Ethan MacGuire
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation details characters who were introduced in 2013, arranged by their first appearance. All new roles were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show’s 26th season commenced broadcasting on 21 January 2013. The initial character to be introduced was Zac MacGuire, followed closely by Courtney Freeman, Maddy Osborne, Spencer Harrington, and Rosie Prichard all within the same month. Subsequent additions included Chris Harrington and Ricky Sharpe in April; Josh, Andy Barrett, and Hannah Wilson arriving in August; the MacGuire family members—Ethan, Evelyn, and Oscar MacGuire—alongside Nate Cooper from September onward; with Jade Montgomery and Matt Page introduced in October; and finally, Phoebe Nicholson making her debut in November.
Zac MacGuire
Zac MacGuire, brought to life by actor Charlie Clausen, made his first appearance on 22 January 2013. Clausen’s casting was revealed on 13 January 2013, marking a notable comeback to acting for him. He conveyed excitement about joining the Home and Away cast, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere on set and the promising nature of the role. Zac works as a prison education officer and becomes involved when he breaks up a fight involving inmate Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). He was assigned to oversee Casey by Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack). Clausen characterized Zac as fundamentally "a good guy," with a personal history that includes prior incarceration before transitioning into his current professional role.
Courtney Freeman
Courtney Freeman, portrayed by Joshua Brennan, debuted on screen on 22 January 2013. Introduced as a prisoner at Crestview Correctional Centre, Courtney acts as an antagonist to inmate Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes) during Casey’s sentence for a botched robbery attempt. He is depicted as a "typical prison bully," forcing Casey into drug trafficking activities and assaulting him when he refuses, resulting in serious injury.
Courtney manipulates existing gang conflicts by pressuring Jamie Sharpe (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) into attacking Casey. Following Zac MacGuire's (Charlie Clausen) intervention in a violent incident, an agreement is brokered that leads to Casey’s release and Jamie’s transfer, contingent upon providing evidence against Courtney, who retaliates by stabbing Casey with a homemade weapon.
Maddy Osborne
Madeline "Maddy" Osborne, portrayed by Kassandra Clementi, first appeared on 24 January 2013. Announced at the start of 2013, Maddy arrives as a teenage runaway accompanied by Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley). Her introduction coincides with the show’s increased emphasis on storylines centered around foster care.
Clementi described Maddy as "full of energy and very affectionate," demonstrating a level of maturity beyond her sixteen years. The character contributes significantly to the series’ portrayal of adolescent struggles and complex family relationships.
Spencer Harrington
Spencer Harrington, played by Andrew Morley, made his first appearance on 24 January 2013. Introduced by Lucy Addario, Spencer remained a regular character until 23 April 2015. Morley departed the series in early 2015 to pursue acting roles in the United States, having completed filming by late 2014.
Spencer arrived in Summer Bay as a teenage runaway alongside Maddy Osborne (Kassandra Clementi). Initially, they concealed themselves within the local high school before being discovered by Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman). The duo harbored a secret and feared their parents' reactions. They eventually found refuge with Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) and Harvey Ryan (Marcus Graham). Spencer’s brother, Chris (Johnny Ruffo), was later introduced, adding complexity to their narrative. These characters were part of an initiative to expand fostering storylines on the show.
Morley described his character Spencer as "authentic, self-assured, and highly charismatic," highlighting his optimistic nature and strong loyalty to those he cares about.
During their time in Summer Bay, Spencer and Maddy sought lodging at the caravan park but faced financial difficulties. Spencer worked to pay off a debt and revealed that his parents had passed away. When Maddy became ill, they reached out to Roo for assistance and temporarily stayed at Summer Bay House. After briefly running away again, they returned and discovered an injured Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) hidden in a shed, which strengthened their trust in Roo. Spencer found employment at the bait shop, while Maddy disclosed that they were romantically involved rather than siblings. Chris’s arrival complicated matters further, eventually leading to the end of Spencer and Maddy’s relationship.
Subsequently, Spencer began dating Sasha Bezmel, igniting jealousy from Maddy. Their relationship developed rapidly, resulting in additional conflicts. Chris’s return added more tension as he sought to reconnect with Sasha’s sister Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), placing Spencer amidst sibling rivalries.
Rosie Prichard
Rosie Prichard, portrayed by Teri Haddy, first appeared on 30 January 2013. Haddy was cast shortly after moving to Sydney in May 2012 and was six years older than her sixteen-year-old character. Rosie is depicted as "kind-hearted but socially awkward" and somewhat isolated. Although she had always lived in Summer Bay, she had not been shown on-screen before. Rosie admires Sasha Bezmel and becomes friends with her after receiving an invitation to a party.
In April, Rosie was sexually assaulted by fellow student Alexander Mullens (Louis McIntosh). Haddy explained that Rosie initially fails to recognize the assault due to the attention from her first boyfriend. Rosie confides in Sasha and Roo Stewart and reports Mullens to the authorities. To portray this storyline authentically, Haddy researched survivors of teenage sexual assault and aimed to empower young women to assert their boundaries.
Rosie and Sasha develop a friendship through a science project despite Rosie’s hesitation to disclose her family background—her mother left when she was young, and her father splits his time between two households. Tensions arise when Sasha befriends Maddy Osborne; after both girls are caught in a rip current during a perilous incident, Casey Braxton and John Palmer rescue them.
After distancing herself from Sasha, Rosie forms new friendships with other teens, including Mullens, who boasts about taking advantage of her following a kiss. Initially blaming herself for the assault, Rosie receives support from Sasha and attends Zac MacGuire's self-defense classes. She also befriends Bella Lugrano, another survivor who reported Mullens. Lachlan Stone, a friend of Mullens who stalks Rosie, ultimately provides evidence that leads to Mullens’s arrest.
While working at the Diner, Rosie collapses and discovers she is pregnant. Despite facing bullying from Holly Chapman and feeling unsafe at school, she chooses to keep the child. Eventually, Rosie leaves Summer Bay to live with her father in the city.
Chris Harrington
Chris Harrington, brought to life by Johnny Ruffo, made his first appearance on 1 April 2013. The announcement of both the character and Ruffo's casting was made public on 19 October 2012. Transitioning from a music career to acting, Ruffo earned the part after several auditions and moved from Perth to Sydney to film the series. Originally signed for approximately sixteen episodes beginning in September, his contract was eventually prolonged. Ruffo conveyed excitement about joining Home and Away and commended the friendly atmosphere provided by the cast and crew. Chris is introduced as the elder sibling of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley) and arrives in Summer Bay with the intention of helping Spencer mend ties with their family.
Ricky Sharpe
Erica "Ricky" Sharpe, portrayed by Bonnie Sveen, first appeared on screen on 2 April 2013. Sveen had previously played a minor role in 2010. She shared her enthusiasm for securing a continuing role, emphasizing her personal connection to the series through her grandmother. Ricky is the younger sister of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes) and came to Summer Bay to attend Heath Braxton's (Dan Ewing) engagement celebration. She soon became romantically involved with Heath’s older brother, Brax (Stephen Peacocke), whom she has known since their youth. In recognition of her performance, Sveen received the Most Popular New Talent Logie Award in 2014.
Josh Barrett
Joshua "Josh" Barrett, enacted by Jackson Gallagher, was introduced on 27 August 2013. His casting was revealed on 3 August 2013. Gallagher admitted feeling starstruck while working alongside veteran actor Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). Josh debuted together with his brother Andy (Tai Hara) through online webisodes that delved into their backgrounds. On 14 May 2016, reports confirmed that Gallagher would depart from Home and Away following his character’s admission of shooting Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz).
Andy Barrett
Andrew "Andy" Barrett, played by Tai Hara, first appeared on 28 August 2013. His casting was announced by The Daily Telegraph on 3 August 2013. Hara described portraying Andy as an honor on such a well-loved series. Andy was introduced alongside his younger brother Josh (Jackson Gallagher), initially featuring in webisodes that explored their history. The Barrett siblings were positioned as rivals to the Braxton family, with Andy holding significant secrets linked to their past.
Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson, brought to life by Cassie Howarth, made her debut on 29 August 2013, with her casting revealed in late August of that year. She is portrayed as a resilient and determined individual with a free-spirited nature, fiercely loyal to her family yet harboring a deep fear of isolation. Hannah arrives in Summer Bay seeking assistance from Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) to help free their niece and nephew from a cult connected to Zac’s brother, Ethan (Matt Minto). Howarth described this narrative arc as both demanding and significant.
Ethan MacGuire
Ethan MacGuire, enacted by Matt Minto, first appeared on 2 September 2013. His introduction was announced alongside other new additions to the cast. Minto secured the role after auditioning for a different character and began filming in April 2013. Ethan is the estranged sibling of Zac MacGuire and has drawn his children, Evelyn (Philippa Northeast) and Oscar (Jake Speer), into a cult disguised as an enlightenment retreat.
Following the passing of his wife, Ethan relocated his children to the camp managed by Murray Granger, later uncovered as a cult. Hannah Wilson and Zac MacGuire strive to extract the twins but encounter resistance from Ethan, who exhibits controlling behavior and is challenging to confront. Ultimately, Zac and the Braxton brothers succeed in rescuing Evelyn and Oscar. After the cult leader’s arrest, Ethan assumes leadership of the group, intensifying conflicts by abducting the twins along with Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). A bomb blast leaves Ethan severely wounded; he succumbs after suffering cardiac arrest on 27 January 2014.
Evelyn MacGuire
Evelyn "Evie" MacGuire, portrayed by Philippa Northeast, appeared for the first time on 3 September 2013. Her casting was announced in August 2013. Evelyn is the niece of established character Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) and the twin sister of Oscar MacGuire (Jake Speer). They were introduced when Zac arrives upon learning their father, Ethan (Matt Minto), had involved them in a cult. Unlike her brother, Evelyn adapted positively to life at the camp. Northeast described her character as deeply valuing family ties, influenced by early loss and her father’s difficulties, possessing a strong sibling connection and a sharp wit that compels her to speak out.
Oscar MacGuire
Oscar MacGuire, played by Jake Speer, also debuted on 3 September 2013. His casting was confirmed in August 2013 after a successful audition earlier that year. Oscar is Zac’s nephew and Evelyn’s twin brother. Introduced alongside their father Ethan within the cult storyline, Oscar struggled with his father’s decision to move them into the cult environment while trying to maintain his own identity and navigate survival.
Nate Cooper
Nathaniel "Nate" Cooper, portrayed by Kyle Pryor, made his first appearance on 26 September 2013. Announced on 8 September 2013, Pryor initially auditioned for the role of Andy Barrett but was subsequently cast as Nate due to producer interest. Filming began approximately four months before this announcement. Nate works as a doctor at Northern Districts Hospital with ambitions to progress from this regional position toward specialization and advanced career opportunities.
Jade Montgomery
Jade Montgomery, played by Tasma Walton, made her first appearance on 16 October 2013. Walton, who had previously been seen in Home and Away as Rachel Watson in 1995, returned for a role spanning several months that coincided with the launch of a film she starred in at the Sydney Film Festival. Jade remained on the show until 29 January 2014.
Introduced as the principal of Mangrove River High, which had recently been targeted by arson, Montgomery comes to Summer Bay to discuss a potential merger with Summer Bay High. She quickly finds herself at odds with the school’s principal, Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley), questioning Bianca’s capabilities and openly disparaging Bianca’s husband, Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing), who is an alumnus of Mangrove River High. Jade's biased treatment extends towards students from her own school, sparking tensions with Bianca and her team.
Following suspicions around multiple incidents at the school and the discovery of incriminating evidence against her, Montgomery faces suspension. In retaliation, she plants an explosive device inside Bianca’s laptop bag. The bomb detonates at Northern Districts Hospital, resulting in the death of Ethan Macguire (Matt Minto). Upon realizing the gravity of her actions, Montgomery panics; Heath identifies her as the perpetrator, leading to her subsequent arrest.
Matt Page
Matthew "Matt" Page, portrayed by Alec Snow, debuted on 21 October 2013. Snow secured the role after an audition earlier that year and was initially signed for a three-month stint before extending his contract to three years. He described Matt as a "disturbed youth" grappling with his identity and frequently challenging others within Summer Bay.
Phoebe Nicholson
Phoebe Nicholson, enacted by Isabella Giovinazzo, first appeared on 26 November 2013. After relocating to Sydney in 2013, Giovinazzo landed her inaugural acting role through this character. Phoebe is introduced as a singer-songwriter from Melbourne who arrives in Summer Bay upon discovering that her former boyfriend Kyle Braxton is organizing a music festival. Characterized as lively, attractive, and spirited, Phoebe injects energy into the series’ narrative.
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 February | Gavin Wheeler | Ande Cunningham | Social worker evaluating Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott’s custody application for Heath’s daughter Darcy Callahan; considers Heath’s criminal record and housing situation. | |
| 8 February–29 July 2014 | Connie Callahan | Celia Ireland | Darcy’s grandmother who gains full custody through Department of Community Services intervention; later permits Darcy to reside with Heath and Bianca, enabling Heath’s name inclusion on the birth certificate. | |
| 12 February | Eugene Broad | Sonny Vrobao | Drug dealer attempting a transaction with Darryl Braxton but flees when confronted by armed assailants; later tries to run Brax over but is stopped by Adam Sharpe. | |
| 13–15 February | Nelson Gregory | Anthony Gee | Tamara Kingsley’s ex-boyfriend who arrives in Summer Bay searching for her; arrested following Kyle Braxton's intervention due to involvement in her brother's death. | |
| 13–21 February | Dr Padley | Nicholas Brown | Provides counseling to Sid Walker during a suspected mental health crisis; Sid voluntarily admits himself to a clinic but later leaves against medical advice. | |
| 15 February–6 October 2014 | Nina Bailey | Emmy Dougall | Engages in a romantic relationship with Jett James that encounters obstacles such as theft accusations and parental opposition; they briefly run away together before breaking up due to distance. | |
| 15 February–15 March | Tilda Hogan | Gigi Perry | School bully targeting Jett James but retreats after being confronted and embarrassed. | |
| 15 February | Olivia Fraser | Tiahn Green | Attends the Summer Bay disco where Jett James struggles to recall her name; participates in group dancing orchestrated by Liam Murphy. | |
| 18–19 February, 16 April 2015 – 31 May 2016 | Tanya Osborne | Kathryn Hartman | Visits Summer Bay concerning daughter Maddy Osborne’s health; supports Maddy through cancer treatment complications and rehabilitation; contemplates legal action against Roo Stewart before reconciling. | |
| 22–25 February | Sheldon Atkinson | Laurence Coy | Approached by Celia Stewart regarding mutual gambling addiction; initially resolves to quit but ultimately departs alone after refusing to risk Celia’s money. | |
| 28 February–1 March | Ian Harrington | Matt Dale | Reveals himself as Spencer Harrington’s father and demands custody; after confrontation and Spencer's refusal, suffers an accident prompting family visits. | |
| 13 March | Weight Lifter | Paul Davies | Gym patrons receiving instruction from Heath Braxton during his initial day working there. | |
| 'Treadmill Guy' | Rob Harys | |||
| 14 March | 'Aron Dawkin' | 'Nicholas Cooper' | 'University lecturer emphasizing preparation importance; interacts with student Dexter Walker during classes.' | |
| 14 March | 'Maureen Hogan' | 'Melanie De Ferranti' | 'Mother of Tilda Hogan who dismisses school bullying concerns and defends her daughter's conduct despite evidence.' | |
| 21 March | 'Brett Smith' | 'Oliver Edwin' | 'University peer of April Scott who misinterprets study invitation as romantic interest then quickly withdraws.' | |
| 21 March | 'Robin Sutton' | 'Phillipe Klaus' | 'Counselor meeting with Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott; initially met with resistance but eventually accepted.' | |
| 25 March–25 April | 'Steph Green' | 'Zara Michales' | 'Nurse at Northern District Hospital who befriends Dexter Walker; their relationship ends after Steph falsifies records and retaliates professionally.' | |
| 25 March | 'Jake Twomey' | 'Laurence Brewer' | 'University lecturer impressed by April Scott's advocacy skills; shares lunch after discussion.' | |
| 25 March | "Mr Andrews" | "Colin Huxley" | "Patient whose care prompts Dexter Walker to alert nurse Steph Green about discrepancies." | |
| 26 March–25 April | "Alexander Mullens" | "Louis McIntosh" | "Friend of Rosie Prichard who sexually assaults both Rosie and Bella Lugarno; evidence from Lachlan Stone leads to arrest." | |
| 26 March–9 May | "Lachlan Stone" | "Michael Windeyer" | "Friend who provides police with crucial evidence of Alexander Mullens’ assaults." | |
| 4 April–24 September | "Constable Taylor" | "Amy Scott-Smith" | "Police officer managing Rosie Prichard's assault case; later arrests Sasha Bezmel following complaint from Mullens." | |
| 24 April | "Priest" | "Bruce Glen" | "Officiates Gina Palmer's funeral." | |
| 25 April | "Mr Thompson" | "Trevor Michel" | "Diabetic patient under Steph Green's care at Northern District Hospital; Dexter Walker notices falsified observations." | |
| 30 April–1 May | "Bella Lugarno" | "Hayley Mitchelhill-Miller" | "Attends self-defense classes; confides about assault by Alexander Mullens and supports legal proceedings." | |
| 8 May | "Caleb Van Huessen" | "Miles Jovanoski" | "Courier involved in gun exchange collected by Kyle Braxton under Ricky Sharpe’s orders; exchange secretly photographed." | |
| 27 May–17 July | "Holly Chapman" | "Sacha Vivian-Riding" | "Bullies Rosie Prichard over pregnancy; develops unreciprocated feelings for Zac MacGuire resulting in false harassment claims and hospitalization." | |
| 30 May–3 June | "Henchman 1" | "James Willing" | Henchmen working for Adam Sharpe spying on Braxtons and kidnapping Tamara Kingsley; later bring Ricky Sharpe to Tamara." | |
| "Henchman 2" | "Mark Norton" | |||
| 3 June | "Joey Beresford" | "Cain Thompson" | "Associate of Adam Sharpe assigned to guard Tamara Kingsley and Ricky Sharpe; dismissed after Ricky rejects advances and escapes." | |
| 4 June | "Henchman 3" | "Dusan Durdevic" | "Accompanies Adam Sharpe during attempt to capture Ricky Sharpe at her residence." | |
| 4 June | "Mr Silver" | "Robin Queree" | "Diabetic patient treated by Sid Walker and April Scott at Northern District Hospital." | |
| 7 June | 'Kerry Doyle' | 'Clodagh Crowe' | 'Foster carer for Rosie Prichard shocked by Rosie's pregnancy resulting from assault; supports hospital visits.' | |
| 17 June | 'Nurse 1' | 'Isabel Goudie' | 'Northern District Hospital nurse informing Sid Walker about theatre readiness for Darryl Braxton’s gunshot treatment.' | |
| 25 June | 'Andrea Marlowe' | 'Ellen Bailey' | 'Journalist covering protest organized by Maddy Osborne advocating for Bianca Scott’s reinstatement as principal; article tone shifts positively.' | |
| 25 June | 'Photographer' | 'Andy Trieu' | 'Photographer covering the protest alongside Andrea Marlowe.' | |
| 8 July–29 August | 'Nurse Liz' | 'Kelly Robinson' | 'Hospital nurse caring for April Scott post-snakebite along with other patients including Pippa Saunders and Maddy Osborne.' | |
| 9 July | 'Intern' | 'Irmgard Wessels' | 'Hospital staff assisting with treatment of April Scott’s allergic reaction.' | |
| 10–11 July | 'Joanne Kingsley' | 'Pippa Grandison' | Parents of Tamara Kingsley concerned about memory loss; attempt reconciliation which Tamara declines.' | |
| 'Patrick Kingsley' | 'Jason Montgomery' | |||
| 18–22 July | 'Jerri Landale' | 'Fely Irvine' | 'Process server delivering subpoenas related to legal matters involving Darryl Braxton and Casey Braxton.' | |
| 23 July | 'Peyton Tedd' | 'Paige Houden' | 'Resident of caravan park who flirts with Casey Braxton leading him away from friends.' | |
| 25 July | 'Franco Chilvers' | 'Drayton Morley' | 'Supervisor attending principals’ event who mistakenly believes Zac MacGuire is engaged to Bianca Scott.' | |
| 30 July–9 October 2013 | 'David Morrell' | 'Charlton Hill' | 'Legal representative for Ricky Sharpe and Darryl Braxton during sentencing hearings involving serious charges.' | |
| 1 August–26 September | 'Peta Bradley' | 'Nadia Townsend' | 'Physician at Northern Districts Hospital treating key characters including Casey Braxton; promises family time off.' | |
| 12 August | 'Hotel Maitre d
' | 'Nick Mitchell' 'Denies reservation request from Kyle Braxton and party at Melbourne restaurant.' |
|||
| 13 August–20 March 2014 | 'Jess Lockwood'
'Georgia Chara' 'Barmaid in Melbourne nightclub involved in one-night stand with Heath Braxton; later reveals pregnancy complicated by terminal cancer before passing.' |
|||
| 13 August
'Paris Wells' 'Herself' 'Performs live at Melbourne nightclub visited by Kyle Braxton and brothers.' |
||||
| 10 September–29 October
'Murray Granger' 'Christopher Stollery' 'Leader of Sanctuary Lodge cult conflicting with locals including Zac MacGuire and Spencer Harrington; arrested following incriminating evidence.' |
||||
| 16 September
'Physio 1' 'Brett Clancy' rowspan=2 "| Physiotherapists treating Casey Braxton’s spinal injuries at Northern District Hospital." |
||||
| 'Physio 2' | 'Bronwyn Chilvers' |
References
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 on the Internet Movie Database
- Spencer Harrington profile on the Official Australian Home and Away website