Emily Armstrong (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	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. The following section highlights characters who were introduced during 2006 under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's nineteenth season ran from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Amy Mathews made her first appearance as Rachel Armstrong in January. In February, Jessica Tovey joined the cast as Belle Taylor, followed by Sam North portraying Dom Moran in April. Rodger Corser and Trent Baines were cast as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. July saw the arrival of Bobby Morley playing Drew Curtis, alongside Chris Sadrinna as Rachel's brother Brad Armstrong. October introduced Jessica Chapnik as Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, brought to life by Amy Mathews, made her debut on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, with her character’s husband Tony Holden also exiting the storyline. According to the official series website, Rachel is characterized by keen intuition, a strong-willed nature, independence, and considerable resilience. Mathews described Rachel as sociable, lively, principled, and possessing a romantic disposition. In 2007, Mathews earned the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" for her portrayal and was nominated for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel’s most prominent story arcs involved being held hostage by a cult intent on forcing her to give birth.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, played by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on 3 February 2006. Her significant storylines encompassed uncovering her birth mother, struggling with drug addiction, developing a relationship with Aden Jefferies, and facing a cancer diagnosis. Tovey left the show in 2009, with Belle’s final episode airing on 11 August that year. Joining Home and Away at age eighteen, this role marked Tovey’s television debut.

RTÉ described Belle as a "cheeky, extroverted young girl" grappling with insecurities stemming from a "disciplined and controlling" upbringing, yearning for parental affection she never received. Her strict parents were taken aback by her rebellious behavior.

Tovey received several award nominations for her role as Belle, including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. She was also nominated for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, while in 2009 she earned nods for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" for portraying drug addiction. The wedding of Belle and Aden was shortlisted in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Additionally, Belle's funeral episode garnered an Australian Writer's Guild Award nomination in 2010. Virgin Media listed Belle and Aden among "Soaps' sexiest couples," and fans voted them Home and Away's Hottest Couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, appeared on the show from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed at Moran Motors, the garage owned by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey). He instigates trouble through hazardous pranks aimed at Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), which include causing Ric injuries with battery acid and a defective jack. Additionally, Dom targets Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), resulting in several confrontations. Due to his reckless behavior, Ray eventually dismisses Dom from the garage.

When Dom returns the following year, he becomes involved in supplying illicit car parts to Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) for drag racing and associates with local criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A deadly accident during a race involving Denni leads to the death of Lisa Duffy. To evade legal consequences, Dom steals Drew's vehicle and destroys it but agrees to assist Drew in clearing his name if Belle agrees to kiss him. Subsequently, Dom admits to his crimes and is incarcerated for theft.

After serving time, Dom kidnaps Belle but is stopped by Drew and Ray. Later, he collapses at the diner; following emergency surgery and rehabilitation facilitated by physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom renews his pursuit of Belle. He takes a job at the diner and taunts Drew over his academic failures. In an effort to separate Dom from Belle, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange a restaurant interview in the city with Irene’s daughter, Finlay (Tina Thomsen). However, Dom sabotages this chance and departs for the city, promising to return for Belle.

Clayton Smales from The Townsville Bulletin criticized Sam North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," describing Dom as a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, first appeared on 5 April 2006 and made his final appearance on 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with Home and Away actors James Stewart and Ditch Davey in Coogee, igniting rumors of a potential comeback since Hugh’s character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both an old friend and past lover of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). Rachel invites him to join her for lunch with Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), who is in the process of separating from her husband Dan (Tim Campbell). Hugh asks Leah out on a date; she initially refuses but later consents, sharing a kiss that Dan witnesses. After Leah rejects him afterward, Hugh leaves town.

He returns several months later, developing romantic feelings for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). Hugh offers support during Rachel’s marital struggles and arranges a picnic including Kim. When Rachel notices Hugh flirting with Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), she sets them up on a date that turns out to be uncomfortable. Julie questions Hugh about any lingering feelings for Rachel, which he denies. Rachel invites Hugh to stay with her and Kim; however, following a tense medical conference where Rachel admits feeling closer to Hugh, he moves out to live with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

On an evening out with Kim and friends, Hugh meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) and spends the night with her. Rachel becomes increasingly jealous upon discovering this, but Hugh confesses to Ingrid that he is emotionally unavailable. When Rachel confronts him about his awkwardness around her, he admits his feelings; she attributes these emotions to their shared history and working relationship. After an early end to a dinner invitation from Hugh, Rachel returns following her breakup with Kim; Hugh consoles her and they share a kiss.

Hugh receives a job posting in Johannesburg and gives Rachel an ultimatum: choose their relationship or he will leave. When Rachel hesitates, he departs for South Africa. Several months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony—requesting a meeting; she declines.

Inside Soap readers favored Rachel being with Hugh over Kim by 57%.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, brought to life by Trent Baines, made his debut on 7 April 2006 and exited the series on 23 February 2007.

The core of Macca's narrative revolves around his tumultuous relationship with Cassie Turner (played by Sharni Vinson) and his recurring pattern of domestic violence against her. Baines stressed the societal importance of addressing such issues, urging those in abusive situations to seek assistance.

Macca arrives in Summer Bay as the brother of Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). He quickly forms a friendship with Cassie and supports her boxing training. Despite Martha’s reservations about his previous conduct with women, Macca takes up a courier position and commits to maintaining a long-distance relationship with Cassie. Returning earlier than planned, he rents an apartment above the Beachside Diner but struggles to cope with the pressures of his demanding job, leading him to substance abuse. Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) and Cassie both uncover his drug use, resulting in confrontations. His jealousy over Cassie's closeness with Ric intensifies his abusive behavior.

Following intervention by Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Macca turns himself in and seeks help. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he performs a heroic act by rescuing Jack during an explosion but sustains injuries himself. He later discharges himself from hospital to join a search for missing friends, saving Ric from falling despite his wounds, then departs once the group is found.

Several months later, Macca returns, claiming completion of counseling. He resumes an affair with Cassie despite her reconciliation with Ric. This leads to a violent altercation and Macca's eviction from the caravan park. After briefly staying with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley), whose romantic advances he rejects, he accepts a desk job offer in the city from his company and plans to relocate with Cassie despite Sally's concerns. However, after Sally is stabbed and Ric is arrested for murder, Cassie remains behind. Frustrated, Macca escalates his abusive behavior again before surrendering to authorities once more.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, first appeared on 7 July 2006 and departed on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining Home and Away, Morley had roles in Angels with Dirty Faces and was cast through the show's recruitment process despite being older than the character he played. Relocating from Melbourne to Sydney for filming, Morley adapted to the demanding production pace. He left the series at the end of 2007, later describing his experience as feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent shirtless scenes.

The official Home and Away website depicted Drew as brooding with a noticeable chip on his shoulder. Morley's portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics described Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," highlighting his resonance with the show's younger audience.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced as a source of support for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders' passing, Brad’s storyline dealt with personal loss and complicated relationships. His arrival in Summer Bay was prompted by the death of his mother Elaine; he assisted his sister Rachel (Amy Mathews) and arranged their mother’s funeral.

Brad married Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond), who later succumbed to leukaemia, strengthening his bond with Sally. As principal of Summer Bay High, Brad encountered challenges including disputes with students Rocco and Johnny Cooper and was temporarily suspended following controversy involving teacher Naomi Preston. Although Sally accepted his proposal, she ultimately left him at the altar, leading to Brad’s departure.

Family revelations introduced Brad’s half-sister Tamsyn, born from their father's extramarital affair. Brad faced difficulties caring for Tamsyn, which impacted his career prospects. He provided support to Sally during her personal struggles before deciding to move to Tasmania accompanied by Heather and Tamsyn.

Sadrinna received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, while he and Ritchie were nominated for Best Couple. The wedding episode earned writer Margaret Wilson an Australian Writer's Guild award; additionally, the storyline involving Brad being lost at sea was nominated for Best Single Episode at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, brought to life by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed on 6 February 2007.

After moving to Summer Bay High, Rocco is accepted by Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) who overrides principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna)'s reservations due to Rocco's gang affiliations, convinced he merits another opportunity. Through persistent effort, Rocco gains their confidence, and upon learning about his living circumstances, Sally offers him a place to stay.

His elder sibling Johnny (Callan Mulvey) exerts pressure on Rocco to stay involved in gang-related activities, threatening fatal consequences if he refuses. Although Rocco assists Johnny by providing an alibi for vandalism, the brothers continue committing offenses until Rocco ultimately betrays Johnny by informing the police after a staged Credit Union heist. Johnny’s subsequent arrest leads to a prison visit where he commands Rocco to kill Sally or face death himself. Under extreme duress, Rocco stabs Sally, leaving her critically injured.

Sally survives the attack, but Johnny's intimidation persists. When foster son Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) confronts Rocco out of concern for Sally’s safety, Rocco arranges for Johnny to be placed in a safehouse. Ric discovers Rocco severely assaulted there; after spending several days in a coma, Rocco succumbs to his injuries. His burial takes place in an unmarked grave attended solely by Sally, Brad, and Johnny under police supervision. Initially, Ric is imprisoned for Rocco’s murder but is later freed when Johnny is exposed as the true culprit.

This narrative arc received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, first appeared on-screen on 17 October 2006. Chapnik landed the role unexpectedly and exited in 2008 to pursue opportunities in the United States. She described Sam as a deeply troubled individual burdened with self-hatred and tragedy, whose downfall was unavoidable. Chapnik remarked that Sam's intense emotional weight made it difficult to rationalize her actions compared to other characters she had played.

Eleven Magazine emphasized Sam’s disruptive influence within Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald referred to her as a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, debuted on 19 October and left the series on 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 due to this role.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) appeared from 20 October 2006 until 14 April 2008. The character was initially played by Ed Willis before Jack Rickard took over in 2007.

Rory is introduced through his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien). After moving in together, Rory faces numerous challenges including his mother’s kidnapping, which prompts a search led by Jack’s father Tony. Following their reunion, Rory and Sam briefly leave Summer Bay but return after Sam sustains an injury.

Rory’s biological father, Shane Deeks, escapes from prison and abducts him, triggering a police pursuit that ends with Shane’s death; Rory is found unharmed and later comes to see Jack as his paternal figure. Academically gifted, Rory skips ahead to Year 7 but encounters social difficulties until Aden Jefferies intervenes, leading Rory into trouble involving a school election scandal and detention.

Excited about Jack and Sam’s engagement, Rory writes a well-received essay about Jack. However, he also displays troubling conduct such as stealing Jack’s gun and clashing with Martha MacKenzie. Despite these conflicts, Rory gives his mother away at her wedding. The family’s stability shatters when Sam is attacked by Johnny Cooper and subsequently dies; Rory blames Jack and distances himself during the funeral.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his portrayal of Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of The Believers cult led by Mumma Rose. Robbie Hunter locates her after his wife joins the cult. Rebecca discloses the cult’s intentions and aids in rescuing Tasha and Jonah before vanishing.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong, escalating to blackmail. Rachel reports him to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case, sentencing him to nine months in prison.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Police prosecutor handling major trials including those of Alf Stewart and Casey Braxton’s arson.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO at Northern Districts Hospital managing personnel matters such as Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint and malpractice litigation.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father to Rachel and Brad Armstrong, appointed Regional Director of Emergency. Attempts to manipulate Rachel’s testimony to avoid legal consequences; later revealed to have a secret daughter.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Owner of a garage and employer of Ric Dalby. Involved in workplace disputes and illicit activities including underground fighting.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; suffers severe amnesia following a car accident caused by Robert Armstrong; later dies due to a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman whose health declines from medication errors, resulting in cardiac arrest and death.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Grandson of Doris who forms attachments to Rachel and Kim Hyde but displays obsessive tendencies leading to hostage-taking; subsequently committed to a psychiatric facility.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe, initially leaving him with Rachel Armstrong before reclaiming custody.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Police detective aiding a stalking case; later exposed as collaborating with the stalker; dies in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother who deceives others regarding Belle Taylor’s adoption; involved in family disputes and financial manipulations before departing town.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable engaged in investigations including framing Drew Curtis under blackmail; later charged with arson and bribery offenses.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Adoptive father of Belle Taylor who extorts money from Kitty Landsdowne; rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot involved in a crash while transporting key individuals to hospital; acts as mediator during emergencies.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher engaged in an affair resulting in pregnancy; arrested following attempted kidnapping and abuse revelations.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Associate of Colleen Smart participating in local social activities including aerobics classes led by Kim Hyde and community tournaments.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Surf club gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of assault seeking attention; allegations later disproven.
3–28 August	Mel Harris	"Sara Zwangobani"	"Counselor at a troubled teen camp supporting Matilda Hunter’s recovery from bulimia; assaulted by another camper."

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

3 August–27 September	"Dean Silverman'"	"Gary Brun"	"Forms a relationship with Matilda Hunter at troubled teen retreat; cleared of arson charges; comes out about his sexuality; leaves after reconciliation."
3–10 August	"Vanessa Covacs'"	"Emma Terracini"	"Attends troubled teen retreat exhibiting anger issues; assaults counselor Mel Harris; attempts suicide; transferred for specialized treatment."
18–23 August	"Hal Enpace'"	"Leigh Scully"	"Encourages Lucas Holden toward rebellious behavior including theft and vandalism causing property damage."
	"Lawrence'"	"Uncredited"	"Companion of Hal Enpace involved in rebellious acts."
21 August–15 September	"Emily Armstrong'"	"Libby Richmond"	"Fiancée of Brad Armstrong diagnosed with leukemia; marries Brad and passes away peacefully."
21 August–5 September	"Gordon O'Neill'"	"Andrew Tighe"	"Police superintendent at Yabbie Creek involved in investigating false assault claims against Kim Hyde made by his daughter Tara."
21 August–10 October / 19 September–3 October 2008	"Ella Hunter'"	"Zoe Littler, Indya Bottomsley, Paris Steen, Matina Commes, Toby Wormer, Jack Thompson"	"Newborn daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter targeted for kidnapping due to cult ties; family relocates to Boston."
	"Gareth Westwood'"	"Benjamin Ronczka"	"Associated with Dean Silverman at troubled teen retreat; revealed as Dean’s partner; they move away together."
	"Grace Carter"'	"Elaine Smith"	"Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill and mother to Tara O'Neill; confirms Tara’s history of false allegations."
	"Dennis Gillen"'	"Danny Adcock"	"Criminal adversary seeking vengeance on Peter Baker for past conviction; presumed deceased after shooting incident."
	"Ash Nader"'	"Ben Geurens"	"Police officer whose secret family life disrupts relationship with Martha MacKenzie."
	"Joe Morton"'	"Declan Ransley, Justin Martin, Olivia Barclay, Sayer Long, Rafferty Grierson, Cooper Brittian, Henry Lucas, Marley Cooke"	"Son of Lee Morton abandoned then cared for by Rachel Armstrong; diagnosed with bone cancer and dies."
"Dane Smith"'	"Cody Kaye"	"Boyfriend of Lee Morton involved in child neglect allegations and police evasion; returns with Joe prior to child's death."
"Reverend"'	"Peter Flett"	"Local clergyman officiating numerous weddings and funerals within Summer Bay over several years."
"Rianna Nader"'	"Lotte St. Claire"	"Wife of Ash Nader arriving with children Declan and Jess, unaware of Ash’s infidelity."
"Declan Nader"'	"Jack Concoran"
"Jessica Nader"'	"Amy Baran"

External links

• Cast and characters featured on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters available on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters listed at the Internet Movie Database