Grace Morgan (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television soap opera |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| 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 2019, listed according to their initial appearances. All new additions were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series’ 32nd season commenced on 18 February 2019. In June, Mackenzie Booth was introduced alongside Ian and Wendy Shaw. August saw the arrival of Alex Neilson and Teresa Masterson. Later, Jade Lennox debuted in October, followed by Ari Parata in November.
Mackenzie Booth
Mackenzie Booth, played by Emily Weir, made her first appearance on 13 June 2019. Reports of Weir’s casting emerged months earlier after photographers captured her filming at Palm Beach. A Soap World journalist speculated on the character’s identity and her connection as Dean Thompson’s (Patrick O'Connor) half-sister. Official confirmation was released on 10 June. Weir revealed she found out about landing the role during another audition, describing it as a "dream come true."
Mackenzie takes over as the proprietor of Summer Bay’s restaurant, Salt. Weir characterized her as "fierce, independent, and intelligent," with an enigmatic reason behind relocating to the Bay. New Idea noted Mackenzie’s "fiery" personality and hinted at deeper mysteries beyond her restaurant acquisition. On 20 June, it was officially disclosed that Mackenzie is Dean’s half-sibling.
Ian and Wendy Shaw
Ian Shaw, portrayed by Frankie J. Holden, and Wendy Shaw, played by Amanda Muggleton, both debuted on 27 June 2019. Holden humorously remarked that his casting felt natural, joking it stemmed from his prior role as a farmer on A Place to Call Home. Muggleton expressed excitement about joining the seasoned and professional team behind Home and Away after waiting thirty years for such an opportunity. Ian and Wendy are parents to Robbo (Jake Ryan), who introduces his fiancée Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) to them at their family farm. Wendy is protective and initially disapproves of Jasmine marrying Robbo; Ian shares this concern and encourages Robbo to come back to the farm.
When Robbo brings Jasmine home, his parents question her involvement with him, especially considering a child he shares with Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). Ian suspects Robbo may have been misled about fatherhood. After discussing their worries, Wendy and Ian eventually accept Jasmine and offer their hospitality but miss the wedding due to car troubles.
Several months later, Ian and Wendy visit Summer Bay to meet their granddaughter Grace Morgan. They press Robbo and Jasmine to move back to the farm so Grace can be raised there. Jasmine resists applying pressure, but Robbo agrees to their wishes. However, when Tori awakens from a coma, they reconsider this plan. Following Robbo's passing, Ian and Wendy return for his funeral; Ian delivers a eulogy while Wendy provides support to family and friends. They invite Jasmine to visit the farm anytime before departing after expressing gratitude to the community for caring for their son.
Wendy comes back after learning from Jasmine that she is expecting but soon realizes it was a phantom pregnancy linked to grief over Robbo's death. She offers comfort to Jasmine, advising her to focus on Grace before returning home. Weeks later, Jasmine stays at the farm without explaining why she left Summer Bay. Friends Irene Roberts and Colby Thorne inform Ian and Wendy about Jasmine’s troubling conduct towards Grace and Tori. The Shaws encourage Jasmine to seek help but clarify she cannot remain permanently due to legal custody restrictions concerning Grace. Jasmine agrees to return to Summer Bay. After Wendy suffers a heart attack, Jasmine returns to assist on the farm and decides to stay indefinitely.
Alex Neilson
Alex Neilson, brought to life by Zoe Ventoura, made her first appearance on 22 August 2019. Ventoura's involvement was revealed in April 2019, shortly after production commenced. At the time residing in Los Angeles, she was attracted to the role because of the character's assertive, dynamic, and intriguing qualities alongside the envisioned narrative.
Alex arrives as the new physician and emergency department lead at Summer Bay, temporarily replacing Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) during her maternity leave. Having previously portrayed a nurse on Packed to the Rafters, Ventoura welcomed the opportunity to take on a doctor's role, despite initial apprehension regarding medical jargon. Her introductory scenes featured managing an intense trauma case, highlighting Alex’s composure in high-pressure situations. Characterized as a multifaceted individual with a complicated history, Alex was also suggested to be part of a romantic subplot during her storyline.
On her inaugural day overseeing Northern Districts Hospital’s ED, Alex attends to a torture victim connected to the Ouroboros gang and raises concerns about nurse Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost)’s safety, who requires escort by an AFP officer. She upholds duty of care protocols while developing connections with colleagues such as Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), who offers personal training sessions to her. Alex treats Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) for epilepsy and shares her own seizure experiences to encourage alternative treatment approaches. Employing hypnotherapy, she assists Jasmine's husband Robbo (Jake Ryan) in recovering suppressed memories, despite encountering a violent reaction during the process.
Alex supports Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger) after discovering his unauthorized CBD oil trial involving Raffy and later reveals her sexuality when Mason flirts with her. Her friendship with Willow grows stronger through their training sessions, culminating in a kiss that underscores their deepening relationship. Moreover, Alex arranges a medicinal marijuana trial for Raffy and treats shooting victim Scott Larkin (Trent Baines), affirming her essential position within both the hospital and local community.
Teresa Masterson
Teresa Masterson, played by Simone McAullay, first appeared on 28 August 2019. McAullay, who had previously guest-starred in the series in 2007, accepted this role due to the character’s layered nature. Teresa is an activist involved with a victims support group affiliated with Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).
Teresa films a testimony about her sexual assault for Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou)’s blog, standing by Irene throughout her trial for assaulting Tommy O'Reilly (Adam Sollis). She organizes a demonstration outside the courthouse and suggests engaging with media to increase public awareness; however, Irene declines because of legal risks. Teresa persists in advocating for Irene, particularly after Tommy initiates a civil lawsuit, proposing campaigns aimed at publicly shaming him.
Cautioning Irene against placing trust in Leah, Teresa urges decisive measures as Tommy might escape accountability. Following one protest, Teresa appears bloodied at the pier and admits to fatally stabbing Tommy at his rehab facility in an effort to protect Irene and other survivors. While Irene and Leah do not support her extreme actions, Teresa remains resolute and expresses no remorse for what she has done.
Jade Lennox
Jade Lennox, played by Mia Morrissey, made her first appearance on 22 October 2019. Morrissey, who had long hoped to join the series, sought to break conventional beauty norms by portraying a character with a curvier, healthy physique. Jade entered the storyline as a backpacker and romantic competitor to Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman), sparking conflict by flirting with Ziggy’s boyfriend Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) during surf lessons.
Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) developed feelings for Jade and assisted her in obtaining employment at the local eatery Salt. Morrissey described Jade as someone who thrives on attention and easily navigates romantic relationships. Her plotline involved exploiting Ryder’s affection, including stealing money from Salt and framing Ryder after a private sex tape was leaked online. Consequently, Ryder faced police charges while Jade manipulated others into believing he was responsible.
Jade briefly connected with Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo), but her deception was uncovered when Nikau found her recording device and showed it to Ryder. This led to a public confrontation at a wedding where Jade’s dishonesty was revealed, prompting Ryder and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) to demand she leave Summer Bay or face legal consequences. Jade departed on 6 February 2020, concluding her storyline characterized by manipulation and betrayal.
Ari Parata
Ari Parata, portrayed by Rob Kipa-Williams, debuted on 27 November 2019. Before joining the show, Kipa-Williams had been training for a career in insurance sales and contemplated leaving acting. He signed a three-year contract and began filming in June 2019. Ari is depicted as the patriarch of a Māori family from New Zealand, with Ethan Browne and Kawakawa Fox-Reo playing his brother Tane Parata and nephew Nikau Parata, respectively. Ari features prominently in the dramatic 2019 season finale involving a hostage crisis at the local hospital after injuring himself on a construction site. Kipa-Williams emphasized Ari’s protective instincts toward his family and his experience with dangerous situations. After the episode aired, he confirmed Ari’s full name as Ariki Wiremu Parata and reaffirmed his New Zealand heritage and strong family loyalty.
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 February | Unlucky Driver | Mark Duncan | Vehicle taken over by Constable Colby Thorne and Dean Thompson following a flat tire. | |||||||||
| 19 February | Ambo | Elouise Eftos | Transports Willow Harris to Northern Districts Hospital after she sustains a gunshot wound. | |||||||||
| 7 March | Imogen | Caroline Oayda | School student who taunts Bella Nixon and Raffy Morrison; informs Maggie Astoni that Bella has left class. | |||||||||
| 11 March | Mutt | Timothy Parsons | Friend of Dean Thompson who supplies him with sleeping pills. | |||||||||
| 14 March | River Boy | Uncredited | Sells marijuana to Ryder Jackson. | |||||||||
| 27 March | Overdose Patient | Alex Jewson | Receives treatment for suspected overdose; becomes agitated and assaults medical staff. | |||||||||
| 3 April | Army Officer | Mitchell Why | Notifies Marilyn Chambers and John Palmer about their son Jett Palmer’s critical injury in Afghanistan. | |||||||||
| 3–4 April | Army Chaplain Wilson | Kirk Page | Provides updates regarding Jett Palmer’s surgery and condition following an explosion. | |||||||||
| 29 April, 13 June | Radiographer | Kate Fraser | Performs pregnancy scans for Tori Morgan confirming normal fetal development. | |||||||||
| 2 May | Colonel Kate Porter | Emily Stewart | Conducts an interview with Lieutenant Jett James concerning an explosion affecting his platoon in Afghanistan. | |||||||||
| 2 May | Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Haynes | Steve Cornor | ||||||||||
| 9 May | Mark | Sam Delich | Beachgoer who flirts with Ziggy Astoni; involved in an altercation with Dean Thompson resulting in assault. | |||||||||
| 9 May | Drew | Danny Ball | Companion of Mark; participates in party activities and assault on Dean Thompson. | |||||||||
| 22 May–17 June | Aiden Wilcox | Socratis Otto | Counsellor providing support to Jasmine Delaney and Robbo during panic attacks and pregnancy concerns. | |||||||||
| 28–30 May | Lachy | Lachlan Fargher | Organizer of Bush Bomb Rally; manages race participants including Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson. | |||||||||
| 28–30 May | Tanya | Georgia Scott | Participant in Bush Bomb Rally; interacts with Ziggy and Dean; involved in pranks during the event. | |||||||||
| 28–30 May | Paul | Gary Clementson | ||||||||||
| 17 June | Obstetrician | Alyson Standen | Diagnoses Tori Morgan with cervical insufficiency risking premature labor; initiates progesterone treatment protocol. | |||||||||
| 11 July–5 September | Tommy O'Reilly | Adam Sollis | Manipulates and assaults teenager Bella Nixon; involved in criminal investigations culminating in his death by stabbing to prevent civil litigation against Irene Roberts. | |||||||||
| 11 July 2019 – 27 January 2020 | Scott Larkin | Trent Baines | Former AFP colleague of Robbo; assists in protective custody operations; later compromised by Ouroboros gang; ultimately killed during confrontation involving Robbo. | |||||||||
| 11 July | Priest | David Baldwin | Officiates the wedding of Robbo and Jasmine Delaney. | |||||||||
| 18 July | Journalist | Branden Christine | Attempts to question Dean Thompson about family matters; prevented by John Palmer. | |||||||||
| 18 July | Ted | John O'Hare | Reporter investigating Dean Thompson’s father Rick Booth; captures photo of staged altercation arranged by Rick. | |||||||||
| 23 July | AFP Officer | Simon Barbaro | Escorts Robbo and Jasmine Delaney back to Summer Bay; performs security checks at their residence. | |||||||||
| 23 July | Amy | Danielle Clements | Patron at Salt bar attracted to Ryder Jackson alongside friend Samantha. | |||||||||
| 23–24 July | Samantha | Emily Edwards | Engages with barman Ryder Jackson; provides contact details but invitation declined due to work obligations. | |||||||||
| 25 July | Nurse Rodgers | Madeline Exarhos | Monitors Tommy O'Reilly post life support; advises Colby Thorne on patient status. | |||||||||
| 6–22 August | Joe (AFP Officer) | Adam Nayel | Escorts Robbo and Jasmine Delaney between secure locations during protective custody. | |||||||||
| 7 August – 2 October | AFP Officer Dave | Brenton Prince | Provides security for Robbo and Jasmine Delaney at motel and pier flat locations. | |||||||||
| 12 August–27 November | ' Des Hendrix | ' Matt Zeremes | ' Contacts Robbo with demands related to Dylan Carter investigation; kidnaps Jasmine Delaney; arrested following police intervention. | |||||||||
| '12 August–27 November | ' Victor Devlin | ' Patrick Thompson | ' Leader of Ouroboros gang confronting Robbo over Dylan Carter case; arrested after confrontation; implicated in hospital hostage crisis. | |||||||||
| '15 August– | ' Blake | ' Tom Wilson | ' Friend of Ryder Jackson involved in party planning and academic cheating scheme leading to police arrest. | |||||||||
| '15 August– | ' Josh | ' Ash Sakha | ' Assists Ryder Jackson with party preparations requiring alcohol procurement. | |||||||||
| '19 August– | ' Tyler | ' Prescot Palmer | ' Party attendee protesting authority intervention; flees when threatened with parental notification. | |||||||||
| '22 August' | ' Thug #1 | ' Nadim Accari | ' Accompanies Des Hendrix during meeting with Robbo at Salt bar. | |||||||||
| '22 August' | ' Sean Coulson | ' Taylor Wiese | ' Found severely beaten with gang-related markings; dies after cardiac arrest; linked to Dylan Carter investigation. | |||||||||
| '5 September – 2 October' | ' Fitz | ' Nathan Sapsford | ' Accomplice in kidnapping Jasmine Delaney; involved in violent confrontations, later arrested by AFP. | |||||||||
| '5–19 September' | ' Lenny' | ' Joseph Del Re | ' Kidnap victim treated for gunshot wound during hostage events involving Jasmine Delaney. | |||||||||
| '2–3 October' | ' Mike | ' Josef Brown | ' Physician delivering Tori Morgan and Robbo's daughter; assists during Tori's medical emergency. | |||||||||
| '3 October 2019 – 27 September 2021' | ' Grace Morgan | ' Various infants | ' Daughter of Tori Morgan and Robbo; central to storylines involving postpartum complications, custody challenges, and family dynamics culminating in relocation to London. | |||||||||
| '7 October' | ' Dr Lisa Booker | ' Kellie Jones | ' Treats Tori Morgan during postpartum pre-eclampsia crisis resulting in coma. | |||||||||
| '7 October, 7 November' | ' Nurse Frankie | ' Mia Donatelli | ' Provides neonatal care for Grace Morgan post-delivery. | |||||||||
| '15 October 2019 23 April 2020' |
' Stella | ' Anna Phillips | ' Personal trainer hired for Summer Bay Fit gym; briefly manages gym operations before dismissal due to misunderstandings. | |||||||||
| '31 October–21 November' | ' Kurt ' | ' Dylan Hare | ' Mechanic leading pit crew team including Ziggy Astoni; initially strict but supportive mentor before Ziggy's departure from team. | |||||||||
| Alana Bentley ' | Erin Clare | Team member interacting with Kurt and Ziggy during racing events. | ||||||||||
| 31 October' | Yvonne Wise | Danielle King | AFP lawyer reviewing statements ahead of Ouroboros gang trial involving Jasmine Delaney and Robbo. | |||||||||
| 14 November' | Student Surfer | Tayla Stevenson | Seeks refunds following cancellation of surfing lessons by Dean Thompson; offered compensation by Mackenzie Booth. | |||||||||
| 20 November' | Con | Adam Kovarik | Dining patron involved in confrontation with Dean Thompson resolved by Mackenzie Booth and authorities. | Carla ' | Claudia Cranstoun | |||||||
| 21 November' | Joe | Frazer Lee | Mechanic from rival racing team engaging socially with Ziggy Astoni during crew party. | |||||||||
| 26 November' | Jack | Dylan Benson | Requests autograph from Jade Lennox referencing her adult film past; interaction highlights character background elements. | |||||||||
| 27 November 2019, 27 January 2020' |
Senior Constable Jay Myers | Edmund Lembke-Hogan | AFP officer protecting Jasmine Delaney involved in hospital hostage situation linked to Ouroboros gang betrayal; arrested alongside gunmen following police intervention. | Phil ' | Greg Hatton | Hostage taker at Northern Districts Hospital emergency department alongside Reg, enforcing control over hostages until arrest. | Reg ' | Gareth Rickards | ||||
| 27 November' | Nurse | Olga Olshansky | Hospital staff member held hostage during emergency department siege. | AFP Officer | James Slattery | Facilitates questioning of Des Hendrix by Robbo during investigation phases. | ||||||
| 27 November 2019, 27 January 2020' |
Reporter ' | Matthew Backer | Provides media updates on Northern Districts Hospital hostage crisis developments. |