Eloise Lennox

Home and Away

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

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 2003, all under the direction of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's sixteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. This year marked the arrival of the Hunter family: Scott (Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), and siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), who made their first appearances throughout January, April, and November. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, while in November, Maggie Kirkpatrick returned portraying Viv "The Guv" Standish.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, brought to life by Kip Gamblin, debuted on 23 January 2003 and exited on 25 November 2005. For this role, Gamblin received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Award. Linda Barnier of the Newcastle Herald referred to Scott as a "beefcake," highlighting his horseback entrance as reminiscent of a classic Man from Snowy River scene.

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, previously Sutherland), portrayed by Clarissa House, made her first appearance on 17 April 2003 and departed on 30 January 2007. The official series website characterizes Beth as "open-minded," possessing a "strong sense of personal morality and integrity," and unveiling a "delicious sense of humour" as her story unfolds. Sacha Molitorisz from The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued an episode centered on Beth and Rhys' wedding, suggesting it mainly appealed to committed fans, describing the plot as "unengaging" with "painful" musical choices, acting, and dialogue.

Kit Hunter

Kit Hunter, played by Amy Mizzi, first appeared on 25 April 2003, remaining a regular until February 2004, with occasional returns until 3 July 2007. Though Isabel Lucas auditioned for this role, Mizzi was ultimately selected. Her portrayal earned her a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Awards.

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, enacted by Isabel Lucas, was introduced on 31 July 2003 and left the show on 10 October 2006. Talent scout Sharron Meissner discovered Lucas, who initially tried out for Kit Hunter but was instead cast as Tasha—a newly created character—by Series Producer Julie McGuaran, prompting her move from Melbourne to Sydney. Lucas secured the Most Popular New Female Talent award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Prior to Tasha's wedding storyline, Brian Courtis of the Sunday Age described her as a "Blonde Princess." The character's storyline involving the Believers cult drew criticism from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who expressed concerns over the show's depiction of religion resembling cult behavior, noting its media appeal despite being distasteful in reality.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, portrayed by Maggie Kirkpatrick, first appeared on 11 November 2003 and departed on 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick, renowned for her role as Joan "The Freak" Ferguson in Prisoner: Cell Block H, returned to a prison-themed role after seventeen years. Viv was introduced during the storyline involving Dani Sutherland’s imprisonment for attempted murder, with scenes filmed at the former Maitland Gaol.

Viv is a former children's court magistrate who was wrongfully jailed after exposing a pedophile ring that included judges, lawyers, and politicians. Kirkpatrick described Viv as "tough" and intelligent; initially intimidating Dani, Viv eventually becomes supportive, affectionately calling her "princess." She exerts pressure on those responsible to safeguard Dani, aiding in her release. Later, Viv orchestrates an attack on Dani's stalker Felix Walters, which results in an extended sentence for herself.

Months afterward, Viv’s health declines due to heart failure, leading Dani’s father to visit her. Before passing away peacefully in Alf Stewart’s arms, Viv entrusts Dani with her autobiography manuscript, which is destroyed in a fire but later reconstructed. With assistance from Morag Bellingham, who recognizes Viv through her past connection with her brother Alf Stewart, Dani campaigns for Viv’s compassionate early release. Alf reunites emotionally with Viv; she reveals she was pregnant with his child and gave the baby up for adoption to Marion and Marianne Dalby of Yabbie Creek. It is subsequently disclosed that their son was Owen Dalby, who died from a heart attack during a confrontation with his son Ric.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, brought to life by Jason Smith, made his first appearance on 25 November 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Chris Hemsworth originally auditioned for the role of Robbie but was ultimately cast as Kim Hyde. Smith characterized the role as "vibrant" and saw it as an excellent chance to join a well-established series. His portrayal led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2005 Logie Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	Oversees the Drop-in Centre during Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy)'s vacation, sparking conflict with Noah Lawson (Beau Brady) due to misunderstandings linked to child abuse inquiries. Leaves after misinterpreting a medical crisis.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	Editor of Northern District University's campus newspaper; briefly dates Noah Lawson (Beau Brady), causing tension with Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts brain surgery on Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) following collapse due to a tumor.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	Attends TAFE alongside Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and pursues a complex romantic relationship with her.
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Coastal News reporter engaged in major storylines including Dani Sutherland's internship and local investigations.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	Education official responsible for principal appointments at Summer Bay High, temporarily appointing Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) as principal.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	Former acquaintance involved in a pivotal legal case affecting community relations; later institutionalized after a mental breakdown.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Ex-wife of Scott Hunter (Kip Gamblin); her arrival uncovers their past marriage used to prevent deportation; amicably ends relationship recognizing Scott's new partner.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	Long-lost daughter of Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood); reconnects with family and briefly dates Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) before moving on.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating the murder of Angie Russell (Laurie Foell) and the subsequent arrest of her son.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Mother of the late Angie Russell, supports her grandson amid revelations about Angie's past.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	Drug addict receiving care at the Drop-In Centre; succumbs to overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Member of the local girls' soccer team coached by Alex Poulos (Danny Raco).
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Eldest sibling of Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou), involved in family occasions including celebrations and disputes; father to Theo Poulos who later relocates to Summer Bay.
23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Son of Sophie Simpson and Blake Dean, born during a significant community event; named after Sophie's former partner.
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer engaged in various investigations including traffic violations and hit-and-run cases affecting main characters.
4–9 July	Courtney	Emily Sexton	Participant on reality show The Dorm, introduced to stir conflict leading to Nick Smith’s controversial elimination.
	Damien	Simon Mullard	Contestant on The Dorm, antagonistic toward Nick Smith.
11 July 2003 – 10 September 2004	Andrew Hilton	James Camden	Student at Summer Bay High involved in various school-related storylines.
11 July–17 November	Eloise Lennox	Suzanne McEachern	Enrolls at Summer Bay High, befriends Max Sutherland who helps fulfill her final wishes before she dies from leukemia.
11 July–3 October	Mr. Lennox	Christopher Burken	Eloise Lennox's father, participates in school-related events.
6 August–15 October	Ross McLuhan	Angelo D'Angelo	Communications lecturer with a personal interest in Dani Sutherland; involvement results in significant plot developments including legal issues for Dani.
5 September 2003 – 30 June 2004	Norman Shadbolt	David Whitford	Bookshop owner who becomes engaged to Colleen Smart; relationship ends due to misunderstandings involving his elderly mother.
11 September 2003 – 10 August 2005	Gary Rogers	Leigh Martin	President of Summer Bay High's P&C committee, advocates for stricter school policies and clashes with staff over student matters; outspoken in community policing debates.
19 September–21 October	Toby Clark	Richard Kessell	School cleaner who briefly dates Jade Sutherland; conceals family background leading to breakup.
24 September 2003 – 22 November 2012	Gloria Clayton	Maria Matteo	Nurse at Northern Districts Hospital involved in emergency care for key characters including Kane Phillips.
24 September	Mrs Lennox	Bernadette Cogin	Eloise Lennox's mother, attends family events related to her daughter's schooling.
2–15 October	Baz Fulsome	Stuart Fenton	Local drug dealer supplying steroids; implicated in framing Jesse McGregor but ultimately confesses clearing Jesse's name.
8 October 2003 – 3 May 2004	The Dean	Philip Holder	Dean of Northern Districts University overseeing disciplinary proceedings involving students Noah Lawson and Dani Sutherland.
9 October	Jack Hunter	Ian Lind	Deceased patriarch of the Hunter family appearing posthumously in visions during family visits.
13 October	Matt Owen	David Francis	Drifter who steals a motorcycle and wallet, leading to mistaken identity regarding his death; incident impacts Seb Miller’s storyline.
21 October	Mr. Clark, Mrs. Clark, Jimmy Clark, Toby's Sister (family members)	Andrew Hunter, Trudi-Ann Tierney, Will Blackney, Amy Blackney respectively	Toby Clark's family appearing during Jade and Kirsty Sutherland's visit; provides background context for Toby's character.
	22 October 2003–11 June 2004	David Callahan	Felix Williamson, Nicholas Cassim	Fiancé of Shelley Sutherland involved in legal representation and personal conflicts related to organ donation concerns.
	29–31 October	Mr. Robertson	Danny Adcock	Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland’s trial whose aggressive approach contributes to her conviction.