Eve Smith
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television program |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is a catalog of characters introduced in the year 2000, listed according to their debut. All were brought into the show under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes. The series' thirteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 31 January 2000. The initial new character was Leah Poulos, portrayed by Ada Nicodemou, who appeared in March. In May, Spencer McLaren joined the cast as Kieran Fletcher, who became a romantic interest for the established character Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). June marked the introduction of the Sutherland family: Rhys, Shelley, and their daughters Dani, Kirsty, and Jade. Also arriving was Rowena Wallace portraying June, mother to existing character Harry Reynolds. In July, Susie Rugg made her debut as Brodie Hanson. September saw the addition of Beau Brady as Noah Lawson, with Ben Steel joining in October as Noah's elder brother, Jude.
Leah Poulos
Leah Poulos, played by Ada Nicodemou, made her first appearance on 22 March 2000. Producers invited Nicodemou to join for an initial six-month contract, beginning filming in November 1999, which was subsequently extended. According to Yahoo!7, Leah is depicted as "a single mother with a strong work ethic who stands up for what she believes in," emphasizing her confidence, relaxed demeanor, and spirited nature. Nicodemou’s performance earned her several award nominations, including the esteemed Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television at the 2001, 2002, and 2006 Logie Awards. She also received nominations for "Most Popular Actress" in 2002 and 2006, won "Best Actress" at the 2009 Inside Soap Awards, and was nominated for "Best Daytime Star" in both 2010 and 2011.
Kieran Fletcher
Kieran Fletcher, enacted by Spencer McLaren, debuted on 10 May 2000 and departed on 15 June 2000. This part was among McLaren's earliest roles following his graduation from the NIDA in 1999.
Kieran encounters Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) during an archaeological expedition in Ireland. They return together to Summer Bay and announce their engagement, surprising Sally’s circle of friends. Kieran makes advances toward Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper), who rejects him and threatens to reveal his conduct. Kieran dismisses her accusations, citing her questionable reputation. On their wedding day, Gypsy interrupts the ceremony by accusing Kieran of inappropriate behavior. Although initially doubtful, Sally becomes convinced after confirmation from both Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) and Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood) who witnessed Kieran’s actions. The wedding is subsequently canceled, and Sally's foster brother, Steven Matheson (Adam Willits), confronts and physically assaults Kieran before he leaves.
Jade Sutherland
Jade Sutherland, portrayed by Kate Garven, first appeared on-screen on 19 June 2000. This role marked Garven’s debut in television acting. She described her experience working on Home and Away positively and appreciated the strong connection she shared with her on-screen family.
Jade is portrayed as the more "reserved" and "dreamy" member among the Sutherland sisters; she is an avid reader who often assists those facing difficulties. Having a history of asthma, her family regards her as "delicate," yet she possesses a resilience "stronger than many realize." Garven characterized Jade as a "kind person and a very sweet girl." A significant storyline involved Jade and Kirsty claiming to share a telepathic connection, which was later disproved when it was revealed they were not related—a plot twist that received mixed reviews, with some critics deeming it unrealistic.
Dani Sutherland
Dani Sutherland, brought to life by Tammin Sursok, made her first appearance on 19 June 2000. Sursok landed the role in 1999 and described the opportunity as "incredible." After dedicating four years to Home and Away, she chose to leave in order to focus on her music career and explore other acting ventures, mentioning dissatisfaction with the show's producers as a motivating factor. She valued that her character’s departure was handled without any negative repercussions. For her portrayal of Dani, Sursok earned the Most Popular New Female Talent Logie Award in 2001 and received a nomination for Most Popular Actress in 2004. Critics characterized Dani as "unlucky in love" and a determined "go-getter," emphasizing her energetic presence within the show.
Kirsty Sutherland
Kirsty Sutherland, played by Christie Hayes, also debuted on 19 June 2000. Hayes was cast at the age of thirteen and made a return to the series in 2008, describing the experience as "coming home" despite changes in the production. She exited once more in 2009, completing her final scenes in August, stating that the timing felt appropriate while expressing contentment with her comeback period.
The Armidale Express recognized Kirsty’s relationship with Kane as one of Home and Away's most memorable and contentious romances. The soap opera website Holy Soap remarked that her final episode was emotionally charged and referred to her wedding to Kane as "bizarre" due to its double wedding format, noting that the couple had initially preferred a private ceremony.
Rhys Sutherland
Rhys Sutherland, portrayed by Michael Beckley, was introduced on 19 June 2000. With twenty years of theatre experience behind him, Beckley sought television work for added stability. Rhys is the patriarch of the five-member Sutherland family who take over management of the Summer Bay Caravan Park. A former footballer, Rhys is recognized for his fiery temper. Beckley valued that the family had no prior connections with existing characters, which allowed fresh narrative opportunities.
Shelley Sutherland
Shelley Sutherland, enacted by Paula Forrest, first appeared on-screen on 19 June 2000. Shelley and her husband Rhys jointly oversee operations at the local Caravan Park. Given Rhys’s often volatile temperament, Shelley frequently acts as a peacemaker to sustain balance within their household. The character made sporadic returns in 2003 and 2004, including a brief reappearance in 2009 to support her on-screen daughter Kirsty’s departure.
June Reynolds
June Reynolds, played by Rowena Wallace, featured from 29 June 2000 until 28 February 2003. As mother to Harry Reynolds (Justin Melvey), June arrives in Summer Bay to stay with Harry and his landlord Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn). Her straightforward manner initially creates tension but she remains after encouragement from Donald, who admires her writing skills. Conflict arises concerning her autobiography's depiction of Harry's deceased father, Frank, but they eventually reconcile.
June returns when Harry decides to leave Summer Bay; they depart together for the Whitsundays. During later visits, June rekindles her relationship with Donald and assists with community activities such as the school's Rock Eisteddfod. She faces wrongful accusations of theft linked to kleptomania but is ultimately exonerated, although hurt by doubts cast on her integrity. On Donald's final day as principal, June surprises him by returning; they leave for the Whitsundays and later marry. By 2007, Donald confirms that they have since divorced.
Brodie Hanson
Brodie Hanson, enacted by Susie Rugg, made her first appearance on 20 July 2000. In 2004, Andrew Fraser from Inside Soap disclosed that Brodie's comeback would feature a "fiery love triangle" alongside a significant car accident. Conversely, Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued the car crash storyline as mainly targeting "dedicated fans," describing the narrative as "uninspiring" with "awkward" music, acting, and script. They remarked that stacking melodramatic elements without enriching characters leads to shallow storytelling.
Noah Lawson
Noah Lawson, portrayed by Beau Brady, first appeared on 6 September 2000. Jacqueline Maley of The Sydney Morning Herald characterized Noah as a "rebel" figure. Brady received a Logie nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" in 2001 and was consecutively nominated for the Silver Logie for "Most Popular Actor" from 2003 through 2005. The episode centering on Noah's funeral earned writer Louise Crane-Bowes an Australian Writers Guild award in 2005, while another installment featuring Noah’s ghost bidding farewell to Hayley gained a nomination that same year.
Jude Lawson
Jude Lawson, brought to life by Ben Steel, debuted on 30 October 2000 and departed on 12 September 2002. Steel was nominated for the "Best New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2001 for his portrayal.
Others
rowspan="2"|19 July rowspan="2"| Parents of Sarah Mackay; attend dedication of drop-in center named after their daughter. rowspan="2"|27–28 July| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–16 February | Liang | Merci Chambers | Liang is a Chinese refugee who secretly stays at the Bayside diner. Following a typhoid scare, she is hospitalized due to malaria and subsequently repatriated to China. |
| 16 February – 11 March 2003 | Debbie Smart | Kelly Butler | Debbie, married to Lance Smart, arrives in Summer Bay, reconciles with her mother-in-law Colleen, reveals her pregnancy, and later returns with Lance to visit family and address marital matters. |
| 22 February, 25–26 May | Eve Smith | Alex Jones (flashback) Robyn Gibbes |
Former spouse of Ken Smith and mother to Will, Hayley, and Nick; she escapes from a mental institution, confronts foster mother Irene Roberts, and is eventually readmitted into care. |
| 25 February – 10 March | Curt Bacon | Rohan Michael | Theatre director involved with Justine Welles; exposed for inappropriate conduct during rehearsals. |
| 8–24 March | Brian Rogers | Gerry Tacovsky | Father of Claire Rogers. |
| 13 March | Ron Nicholas | Wayne Cull | Father of Charlie Nicholas; organizes a boat for Charlie's party. |
| 14–31 March | Charlie Nicholas | Toby Schmitz | Initiates a relationship with Gypsy Nash; dies following a vehicular accident at a party. |
| 14 March – 14 September | Kirsten | Christa Nicola | Charlie’s former girlfriend who stalks Gypsy Nash after Charlie’s death; flees when pursued by authorities. |
| 24 March – 21 April | Glenn Tanner | Craig Elliot | Natalie's ex-lover and father of her child; departs after being rejected. |
| 24 March – 19 January 2001 | Ted Simos | Harry Pavlidis | Leah Poulos' former fiancé who unsuccessfully attempts reconciliation. |
| 31 March – 3 April | Philip Grigg | Barry Quinn | Surgeon who tries but fails to save Charlie Nicholas following his accident. |
| 13 April – 11 May | Gilly Austen | Sarah Aubrey | British tourist who deceives Tom Nash with a fabricated engagement to gain citizenship; relationship ends once truth emerges. |
| 21 April – 26 February 2009 | Theo Poulos | Silvio Ofria | Father to Leah Poulos and siblings; attempts to influence family decisions; offers financial incentives to disrupt Leah’s relationship but ultimately supports her marriage. |
| 27 April | Rod Branson | Russell Newman | Step-father of Mitch McColl. |
| 27 April | Mrs Branson | Lynne Porteous | Wife of Rod Branson. |
| 2–11 May | Rory | Justin Cotta | Gilly Austen's boyfriend. |
| 17–24 May | Kate O'Connor | Kris McQuade | Shauna Bradley's adoptive aunt; exerts pressure on Ailsa Stewart concerning Shauna's origins. |
| 18–19 May | Pongo | Putu Winchester | Sam Marshall’s friend from the professional surfing scene. |
| 18–19 May | Daniel Roxburgh | Michael Jenkinson | Another acquaintance from Sam Marshall’s surfing circle. |
| 1–2 June | Margaret Bradley | Sonja Tallis | Adoptive mother of Shauna Bradley. |
| 5 June – 30 March 2001 | Janice Angelo | Clarissa House | Worker for the Department of Childcare Services engaged in community support and child welfare cases in Summer Bay. |
| 5 June – 26 February 2009 | Chris Poulos | Alex Blias | Older brother of Leah Poulos. |
| 5 June – 18 January 2001 | Sandy King | Renee Hodson | Pregnant woman supported by the community; develops relationship with Sam Marshall; escapes an abusive ex-partner Warren with Sam’s aid. |
| 14 June – 11 October | Luke Harvey | Nick Flint | Close friend and best man to Kieran Fletcher; supports Sally Fletcher through difficult times; engagement ends due to uncertainties. |
| 15 June | Father MacKenzie | Michael Burgess | Conducts Sally Fletcher and Kieran Fletcher’s wedding ceremony. |
| 23 June | Edward Dunglass Snr. | Peter Sumner | Appears posthumously via videotape revealing Huntington’s Disease diagnosis to son Edward Dunglass. |
| 28–30 June | Kel | Ben Tate | Dani Sutherland's boyfriend exhibiting controlling tendencies; intervention prevents escalation. |
| 28 June | Jack Nash | John Grant | Deceased father of Joel and Travis Nash; appears in flashbacks. |
| 5 July | Mrs. Trent | Lois Ramsey | Former neighbor of Ailsa Stewart from Melbourne visiting Summer Bay. |
| 6–28 July | Tasha Mills | Georgie Shew | Dani Sutherland’s friend involved in conflict with Will Smith; sustains injury due to rigorous training imposed by her father Gerry Mills. |
| 17–25 July | Rhonda Davies | Lynda Stoner | Engages in an affair with Les Smart leading to their departure from Summer Bay. |
| Roger Mackay | Paul Wilson | ||
| Lisa Mackay | Laura Keneally | ||
| 'Gerry Mills' | 'Robert Noble' | 'Father of Tasha Mills.' | |
| 'Gavin Campbell' | 'Kim De Lury' | 'Journalist pursuing Shauna Bradley; involved in complex relationships culminating in his death during mudslide rescue.' | |
| 'Alicia Campbell' | 'Caroline Brazier' | 'Gavin’s unhappy wife whose death initially arouses suspicion but is later clarified.' | |
| 'Trisha Campbell' | 'Laura Peck' | 'Daughter of Gavin and Alicia Campbell.' | |
| 'Jan Hanson' | 'Genevieve Sulway' | 'Mother of Brodie Hanson and JT; exhibits volatile behavior affecting Brodie’s foster family.' | |
| 'Stefan Hubert' | 'Damen Stephenson' | 'Restaurant owner employing Leah Patterson-Baker; revealed as gay.' | |
| 'Mel Davies' | 'Chris Scott' | 'Partner of Stefan Hubert.' | |
| 'Connor Nash' | 'Connor Smith et al.' | 'Natalie Nash’s newborn son brought into Summer Bay during family crisis.' | |
| 'JT Hanson' | 'Luke Ford' | 'Brother of Brodie Hanson involved in criminal activities and community conflicts.' | |
| 'Bella Rose King' | 'Kelly Longhitano et al.' | 'Newborn daughter of Sandy King and Warren.' | |
| 'George' | 'Keith Holloway' | 'Neighbor opposing property development plans affecting Irene Roberts.' | |
| 'Dennis Scott' | 'Alistair Barnes' | 'Representative for property developers applying pressure on local residents causing community backlash.' | |
| 'Warren' | 'Jamie Happell' | 'Sandy King’s abusive ex-partner and father of Bella Rose King.' | |
| 'Eileen Van Der Horst' | 'Uncredited' | 'Publisher responsible for Donald Fisher’s book "Letter to Byron".' |