Eric "Ric" Dalby
Ric Dalby | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2004–2008 |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Eric "Ric" Dalby is a fictional persona featured in the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Mark Furze. His tenure on the show spanned from 15 September 2004 until 24 July 2008. Furze secured the role after impressing casting directors during auditions and screen tests, attracted by Ric's layered personality. Initially portrayed as a rebellious troublemaker with scant regard for authority, Ric gradually transforms into one of the series' more heroic figures, though his fiery temper remains a prominent characteristic. Both Furze and media commentators observed that Ric’s frequent involvement in altercations became a hallmark of his character.
Significant story arcs revolving around Ric’s aggression include his wrongful accusation of murder and participation in an underground bare-knuckle boxing ring that placed him in jeopardy. To prepare for these storylines, Furze undertook thorough research and physical training; media outlets likened this narrative to the movie Fight Club due to thematic similarities. Ric's troubled behavior originates from childhood abuse inflicted by his father, Owen Dalby. Upon his arrival in Summer Bay, family connections expanded when it was revealed he is the grandson of established character Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). Characters Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy) and Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) serve as his foster guardians, offering him stability. Throughout the series, Ric is involved in several key romantic relationships, notably with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson), Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), and a significant partnership with his best friend Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans).
Critical reception of Ric was largely favorable. Jim Schembri from The Age referred to Ric’s relationship with Matilda as "honourable." Nick Levine of Digital Spy highlighted Furze’s physical attractiveness, while Greg Hassal from The Sydney Morning Herald praised the depth of Ric’s storylines. On the other hand, Scott Ellis from the same publication commented that Ric frequently irritated other characters. Furze received several award nominations for his portrayal, including categories such as "Best Actor" and "Most Popular Actor."
Casting
Mark Furze joined the cast of Home and Away in 2004 after being informed about the role of Ric by his agent. He was particularly interested because it marked his first opportunity to play an antagonist. After initial auditions, Furze completed a screen test alongside Ray Meagher and Indiana Evans, ultimately landing the role despite finding the process "very daunting."
In 2007, Furze took part in the singing competition Soapstar Superstar, reinforcing his dedication to Home and Away. Nevertheless, he departed from the show in 2008 to pursue a career in music.
Characterisation
Ric’s rebellious nature was largely influenced by a difficult upbringing involving abuse from his father Owen Dalby. At first, he is shown to derive considerable satisfaction from intimidating weaker individuals but gradually matures into a respectable individual after settling into life at Summer Bay. The UK broadcaster Five noted Ric’s transformation, emphasizing how he overcame his troubled past to embrace a more conventional lifestyle as an enthusiastic sportsman who enjoys everyday pleasures.
Furze acknowledged some parallels between himself and Ric but stressed that he is less confrontational. He described embodying Ric’s aggressive traits as "awesome," allowing for dynamic scenes filled with conflict. Although Ric softens over time, he continues to exhibit a quick temper. Furze welcomed these developments and expressed hope for more traditionally masculine scenes to prevent Ric from being viewed as overly sensitive.
Relationships
Ric’s initial romantic involvements include Cassie Turner (portrayed by Sharni Vinson) and Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). During his relationship with Cassie, Belle tries to disrupt their bond by attempting to seduce Ric, adding a humorous element to the plot. The producers eventually concluded Ric and Cassie's relationship with a powerful breakup scene demanding heightened emotional performance, which was positively received by the audience.
Subsequently, Ric embarks on a romance with Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans), navigating common issues faced by young adults. After Matilda moves in with him, Ric expresses unease due to her ongoing schooling and questions her intentions. Their relationship becomes more complicated when a pregnancy scare arises, though Matilda is ultimately not expecting.
In August 2007, Simone McAullay joined the cast as Viv Anderson, an older woman who entices Ric into an affair. Following Matilda’s jealousy and the end of their relationship, Viv manipulates Ric into continuing the liaison. The following day, Ric feels remorseful about his actions, underscoring the emotional depth of this storyline.
Although Ric and Matilda reconcile later, their renewed happiness is disrupted when Viv reveals she is pregnant. Despite feeling vulnerable—especially as this coincides with her mother’s death anniversary—Matilda offers support. This revelation places additional strain on Ric and Matilda’s relationship, particularly due to Ric’s failure to provide adequate emotional backing.
Matilda opts to relocate to Perth for university and encourages Ric to accompany her; he declines, resulting in their breakup. Furze mentioned that Matilda was disappointed by Ric’s lack of encouragement regarding her goals. Despite their strong feelings for one another, they agree that maintaining a long-distance relationship would be impractical. During this period, Ric develops a friendship with Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes) and impulsively kisses her in an attempt to conceal his lingering emotions for Matilda. Kirsty offers support but does not return his romantic interest. Ultimately, Ric and Matilda reunite in Perth during their final storyline together, marking their departure from the show.
Bare-knuckle boxing
Ric is frequently involved in physical confrontations throughout the series. One notable plot features a brutal altercation with Rocco Cooper (Ian Meadows) that results in Ric being imprisoned on a murder charge. While incarcerated, he faces hostility from Rocco’s brother, Johnny Cooper (Callan Mulvey). These sequences were filmed over four days in November 2006 at the historic Maitland Gaol, involving principal cast members connected to Ric’s narrative arc. Furze commented that Ric’s character is consistently embroiled in fights and anticipated additional combat scenes due to his fiery nature.
After engaging in an affair with Viv, who becomes pregnant, Ric is pressured by Viv’s husband Noel (Steven Vidler) into participating in Bare-knuckle boxing. Furze embraced this storyline enthusiastically, appreciating the chance to perform stunts and action scenes that fit Ric’s volatile temperament. To prepare for these scenes, Furze sought guidance from professional boxer Anthony Mundine and incorporated elements of his own boxing fitness routine.
On screen, Ric initially resists fighting but is ultimately forced to compete in order to safeguard Viv’s unborn child after Noel threatens abortion if he refuses. Noel demands that Ric deliver a performance that pleases his gambling associates while Ric grapples with concerns about his masculinity being challenged. His opponent, Logan, harbors resentment against Ric due to his association with gang member Johnny, increasing the stakes. Simultaneously, Ric teams up with police officer Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) to dismantle illegal fighting rings. When law enforcement sabotages their efforts, Noel compels Ric to fight at gunpoint.
The tension escalates when Ric takes a job at a jewellery store that is subsequently robbed by Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell). The cumulative stress from the pregnancy situation, underground fights, and robbery severely impacts Ric’s wellbeing. Furze explained that these pressures lead Ric to experience a panic attack, breaking through his usual tough exterior. This prompts him to seek counselling from Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) and initiate steps toward rebuilding his life.
Storylines
After being expelled from his former school, Ric arrives at Summer Bay High. He targets Henry Hunter for his interest in dancing and sets fire to the Surfclub Kiosk, framing Henry for the arson. Tasha Andrews complicates matters by planting evidence of a marijuana operation on Ric. Following a violent incident where his father assaults him, Ric retaliates by pushing him down the stairs, causing injury and a seizure. Morag Bellingham warns Ric that he could face murder charges, but these are dropped when the death is attributed to a heart attack.
Ric moves in with Alf Stewart but departs following a misunderstanding related to drug use; during this time, he discloses his diabetes. Subsequently, he resides with Flynn Saunders and Sally Fletcher and opts to be known as Ric. Matilda Hunter forgives him for bullying her brother after learning about his difficult background. They share a brief romantic connection, but Ric pulls away to protect her emotionally. Ric develops a close relationship with Cassie, who moves in with Flynn and Sally after her grandmother’s passing; their bond evolves into a romantic relationship.
Ric becomes possessive when his friend Callan Sherman grows close to Matilda. Upon discovering Callan’s drug abuse and assaulting him, Ric forces Callan to leave Summer Bay following Matilda’s kidnapping and rescue.
After becoming intimate with Cassie, jealousy strains their relationship; she ends things and begins seeing Aden Jefferies. Ric is assaulted by Aden's brother Sean but briefly reconciles with Cassie afterward. Ric leaves school to pursue an apprenticeship as a mechanic and starts dating Belle. He faces bullying from Dom Moran, who physically attacks him and sabotages a vehicle that injures Ric, leading to Dom’s dismissal.
Ric ends his relationship with Belle to be with Cassie again, but she cheats on him with Macca MacKenzie. With Matilda’s support, Ric begins dating her. After Ric assaults Rocco for stabbing Sally, Rocco is found dead; Ric is charged and convicted of murder. While incarcerated, Matilda and Lucas Holden uncover Rocco’s brother Johnny’s culpability, resulting in Ric’s release.
Ric and Matilda struggle with trust issues and disagreements regarding her university plans. When Matilda discovers a pregnancy test that isn’t hers, they agree they are not ready for children. Ric starts receiving messages from Viv, a garage customer; although initially hesitant, they connect over shared personal struggles. Matilda grows jealous after witnessing them kiss. Viv’s husband Noel threatens Ric upon learning of their involvement.
Matilda ends their relationship; Ric has an affair with Viv, who later reveals she is pregnant. Noel admits he used Ric to impregnate Viv because he cannot father children himself. Ric and Matilda reconcile but face danger when Johnny escapes prison and takes them hostage until Sam Holden intervenes by killing Johnny.
Noel coerces Ric into participating in bare-knuckle fights for financial gain; after being fired and harassed at work, Ric reluctantly agrees. Matilda notices the physical toll on him through injuries alongside his increasing wealth. Following a severe beating during one fight, Ric initially avoids involving the police.
Viv considers terminating the pregnancy due to concerns about potential disabilities; Noel blackmails Ric into another fight by threatening the baby’s health. The police persuade Ric to proceed to gather evidence; Noel is arrested during the event while armed. Viv later suffers a miscarriage; Matilda organizes a memorial service.
Ric takes up work as a security guard but experiences panic attacks after a raid involving Kane wielding a gun; Rachel diagnoses him with severe stress. Matilda receives a university offer in Perth and invites Ric to join her; however, they eventually separate due to practical considerations.
Observing Ric’s unhappiness without Matilda, Alf buys him a one-way ticket to Perth. They reunite there and commit themselves to building their future together.
Reception
Furze earned nominations for "Most Popular Actor" at the Logie Awards in both 2007 and 2008 due to his role as Ric. He regarded these acknowledgments as a significant honor that validated the caliber of his acting. Additionally, at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, he was shortlisted for "Best Actor," and in 2008, he received a "Sexiest Male" nomination at the Digital Spy Soap Awards.
Jim Schembri from The Age commended Ric's portrayal of dignity, especially emphasizing his respectful conduct during delicate story arcs. Greg Hassal of The Sydney Morning Herald remarked that such narratives played a key role in maintaining the show's high audience ratings.
Roz Laws, writing for the Sunday Mercury, pointed out Ric's frequent displays of jealousy and highlighted his physical attractiveness as an element that engaged viewers. The entertainment platform Digital Spy referred to him as "fit Ric," alluding to his participation in a bare-knuckle fighting storyline. According to a poll conducted by TV Week, Ric and Matilda were tied for third place as the audience’s favorite couple, underscoring their appeal within the series.
External links
- Character profile at Homeandaway.com.au
- Character profile at the Official AU Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Official UK Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Internet Movie Database