Edward Jones (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced in 2008, all under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 21st season began broadcasting on 28 January 2008. Notable new characters include principal Martin Bartlett (portrayed by Bob Baines) arriving in February; Trent Dalzell as Axel Hay, David Downer as Ross Buckton, and Celeste Dodwell as Melody Jones debuting in March; Tessa James as Nicole Franklin introduced in April; Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis joining as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips in May; Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds cast as Charlie and Ruby Buckton in June; Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano appearing as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen in July; with David Jones-Roberts taking on the role of Xavier Austin in November.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, enacted by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008, assuming the role of principal at Summer Bay High. Initially stepping in as deputy to replace Donald Fisher, Martin was elevated to principal after an incident where former principal Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) was assaulted. His storyline focused on navigating conflicts between staff and students, including reluctantly employing Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as the school secretary before ultimately replacing her with Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes).

A major plotline involved Martin’s romantic interest in Kirsty, who declined his advances while involved with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart). Following their deteriorating relationship, Martin dismissed Kirsty, which led her to work as an escort at the Sands resort—unbeknownst to her that Martin was one of her clients—creating tension when Miles uncovered this. Additionally, Martin assumed responsibility for injuries sustained by Kirsty’s son Oliver while under another’s supervision, reflecting similarities to Martin’s own childhood experiences.

During a senior formal event organized by Martin, a car accident resulted in various injuries, including fractured ribs for him. Subsequently, he arranged a commemorative trek at school honoring Dan Baker (Tim Campbell (actor)), which escalated into a hostage crisis after Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) planted a bomb on the bus. The situation was defused by student Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). After these incidents, Martin appointed Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as the new principal before leaving Summer Bay for a cruise.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, played by Trent Dalzell, was first seen on screen on 19 March 2008.

A pivotal storyline leading to Axel’s departure involved him and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) being struck by a drunk driver named Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who fled the accident scene. While Jai recovered from his injuries, Axel remained hospitalized with serious trauma; initially, both were unable to recall details of the crash but later identified Larry as responsible.

Axel was introduced as a student alongside Aden Jefferies and attended a party where he made an unsuccessful attempt to pursue Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). He later tried to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell), which resulted in a confrontation with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). After being beaten and hospitalized due to this altercation, Axel’s reputation suffered significantly; he subsequently apologized to Melody and formed a friendship with Jai. Axel ultimately died following a car accident caused by Aden’s father. After his death, Axel appeared in Melody’s nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008 as a detective investigating the homicide of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). His inquiries focus on primary suspects such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon), as he endeavors to identify those responsible. Nevertheless, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) reveals that Sam’s death was self-inflicted, compelling Ross to withdraw the accusations.

Despite resistance from Ross' daughter Charlie, he and Morag reignite a former romance. Ross proposes marriage, and they wed in an intimate ceremony before departing for their honeymoon in Europe. Upon their return, Ross begins showing symptoms of memory deterioration and is subsequently diagnosed with Alzheimers. With Morag’s assistance, he moves into a care facility.

Later revelations disclose that Ross confessed to killing Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson) years prior to protect Charlie from sexual assault. Following his arrest for murder, Ross passes away in 2011; his funeral is held in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, played by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her drama HSC. Although Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, she was instead offered the part of Melody, a character she found appealing. She eventually departed the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, brought to life by Tessa James, debuted on 18 April 2008. Executive producer Cameron Welsh commended James as a dynamic talent, which motivated her relocation to Sydney for the role. James described her time on Home and Away as invaluable training and akin to an apprenticeship. Interestingly, fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell had originally tried out for Nicole’s role. Nicole’s prominent story arcs included rekindling romance on a deserted island and enduring captivity, plotlines that engaged viewers. The media characterized her as a "flighty minx from the city" and a "fiery favourite." Industry observers recognized James as one of the series’ most promising performers with potential for success in Hollywood.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, portrayed by Jordan Rodrigues, first appeared on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described playing Jai as an entirely new challenge and was enthusiastic about gaining viewer recognition. Jai’s history includes losing his family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, linking him to established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who experienced similar tragedy. This shared background prompts Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay, although their relationship remains tense due to past abandonment issues.

Rodrigues exited the series in 2009 to join ABC's Dance Academy. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai is first discovered by Miles at a city shelter. Despite initial aloofness, Jai relocates to Summer Bay but finds it difficult to integrate at school. He forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell), leading them into trouble including a scooter accident caused by an intoxicated Larry Jefferies that results in Axel’s death. This event causes Jai to develop a sense of invulnerability, prompting him to attempt dangerous stunts that alarm peers such as Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best). Their relationship evolves into a romantic one despite opposition from guardians Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

The couple faces several obstacles, including Annie becoming trapped in a storm drain and harassment from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey), who falsely accuses others of misconduct. Jai retaliates by threatening to expose Trey’s personal issues if he does not retract the allegations.

Jai’s bond with Annie deteriorates after he drunkenly confesses a desire to sleep with her during Ruby Buckton’s party, leading to their breakup. Later, while exploring a farm with Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts), Jai is accidentally shot but conceals his injury until collapsing during a school hike. Meanwhile, jealousy surfaces when Dexter Walker (Tom Green) shows interest in Annie.

Jai’s spirits lift with the arrival of foster friend Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell). However, Romeo’s attempt to help Jai win back Annie backfires when he pursues her himself. Jai plans to leave via a student exchange program to Japan but initially withdraws to support Kirsty following her miscarriage. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie depart for Japan after bidding farewell to their friends.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His first appearance occurs when Irene Roberts picks him up after he develops a fever, requiring hospital care. Despite interventions by medical staff and law enforcement, Ollie remains unresponsive. Kane, who is evading the law, secretly visits Ollie before being apprehended following an unsuccessful robbery.

Ollie and Kirsty reside with Irene, but Ollie's conduct generates strain, including revealing Belle Taylor's romantic involvement and disrupting her professional life. Subsequently, Kirsty relocates them to the caravan park and later partners with Miles Copeland to establish a family unit. After Kane is released from prison, Ollie briefly reunites with him before Kane departs permanently.

Kirsty experiences a pregnancy that unfortunately ends in miscarriage. Ollie then meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland, who brings them back to the city to live with their relatives.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton, portrayed by Esther Anderson, made her debut on 6 June 2008. Anderson, previously a model, was cast to introduce additional "sex appeal" to Home and Away. A long-time admirer of the series, she expressed enthusiasm about joining the cast. In November 2011, Anderson exited the show to pursue acting opportunities in Hollywood.

Anderson received numerous award nominations for her role as Charlie, including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, "Best Daytime Star" in 2010, as well as "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards. The episode depicting Charlie's death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics referred to Charlie as a "sexy sergeant" and praised her as the program's "cutest crime fighter."

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, first appeared on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as carefree yet emotionally reserved, concealing her sorrow over her mother's passing behind a strong exterior. In contrast to her sister, Ruby tends to internalize feelings, displaying independence and privacy. Breeds described her character as spirited, devoted to family, and resilient.

In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes and departed from Home and Away, though she indicated Ruby's storyline was left open-ended. For this role, Breeds earned a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2009 and was later nominated for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. Additionally, she received a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards. Among Ruby's significant storylines was dealing with her father's illness and a memorable prank involving Skype and skinny-dipping.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, portrayed by Luke Jacobz, was introduced on 8 July 2008. Jacobz secured the role in June 2008 after McLeod's Daughters was cancelled, where he had a recurring role. His initial contract was for six months. In February 2011, it was announced that Jacobz had left Home and Away, with his final episodes airing shortly thereafter. According to the official show website, Angelo comes from a close family with three brothers and was initially perceived as brash and unlikely to succeed.

Jacobz received a nomination for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and was also nominated for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards that same year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, played by Paul Pantano, was featured on Home and Away from 8 July until 26 August 2008. Pantano was recognized in Digital Spy's spotlight on gay characters. Within the plot, Elliot poses threats to the safety of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Motivated by vengeance for his brother Mark's death, Elliot holds Roman responsible and menaces Nicole. He engineers perilous scenarios, such as leaving Roman stranded in the wilderness and isolating Nicole and Geoff on an island. Actress James commented on Elliot's assault on Geoff using a speargun and his construction of a "life or death obstacle course" for Roman.

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay intent on finding Roman, revealing that his brother Mark, who served alongside Roman in the SAS, died during a mission in Afghanistan. Approaching the second anniversary of Mark's passing, Elliot demands answers from Roman despite an official investigation. Roman recounts that their squad was ambushed, Mark went missing, and was presumed dead. Unwilling to accept this, Elliot manipulates Roman by becoming involved with his daughter Nicole. When their relationship ends, Elliot abducts Nicole and issues a ransom video demanding Roman consume a flask or risk losing her permanently.

Elliot coerces Nicole onto a boat to take her offshore, where Geoff intervenes but suffers injury from Elliot’s speargun attack. After Roman complies with Elliot’s condition, he endures a succession of bushland traps—being shot with an arrow, surviving a landslide and mine explosion—before subduing Elliot and arranging his arrest at Yabbie Creek police station.

While in custody, Roman reveals that Mark had intended to surrender during the ambush but threatened to shoot a squad member; Roman shot Mark to prevent this. Subsequently, Mark was captured and killed by enemy forces while others escaped. Overcome with emotion, Elliot reveals Nicole’s whereabouts before facing charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.

Xavier Austin

Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, first appeared on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012, relocating permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts underwent four auditions prior to securing the part, describing the eventual casting as "all the more awesome" due to the prolonged effort. He discovered his role while surfing, making the call from a payphone. The soap opera website Holy Soap identified Xavier's most memorable moment as witnessing Brendan cause a serious car crash with his catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Father to Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland (Home and Away), appearing through flashbacks. His struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence caused family disruption. Following his wife Diana's passing, he sought custody of Sally but ultimately left her in the care of the Fletchers. Aaron died in 2000 due to complications from alcoholism.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Mother of Sally and Miles; featured in flashbacks. Her troubled marriage with Aaron ended after his disappearance. She later died in a boating accident alongside her second husband.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Grandmother to Sally and Miles; mother of Diana and Ross Keating. Seen in 1988 flashbacks living in a care facility due to Alzheimer's disease.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Medical staff at Northern Districts Hospital treating key characters following severe injuries.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor of Coastal News and employer of Belle Taylor; known for making controversial editorial decisions affecting multiple characters' reputations.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	Peer involved in social disputes and minor story arcs related to other students.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Donor who gifts Leah Patterson-Baker $100,000 in appreciation for her late husband's heroic actions.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender hired to assault Sam Holden; later provides crucial information regarding her death investigation.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of Johnny Cooper involved in underground fighting; central figure in violent clashes resulting in arrests.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year 9 student engaged in bullying, online deception, and drug-related incidents impacting peers.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Sam Holden’s estranged sister who takes custody of her nephew amid investigations into Sam's death.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Sister of Axel Hay; involved in school conflicts and challenges related to academic choices.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander	Mother of Melody Jones whose confrontational nature affects school dynamics and family relationships; later relocates to New Zealand seeking reconciliation.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Operator of a teen refuge; provides insight into Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Son of Julie Cooper; featured in storylines addressing childhood fears and confidence development.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek; notable for initial conflicts then friendship with Charlie Buckton; promoted following Charlie’s death.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient with repeated hospitalizations; develops attachment to Rachel Armstrong influencing multiple plotlines including suspicions surrounding her disappearance.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend; previous relationship contributed to Ruby’s expulsion; relationship ends over long-term incompatibility concerns.
11 July	' Mrs. Hay	' Amelia Longhurst	' Axel Hay’s mother; appears following a fatal accident involving her sons.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary

Daisy Alexander	Jessica Smith	University roommate who supports Matilda Hunter through personal difficulties.
Nathan Cunningham	Andrew Lees	University resident advisor involved in tensions with Matilda Hunter and Ric Dalby.
Edward Jones	Errol Henderson	Christine Jones’ husband and Melody’s father; involved in mental health storyline concerning Melody.
Bridget Simmons	Joy Smithers	Engages in a one-night stand with Tony Holden; involved in cons leading to legal troubles and strained community relations.
Earl Pincus	Alan Cinis	Homeless man whose presence triggers community interactions including theft involving Ruby Buckton.
Murray Buchanan	Ben Tari	Council worker uncovering environmental corruption linked to local development; later disappears under suspicious circumstances.
Tim Coleman	Keiran Darcy-Smith	Developer embroiled in construction disputes and criminal activities including murder affecting major character arcs and investigations.
Natalie Franklin	Adrienne Pickering	Former girlfriend of Roman Harris and mother to Nicole Franklin; causes tension through irresponsible actions before mending relationships.
Brian Lawler	Ric Herbert	Con artist linked with Bridget Simmons; orchestrates scams culminating in kidnapping and arrest impacting multiple characters.
Eric "Nobby" Nobbes	Mark Casamento	Criminal associate involved in illegal dealings connected to Tim Coleman; killed after being used as an informant.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database