Ellen Porter
| 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. Below is a compilation of characters introduced during 1999, all under the guidance of then-executive producer John Holmes. The series' twelfth season commenced broadcasting on 11 January 1999. The first new character that year was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez in March. In April, Nick's father Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, made his debut. Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi in May. July saw the arrival of Cameron Welsh as Mitch McColl. August introduced both Bianca Zeboat and lifeguard Shauna Bradley, played by Kylie Watson. Science teacher Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey, appeared in September. In October, Anna Hruby and Stephen James King entered the storyline as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son Edward Dunglass, respectively.
Nick Smith
Nick Smith made his first appearance on 18 March 1999, initially portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity before returning as a regular character from 2000 onward, with Chris Egan taking over the role until his departure on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge depicted Nick in flashback scenes during 2003. For his portrayal, Egan received a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the 2001 Logie Awards.
Peta Janossi
Peta Janossi, brought to life by Aleetza Wood, debuted on 27 May 1999 and exited the series on 14 July 2000. Wood was cast while she was still attending university. Series producer Russell Webb chose her for her "fresh-faced" look. Her performance led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2000.
Mitch McColl
Mitch McColl, played by Cameron Welsh, first appeared on-screen on 15 July 1999. Welsh originally auditioned for a guest role.[1] In 2000, Welsh took a six-week hiatus after being diagnosed with a herniated disc; during this period, Mitchell McMahon temporarily assumed the role of Mitch. Welsh resumed portraying Mitch on 3 April 2000.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In celebration of the show's 4000th episode in 2005, Welsh returned for a cameo marking Mitch's reappearance at Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) birthday.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Welsh later transitioned into the role of Home and Away producer, crediting his time as Mitch with deepening his understanding of production.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name He was also nominated for "Best New Male Talent" at the 2000 Logie Awards.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Critics praised Mitch’s impactful introduction and his chemistry with Hayley, particularly noting their much-anticipated first kiss which generated significant viewer interest.[2] Furthermore, Mitch’s departure was highlighted as an important television moment by the Daily Record.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Bianca Zeboat
Bianca Zeboat, portrayed by Lara Cox, made her debut on 11 August 1999. Cox secured this extended guest role shortly after concluding her work on Heartbreak High, at times appearing simultaneously in both series. She characterized Bianca as a "manipulative" and "unpleasant" figure, contrasting sharply with her previous role as Anita Scheppers. Bianca is a model and actress aspiring to land the lead role in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's novel On the Crest of a Wave. Upon arriving in Summer Bay prior to filming, she befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to extract insider information. Jesse, who is searching for both a partner and maternal presence, becomes infatuated but remains unaware of Bianca’s true motives. After being dismissed by director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner), Bianca ends things with Jesse and departs from Summer Bay.
Shauna Bradley
Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her first appearance on 16 August 1999 and exited the series in July 2002. Watson secured the role soon after relocating back to Canberra, despite initial hesitation about auditioning. As her debut acting role, Home and Away motivated her to undertake acting lessons to enhance her skills. For her performance, Watson received a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards. Shauna was characterized as "feisty" and "sassy," with author Andrew Mercado describing her as a "sexy lifesaver." Her romantic story arcs, particularly those involving Harry and Gavin, were recognized for their intense emotional fluctuations. In 2012, Channel 5 featured an episode revealing Shauna’s adoption as part of their viewer-selected "From Day One" segment.
Harry Reynolds
Harry Reynolds, played by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and departed on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the cast, Melvey concentrated on modelling and refining his acting abilities. He obtained the role shortly after auditioning in Sydney, which led him to move from Los Angeles. Melvey was awarded the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2000 for his portrayal of Harry.
Judith Ackroyd
Judith Ackroyd, enacted by Anna Hruby, was featured from 21 October 1999 until 21 November 2000. Hruby had previously appeared in Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith took over as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher’s sabbatical. Although initially met with skepticism due to rumors surrounding her swift promotion, she demonstrated strong leadership and built a professional relationship with Donald.
Her son, Edward Dunglass, born from an affair with an older lecturer who succumbed to Huntington's disease, presented personal challenges including concerns about Edward’s health. Judith managed Edward’s rebellious tendencies while supporting his romance with Peta Janossi. She also dealt with conflicts involving students such as Gypsy Nash and addressed damaging rumors affecting her standing.
Following personal tragedies and shifting dynamics, Judith developed a closer bond with Donald before entering a relationship with Joel Nash. When Joel reunited with his ex-wife Natalie, Judith accepted a job offer in Switzerland, suggesting Donald resume his role as principal and appointing Sally Fletcher before her departure.
Edward Dunglass
Edward Dunglass, played by Stephen James King, appeared from 28 October 1999 through 14 July 2000. Balancing high school commitments alongside this initial television role—after mainly theatre experience—King praised the seasoned cast for their support and described Edward as a misunderstood figure, contrasting Summer Bay’s usual blonde surfer image.
Edward’s gothic style initially attracts mockery from Will Smith (Zac Drayson), but he quickly gains respect by defending Duncan Stewart (Brendan McKensy) against bullies and excelling in go-kart competitions. His mother, newly appointed principal Judith Ackroyd (Anna Hruby), connects Edward to the community. Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) recognizes Edward’s late father, Edward Sr. (Peter Sumner), who died of Huntington's disease—a hereditary illness Edward fears he has inherited.
Edward forms friendships with Peta Janossi (Aleetza Wood) and Mitch McColl (Cameron Welsh), assisting Peta in organizing a memorial service that sparks local suspicions about occult involvement. His straightforward opinions on illness strain relationships with residents like Alf and Ailsa Stewart. As symptoms of Huntington's manifest, Edward engages in risky behavior, causing friction with Peta, who briefly ends their relationship before they reconcile.
Their bond strengthens through self-defence classes, a private ceremony, and living together—supported by Judith but opposed by foster father Joel Nash (David Woodley). After testing positive for Huntington's at eighteen, Edward experiences emotional turmoil but finds comfort in a video message from his deceased father. He sheds his gothic appearance and secures his trust fund to travel with Peta to Rome, staying with Judith’s sister. Their departure signifies a hopeful yet uncertain future; a subsequent visit from Will confirms Edward’s condition is worsening.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January–3 March | Dr. Noble | Mariette Rups-Donnelly | Serves as psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction; subsequently provides support to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) during his schizophrenia diagnosis. | |
| 14–25 January | Mr Gilkey | Ben Ager | Aggressive driver involved in road rage incident with Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a collision, demanding compensation; apology is declined. | |
| 14 January–21 May | Troy | Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz |
Classmate in Year 12 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 and Hayley Smith, involved in graffiti vandalism; dies after a fall. | |
| 3–12 February | Geraldine Peterson | Anna Lee | Member of The Wednesday Club who pretends to have succeeded in charity fundraising, causing tension with Rebecca Nash. | |
| 5 February | Mo Matthews | Pat Sands | Father of Brian Matthews; discovers Brian and Sam engaging in tagging activities. | |
| 8–18 February | Kaia Stokes | Blazey Best | Supports Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but withdraws when overwhelmed by his hallucinations. | |
| 19 February–6 October | Bob Playford | Tony Morgan | Real estate agent employed by Diana Fraser to redevelop the caravan park; local residents oppose the plan and eventually buy the park themselves. | |
| 4–23 March | Brooke Taylor | Bridie Carter | Sister of Mara Taylor; attracted to Travis Nash because he resembles her late fiancé; discloses family secrets before departing. | |
| 4–5 March | Mara Taylor | Ann Burbrook | Negligent sister of Brooke Taylor; pursues Joel Nash unaware of his marital status. | |
| 10–17 March | Denise Hennessy | Lauren Clair | Former prison cellmate of Kylie Burton under an alias; involved with Jesse McGregor and flees when police suspect 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 | |||
| 16 March–11 May | Ellen Porter | Anne Grigg | Nanny employed for Donald Fisher's newborn son; previously acquitted of manslaughter but earns Donald's confidence; leaves after confessing romantic feelings. | |
| 17–22 March | Jim Woods | Nick Hogan | ' Local police officer investigating Denise Hennessy and drug-related issues involving Nick Smith's brother Will. | |
| 19–23 March | 'Johnno' | 'Josef Ber' | ' Drug dealer who pressures Nick Smith over owed money; assaults Nick but later considers the debt settled. | |
| 24 March | 'Ted Williams' | 'Kim Knuckey' | ' Foster father to Nick Smith, picks him up from the beach house. | |
| 24 March 1999–26 April 2000 | ' Wendy Williams ' | ' Monette Lee Lisa Cameron' |
' Foster mother to Nick Smith; returns him to live with his biological father Ken Smith due to behavioral problems. | |
| 26 March–20 April | ' Miranda Porter ' | ' Lauren Hewett' | ' Daughter of Ellen Porter; HIV-positive student who dates Joey Rainbow but departs fearing discrimination. | |
| 29 March–7 April | ' Claire Andrews ' | ' Kate Beahan' | ' Half-sister to Travis and Joel Nash; involved in theft and leaves after charges are dropped. | |
| 21 April–14 June | ' Jack ' | ' Eamon Davern' | ' Friend of Duncan Stewart who assists in creating a bomb that injures Alf Stewart. | |
| 4–5 May | 'Organist' ' | ' Gregg Arthur' | ' Performs during James Fraser and Chloe Richards' wedding ceremony. | |
| 7 May–19 August | ' Wendy Collins ' | ' Jayne Leslie' | ' Mother who, alongside husband Steve, wrongly accuses childminder Justine Welles of abuse, resulting in wrongful imprisonment. | |
| 11 May–19 August | ' Steve Collins ' | ' Don Halbert' | ' Husband of Wendy Collins; supports false allegations against Justine Welles regarding their daughter Ruby's injuries. | |
| 11–19 May | ' Ruby Collins ' | ' Kiara Bleskas Tara McKellar Brittany Jones Sian Tierney' |
' Daughter of Steve and Wendy Collins; dies while under Justine Welles' care, leading to wrongful conviction. | |
| 24–25 May | ' Guy North ' | ' Drayton Morley' | ' Friend of Marilyn Fisher during her postpartum depression; offers reassurance to Donald Fisher before leaving. | |
| 3 June 1999, 8 November 2004 |
' Father O'Hearn ' | ' Alan Russell' | ' Catholic priest officiating Marilyn Fisher's confession and Owen Dalby's funeral services. | |
| 7 June–2 July | ' Hope Benedict ' | ' Brooke Harmon' | ' Member of church group connected with Duncan Stewart, who departs following his unwelcome advances. | |
| 9–23 June | ' John Russell ' | ' John Moore Marbuck Khan (flashback)' |
' Aboriginal educator at Summer Bay High teaching Indigenous Studies; seeks family reconciliation. | |
| 16 June–20 July | ' David Janossi ' | ' Philip Edwards' | ' Older brother to Peta Janossi; leaves Summer Bay after obtaining a city job while concealing financial difficulties. | |
| 28 June–9 September | ' Roger Lansdowne ' | ' Tony Bonner' | ' Film producer attempting to secure film rights to Alan Fisher's autobiography, manipulates locals before departure. | |
| 28 June | ' Reverend Lee ' | ' Stewart Reade' | ' Conducts Lachlan Fraser's funeral service. | |
| 28 June–19 July | ' Annie Matthews ' | ' Carole Skinner' | " Homeless woman impersonating Peta Janossi's grandmother; reconciles with estranged daughter Frances Kennedy. | |
| 12 July–20 August | " Angus Halliday ' | " Gabriel Andrews' | " University classmate of Sally Fletcher whose presence sparks jealousy. | |
| 19 July | "Frances Kennedy ' ' | " Alice Livingstone' | " Estranged daughter of Annie Matthews; reunites with her mother. | |
| 28 July–26 August | "Sharon Welles ' ' | " Shayne Francis' | " Estranged mother of Justine Welles who assists journalist Jeff Berger in obtaining a confession. | |
| 28 July–9 August | "Leon Watson ' ' | " David Webb' | " Lawyer representing Justine Welles during her murder trial. | |
| 30 July–31 August | "Jeff Berger ' ' | " Jonathon Speer' | " Journalist offering payment in exchange for a confession from Justine Welles. | |
| 6–9 August | "Kelly McCane ' ' | " Laurie Foell' | " Prosecutor overseeing Justine Welles’ trial. | |
| 10–18 August | "Gemma ' ' | " Alyssa McClelland' | " Cellmate sharing a cell with Justine Welles. | |
| 23 August | "Mrs. Brown" | " Jan Merriman" | " Wife of farmer Jack Brown who hosts local teenagers for fruit picking work." | |
| 24 August 1999–26 February 2000 | "Jack Brown" | "Paul Chubb" | " Local farmer employing teens for orchard labor; sells farm following chemical contamination issue." | |
| 31 August–30 September | "Anthony Doyle" | "Kim Knuckey" | " Dates Irene Roberts but ends relationship after foster son's reckless driving incident." | |
| 10–22 September | "Jillian Williams" | "Alexandra Davies" | " Former roommate stalking Shauna Bradley, frames Adam Cameron, then arrested." | |
| 14 September | "Darryl" | "Jeremiah Tickell" | " Shauna Bradley’s ex-boyfriend accusing Adam Cameron of stalking and vandalism." | |
| 23 September 1999–16 June 2003 | "Ralph Patterson" | "Alan Cinis" | " Father of Vinnie Patterson involved in financial fraud impacting Vinnie's personal and business affairs." | |
| 27 September–8 October | "Gazza Boyd" | "Sebastian Huber" | " Friend of Duncan Stewart who discovers stolen money linked to fugitive David D’Angelo." | |
| 11–13 October | "Lauren Healy" | "Merridy Eastman" | " Accomplice to David D’Angelo in kidnapping Duncan Stewart." | |
| 14 October 1999–24 March 2000 | "Claire Rogers" | "Talia Marmount Jaime Mears" |
" Student harboring unreciprocated feelings for Harry Reynolds causing conflicts before leaving." | |
| 15 October 1999–21 February 2000 | "Danielle McCarthy" | "Claire Paradine" | " Nursing Unit manager briefly romantically linked with James Fraser." | |
| 20 October 1999–5 April 2000 | "Juliette Bellatti" | "Nicole Nabout" | " Nurse attracted to James Fraser culminating in their joint departure." | |
| 2 November 1999–31 January 2000 | "Mick Dwyer" | "John Brumpton" | " Former criminal associate pressuring Jesse McGregor into illicit activities leading to arrest." | |
| 3 November 1999–27 March 2000 | "Rosemary Myers" | "Anita Bochnik" | " Student competing for school captaincy and protesting alongside Peta Janossi." | |
| 4–9 November | "Christian" | "John Atkinson" | " Hitman hired to assassinate Harry Reynolds; apprehended after hostage situation." | |
| 24 November 1999–2 February 2000 | "Alison" | "Jenny Apostolou" | " Harry Reynolds’ former fiancée from America influencing his relationship decisions." |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away site
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database