.
After Joel’s departure, Judith accepted a job offer in Switzerland, advising Donald to resume his role as principal and recommending Sally Fletcher as her replacement before leaving.
Edward Dunglass
Edward Dunglass, played by Stephen James King, was introduced on 28 October 1999 and departed on 14 July 2000. King balanced his television role with ongoing high school studies; this was his first TV appearance following theatre experience. He commended the seasoned cast for their support, describing his integration as both welcoming and educational. Edward’s distinctive goth style differentiated him within Summer Bay, challenging the typical blonde surfer image prevalent in the series.
Edward is first seen on the beach where Will Smith mocks his goth appearance; Edward retorts with sarcasm. He earns respect after defending Duncan Stewart from bullies and impresses during go-kart trials. His mother, new principal Judith Ackroyd, is revealed as part of the community. Donald Fisher recognizes Edward’s late father, who succumbed to Huntington’s disease—a condition Edward fears he has inherited.
He quickly forms friendships with Peta Janossi and Mitch McColl, assisting Peta in honoring her late grandmother—a gesture that sparks local suspicion due to Edward’s goth image. His frank discussions about illness create tension with Alf and Ailsa Stewart. As Huntington’s symptoms begin to appear, Edward seeks out adventurous experiences that strain his relationships. Following a breakup and reconciliation with Peta, they start self-defense classes together after facing harassment.
Edward’s condition visibly deteriorates with muscle spasms and paralysis. He and Peta privately "marry" and choose to live together despite objections from her foster father, Joel Nash, though Judith supports their decision. Conflicts arise when they attempt to encourage a romantic relationship between their guardians.
At age eighteen, Edward receives a positive test result for Huntington’s but initially downplays it until a breakdown prompts Judith to share a video message from his late father. Edward removes his gothic makeup, requests access to his trust fund to travel with Peta, and they relocate to Rome under Judith's supervision. Before departing, Edward exhibits signs of fatigue and irritability; Peta reassures him of her commitment. A year later, a visit confirms Edward’s condition is worsening.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January–3 March | Dr. Noble | Mariette Rups-Donnelly | Serves as psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction and later provides guidance to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) regarding his schizophrenia diagnosis. |
| 14–25 January | Mr Gilkey | Ben Ager | A driver exhibiting road rage who confronts Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a collision, demanding compensation and causing distress; his apology is declined. |
| 14 January–21 May | Troy | Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz |
A Year 12 peer and cricket teammate of Tom Nash (Graeme Squires). |
| 18–19 January | Rhonda | Samantha Braniff | Utilized by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli) as bait in the kidnapping of Joel Nash (David Woodley). |
| 21 January–10 February | Brian Matthews | Scott Swalwell | Companion of Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright); involved in graffiti vandalism; dies after a fall. |
| 3–12 February | Geraldine Peterson | Anna Lee | Part of The Wednesday Club women's group; falsely claims credit for fundraising efforts, sparking conflict with Rebecca Nash (Belinda Emmett). |
| 5 February | Mo Matthews | Pat Sands | Brian Matthews’ father; discovers Brian and Sam in the act of tagging. |
| 8–18 February | Kaia Stokes | Blazey Best | Offers support to Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but departs when he begins conversing with hallucinations. |
| 19 February–6 October | Bob Playford | Tony Morgan | Real estate agent employed by Diana Fraser to develop a caravan park; locals purchase the property to halt development plans. |
| 4–23 March | Brooke Taylor | Bridie Carter | Sister to Mara Taylor; attracted to Travis Nash due to his resemblance to her late fiancé; discloses family secrets before departing. |
| 4–5 March | Mara Taylor | Ann Burbrook | Brooke’s sister; encounters the Nash brothers and pursues Joel, unaware he is married. |
| 10–17 March | Denise Hennessy | Lauren Clair | Former prison cellmate of Kylie Burton under an alias; involved with Jesse McGregor before fleeing as police investigate her escape. |
| 11 March | Eleanor Mace | Deborah Piper | Candidates interviewed by Donald Fisher for Byron Fisher's nanny position. |
| Patsy Little | Jillian O'Dowd | ||
| Skye | Karren Lewis |
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External links
- Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the official UK Home and Away platform
- Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database