Gareth Westwood

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television, Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
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. The following section outlines the characters introduced during 2006, all of whom were brought into the storyline by series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's nineteenth season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Amy Mathews made her first appearance as Rachel Armstrong in the season's opening episode. In February, Jessica Tovey joined the cast portraying Belle Taylor. April saw the arrival of Sam North as Dom Moran, alongside Rodger Corser and Trent Baines who took on the roles of Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. July introduced Bobby Morley as Drew Curtis and Chris Sadrinna as Rachel’s brother Brad Armstrong. In October, Jessica Chapnik was cast as Sam Tolhurst, accompanied by her on-screen son Rory Tolhurst, along with the Cooper siblings Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, played by Amy Mathews, first appeared on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, leading to the exit of her character along with her television husband Tony Holden. Rachel is characterized by her sharp intuition, intellectual acuity, strong independence, and deeply held principles, complemented by a romantic disposition. Mathews described Rachel as an outgoing individual with a lively personality and considerable inner strength. For her portrayal, Mathews earned the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and received nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel’s most impactful story arcs involved her being taken hostage by the Believers cult, who compelled her to deliver Tasha's child.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, portrayed by Jessica Tovey, made her debut on 3 February 2006. Significant storylines for Belle included uncovering the identity of her birth mother, struggling with drug addiction, developing a relationship with Aden Jefferies, and confronting a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the show in 2009, resulting in Belle’s character being written out through death; her final episode aired on 11 August 2009. Joining Home and Away at eighteen years old, this role marked Tovey’s television debut.

RTÉ described Belle as a "cheeky, extroverted young girl" who wrestled with insecurities stemming from an upbringing marked by strictness and control, yearning for parental affection she never received. Her conservative family was taken aback by her rejection of their values and her association with a different social circle.

Tovey garnered several award nominations for this role: including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards, "Most Popular Actress" in 2010, and multiple nods at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, such as "Sexiest Female." In 2009, she was recognized with nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" related to Belle’s battle with drug addiction. The wedding between Belle and Aden earned a nomination in the Bride and Doom category at All About Soap magazine awards in 2010. Additionally, Belle’s funeral episode was shortlisted for an Australian Writer's Guild Award that same year.

Virgin Media listed Belle and Aden among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while fans voted them as "Home and Away's Hottest Couple" in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, was featured from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors, Dom engages in hazardous pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), resulting in Ric being harmed twice—once through exposure to battery acid and later due to a defective jack that nearly causes serious injury. Dom also antagonizes Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), sparking several confrontations. Ray ultimately dismisses Dom, considering him too risky to keep on.

When Dom returns the following year, he provides Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components for drag racing, involving local criminal Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A drag race ends tragically with Lisa Duffy (Jessica McNamee) losing her life. To prevent Drew’s arrest for theft, Dom destroys Drew’s vehicle by fire but demands a kiss from Belle in exchange for assistance in clearing Drew’s name. After confessing his actions, Dom is incarcerated.

Following his release, Dom abducts Belle but is stopped by Drew and Ray. Later, he collapses at the diner and requires emergency surgery. Although Belle declares love to encourage his recovery, she admits it was a deception. With support from physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), Dom resumes pursuing Belle. He takes a job at the diner and mocks Drew's academic struggles. To separate Dom from Belle, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange an interview for him at a city restaurant; however, Dom deliberately ruins the opportunity before departing, promising to return.

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

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, appeared between 5 April 2006 and 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with Home and Away cast members in Coogee, leading to speculation about a potential comeback since his character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former lover of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). He asks Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) out on a date, which she declines. Subsequently, Hugh develops romantic feelings for Rachel, who is married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth), becoming her confidant amid marital issues. He attempts to move forward by dating Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), but their date proves uncomfortable. After Rachel drunkenly admits her feelings for him, Hugh moves out and shares accommodation with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

During a night out, Hugh meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but reveals he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him about his feelings; after she temporarily leaves Kim, they share a kiss. Hugh receives a job offer in Johannesburg and demands Rachel choose between him and her current partner. Following her hesitation, he departs for South Africa. Months later, Hugh emails Rachel, now engaged to Tony Holden (Jon Sivewright), but she refuses to meet him.

Inside Soap readers favored Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with 57% supporting him.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, made his first appearance on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

Macca’s narrative primarily explores his tumultuous relationship with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson) and his ongoing pattern of domestic violence. Baines underscored the importance of addressing this social issue, encouraging victims to seek assistance and recognizing the intricacies involved in abusive behavior that defy straightforward explanations.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca quickly becomes part of the community through Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), who introduces him as her sibling. He forms a friendship with Cassie, helping her with boxing training, although Martha remains skeptical about his reliability due to his history. When offered a courier position, Macca departs, assuring he will keep their long-distance relationship alive. He returns sooner than expected and rents an apartment above the Beachside Diner but faces difficulties managing work stress, which leads to substance abuse. Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) confronts him; although Macca initially discards the drugs, he eventually relapses. Cassie uncovers his drug use and challenges him, resulting in her suffering abuse. His jealousy intensifies the violence, causing harm to Cassie.

After Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) intervenes, Macca turns himself in to authorities and seeks treatment. Although barred from attending Martha’s wedding, he arrives amid an explosion and rescues injured guests but becomes trapped under debris. Cassie supports him until he is transferred to hospital care. Later, he leaves the hospital prematurely to assist in searching for missing friends following a helicopter crash, saving Ric despite sustaining injuries himself before departing once everyone is found.

Several months later, Macca returns claiming he has completed counseling. He resumes a secret relationship with Cassie despite her reconciliation with Ric, provoking a confrontation where Ric assaults him. After being evicted from the caravan park, Macca moves in with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley), who makes unwanted advances that he rejects. Offered a desk role in the city by his employer, Macca plans to relocate with Cassie despite Sally’s objections. The relocation fails when Cassie returns due to emergencies involving Sally and Ric; Macca assaults her again before surrendering himself to police.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, first appeared on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining the cast, Morley was known for his role in Angels with Dirty Faces and was selected by Home and Away casting directors despite being older than the character’s age. Morley relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming and initially found the rapid production pace demanding. He departed the series at the conclusion of 2007. Morley later reflected on feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent scenes requiring him to be shirtless. According to the official Home and Away website, Drew is characterized as "brooding" with a "chip on his shoulder the size of Queensland."

Morley’s portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards of 2007. Critics described Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," emphasizing his strong appeal among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, played by Chris Sadrinna, was featured on the show from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. He was introduced as a comforting presence for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following the passing of her husband, Flynn Saunders. Brad’s narrative encompassed significant personal losses, including the death of his mother Elaine and his wife, Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond), who succumbed to leukaemia.

Following his mother's death, Brad arrives in Summer Bay to support his sister Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) through her grief, while simultaneously fulfilling his responsibilities as principal of Summer Bay High. His bond with Sally strengthens after Emily's passing, leading to an engagement that ultimately ends when Sally calls off the wedding. Brad encounters multiple challenges, such as clashes with students like Rocco Cooper and disciplinary problems that result in his suspension from the principal position.

A major storyline centers on Brad and Rachel uncovering their father Robert Armstrong's affair, which resulted in a half-sister named Tamsyn. They face difficulties managing Tamsyn’s behavioral issues while trying to provide care. These family complications affect Brad’s professional prospects, including the loss of a teaching role at Yabbie Creek High. Eventually, Brad opts to move to Tasmania and invites Heather and Tamsyn to accompany him.

Brad’s journey highlights themes of endurance and intricate family ties, playing a pivotal role in several dramatic plotlines throughout the series. For his portrayal, Sadrinna earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. Additionally, he and Ritchie were nominated for Best Couple. The episode where Brad is left at the altar won an Australian Writers Guild award in 2008, while the narrative involving Brad being lost at sea received a nomination for Best Single Episode at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, portrayed by Ian Meadows, appeared from 11 October 2006 to 6 February 2007. He transfers to Summer Bay High with encouragement from Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), despite resistance from principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) due to Rocco’s involvement with a gang. Sally champions giving Rocco a fresh start, and he demonstrates commitment through diligent effort. Upon discovering Rocco’s unstable living conditions, she offers him accommodation.

Rocco faces pressure from his elder brother, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), who insists he remain engaged in gang-related activities and threatens him with death should he try to leave. After initially providing Johnny with an alibi for criminal offenses, Rocco ultimately betrays him by informing authorities about a staged Credit Union robbery. Johnny then commands Rocco to murder Sally or face fatal consequences; under coercion, Rocco stabs her, though she survives the attack. Following further threats from Johnny, Rocco seeks protection but is later discovered severely assaulted and eventually dies after spending several days in a coma. His death prompts legal action against others involved; Ric Dalby is initially arrested but later exonerated when Johnny's culpability is uncovered.

The plotline involving Rocco stabbing Sally received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, made her first appearance on 17 October 2006. Chapnik was cast unexpectedly and departed the series in 2008 to explore career opportunities in the United States. Sam is depicted as a deeply troubled individual, burdened with self-hatred and misfortune, rendering her downfall unavoidable and her behavior challenging to defend. Her chaotic influence brought considerable upheaval to Summer Bay, with media outlets labeling her a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, featured on the show from 19 October until 25 March 2008. Mulvey received nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) was introduced on 20 October 2006 and exited on 14 April 2008. The role was initially filled by Ed Willis, with Jack Rickard assuming it in 2007.

Rory enters the storyline via his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden, one of her patients. The trio forms a household, during which Rory develops a strong bond with Jack. After Sam is abducted, Rory sets out to locate her but is intercepted by Jack’s father, Tony Holden. Once Sam is recovered, she and Rory leave Summer Bay.

The family returns following Sam’s ankle injury; however, Rory is soon kidnapped by his biological father Shane Deeks, who has escaped prison alongside an accomplice. A police operation culminates in Shane’s death; Rory is found safe and begins to regard Jack as his paternal figure.

An academically gifted student, Rory skips directly to Year 7 at Summer Bay High but becomes a target of bullying. Aden Jefferies steps in to protect him in exchange for Rory tampering with school election results, which leads to detention when uncovered. During a school excursion, Rory and Annie Campbell become lost but are eventually rescued.

Rory is overjoyed when Jack and Sam announce their engagement, though he struggles to contain his enthusiasm. He authors an exceptionally graded essay about Jack but later causes trouble by stealing Jack’s firearm and nearly discharging it. After Martha MacKenzie advises against the marriage, Rory acts out but ultimately gives Sam away at their wedding.

The family’s stability shatters when Johnny Cooper assaults Sam. She takes Rory to live with her sister Britt Grey before succumbing weeks later. Rory holds Jack responsible and insists he stay away from the funeral.

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

Additional Characters

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Former member of The Believers cult led by Mumma Rose. Robbie Hunter locates her to warn wife Tasha; Rebecca is kidnapped but later aids Tasha and Jonah's escape, contacts police, then vanishes.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong, attempting blackmail over a patient relationship. Rachel rejects him; CEO Geoff Olivetti is informed.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart's fraud trial; delivers a guilty verdict resulting in nine months imprisonment.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Police prosecutor involved in Alf Stewart's case; advises Angelo Rosetta on legal matters; present during trials for Casey Braxton's arson and Sasha Bezmel's murder.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital; oversees inquiries involving Brian Helpman and nurse James Dalton; present during malpractice proceedings against Rachel Armstrong.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; arrives as Regional Director of Emergency Services; pressures Rachel for testimony related to lawsuit but is rejected and sent away.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Owner of garage and employer of Ric Dalby; involved in workplace incidents including negligence by nephew Dom Moran; dismisses Dom after dangerous conduct; lays off Ric as part of scheme forcing illegal fighting.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong; suffers amnesia from past car accident caused by Robert Armstrong; dies from injuries sustained in gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman under Rachel Armstrong’s care; dies from cardiac arrest following medication error by grandson Charlie McKinnon.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially antagonistic, grows attached to Rachel and Kim Hyde; involved in incidents leading to Doris McKinnon's death; holds Rachel hostage before being institutionalized.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe; considers adoption but later reclaims child and departs Summer Bay.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Police detective assisting stalking investigation; revealed as accomplice to stalker Eve Jacobsen; killed in gas explosion at wedding event.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale's mother claiming cancer diagnosis; involved in family secrets about Belle Taylor’s adoption; coerced into silence with $80,000 payment.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable at Yabbie Creek station; participates in framing Drew Curtis under blackmail; charged with arson and bribery.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Belle Taylor's adoptive father; extorts Kitty Landsdowne threatening to expose family secrets; rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot involved in crash stranding key characters en route to burns unit; acts as mediator during crisis.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher at Summer Bay High who impregnates student Lee Morton; pressures for abortion then arrested after kidnapping attempt fails.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Friend of Colleen Smart participating in local aerobics classes and bowls competitions.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Surf club gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault seeking attention; allegations create community tension before being withdrawn.
3–28 August	"Mel Harris'"	"Sara Zwangobani"	"Counsellor at troubled teens camp aiding Matilda Hunter with bulimia treatment; survives attack by fellow attendee Vanessa Covacs."	"-	3 August–27 September	"Dean Silverman'"	"Gary Brun"	"Troubled youth forming relationship with Matilda Hunter; falsely accused of arson; reveals partnership with Gareth Westwood before leaving Summer Bay."	"-	3–10 August	"Vanessa Covacs'"	"Emma Terracini"	"Angry troubled teen attending camp with Matilda Hunter and Dean Silverman; attempts suicide and transferred for specialized care."

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
18–23 August	Hal Enpace	Leigh Scully	-	LawrenceTemplate:Anchor Lawrence	Uncredited	-	21 August–15 September	Emily ArmstrongTemplate:Anchor Emily Armstrong	Libby Richmond	-	21 August–5 September	Gordon O'NeillTemplate:Anchor Gordon O'Neill	Andrew Tighe	-	21 August–10 October	Ella HunterTemplate:Anchor Ella Hunter	Zoe Littler, Indya Bottomsley, Paris Steen, Matina Commes, Toby Wormer, Jack Thompson	-	Gareth WestwoodTemplate:Anchor Gareth Westwood	Benjamin Ronczka	-	Grace CarterTemplate:Anchor Grace Carter	Elaine Smith	-	Dennis GillenTemplate:Anchor Dennis Gillen	Danny Adcock	-	Ash NaderTemplate:Anchor Ash Nader	Ben Geurens	-	Rianna NaderTemplate:Anchor Rianna Nader	Lotte St. Claire	-	Declan NaderTemplate:Anchor Declan Nader	Jack Concoran	-	Jessica NaderTemplate:Anchor Jessica Nader	Amy Baran	-	30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	Joe MortonTemplate:Anchor Joe Morton	Declan Ransley, Justin Martin, Olivia Barclay, Sayer Long, Rafferty Grierson, Cooper Brittian, Henry Lucas, Marley Cooke	-	Dane SmithTemplate:Anchor Dane Smith	Cody Kaye	-	27 November–	ReverendTemplate:Anchor Reverend	Peter Flett	-

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
• Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database