Hope Benedict

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment, Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Below is an overview of characters introduced during 1999, all under the direction of then executive producer John Holmes. The show's twelfth season commenced on 11 January 1999. The initial character introduced that year was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez in March. His father, Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, appeared in April. In May, Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi, followed by Cameron Welsh as Mitch McColl in July. August saw the arrival of Bianca Zeboat and lifeguard Shauna Bradley, played by Kylie Watson. Science educator Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey, was introduced in September. October brought new cast members Anna Hruby and Stephen James King as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son Edward Dunglass, respectively.

Nick Smith

Nick Smith made his first appearance on 18 March 1999, initially portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity. From 2000 onward, Chris Egan took over the role as a regular cast member until Nick's departure on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge depicted Nick in flashback scenes during 2003. For his portrayal, Egan received a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2001.

Peta Janossi

Peta Janossi, brought to life by Aleetza Wood, debuted on 27 May 1999 and exited the series on 14 July 2000. Wood landed the role while still attending university. Series Producer Russell Webb chose her due to her "fresh-faced" look. For her performance as Peta, Wood earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2000.

Mitch McColl

Mitch McColl, played by Cameron Welsh, first appeared on 15 July 1999. Although Welsh originally auditioned for a guest role, he secured this part instead. In 2000, Welsh took a six-week hiatus after being diagnosed with a herniated disc; during this period, Mitchell McMahon temporarily filled in for him. Welsh resumed his role in April 2000. He returned briefly in 2005 for the show's milestone 4000th episode, celebrating Alf Stewart's birthday with Mitch’s character making a comeback. Later transitioning into production, Welsh became a producer for Home and Away, attributing his acting experience as Mitch to his enhanced understanding behind the scenes. He was also nominated for the "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2000.

Critics praised Mitch’s impactful introduction and emphasized his chemistry with Hayley, especially noting their highly anticipated first kiss which captivated audiences through its buildup of tension. The Daily Record recognized Mitch’s exit as one of television’s memorable moments.

Bianca Zeboat

Bianca Zeboat, portrayed by Lara Cox, joined the cast on 11 August 1999. Cox secured this extended guest role shortly after completing work on Heartbreak High, managing to appear in both series concurrently. She described Bianca as a "manipulative" and "nasty" character, contrasting sharply with her former role as Anita Scheppers, yet acknowledged Bianca’s assertiveness as a defining strength. An Inside Soap columnist remarked that Bianca stirred up trouble upon her arrival in Summer Bay.

Bianca is depicted as a model and actress pursuing the lead role in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's novel On the Crest of a Wave. She befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to extract insider information; unaware of her true intentions, Jesse is drawn to her due to his longing for companionship and a maternal figure. After being dismissed and replaced by director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner), Bianca ends her relationship with Jesse and departs from Summer Bay.

Shauna Bradley

Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and exited the series in July 2002. Watson secured the role soon after returning to Canberra, despite initial hesitation about auditioning. As her first professional acting engagement, she undertook acting lessons to enhance her abilities. Her performance led to a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards.

Critics characterized Shauna as both "sassy" and "feisty," with Andrew Mercado describing her as a "sexy lifesaver." Her narrative arc involved turbulent romantic entanglements, particularly with Harry, marked by frequent upheavals, as well as a perilous involvement with Gavin. In 2012, Channel 5 included an episode featuring Shauna confronting Margaret over her adoption in a viewer poll segment titled "From Day One."

Harry Reynolds

Harry Reynolds, played by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and departed on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the cast, Melvey concentrated on modelling and refining his acting craft. Upon being cast, he relocated from Los Angeles to Australia, marking a pivotal shift in his career. His portrayal of Harry earned him the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2000 Logie Awards.

Judith Ackroyd

Judith Ackroyd, enacted by Anna Hruby, was introduced on 21 October 1999 and left the show on 21 November 2000. Hruby brought experience from her previous role in Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith served as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher’s leave of absence. Her tenure was marked by challenges including speculation about her appointment and clashes with students such as Gypsy Nash.

Judith’s son, Edward Dunglass, arrived carrying the genetic risk of Huntington's disease inherited from his late father, Edward Dunglass Sr. She managed Edward’s rebellious behavior while supporting his relationship with Peta Janossi. Judith formed a close friendship with Donald Fisher, assisting him with his novel, but eventually pursued a romantic relationship with Joel Nash.

Following Edward’s confirmed diagnosis, Judith arranged for him to receive a video message from his deceased father before facilitating Edward and Peta’s trip overseas. Her relationship with Joel ended when he reunited with his ex-wife Natalie Nash and moved to Queensland. Subsequently, Judith accepted a position in Switzerland, endorsing Donald’s reinstatement as principal and appointing Sally Fletcher prior to her departure.

Edward Dunglass

Edward Dunglass, played by Stephen James King, appeared from 28 October 1999 until 14 July 2000. King balanced his high school studies with acting during this first television role following theatrical experience. He commended the seasoned cast for their support and highlighted Edward’s unique goth aesthetic as distinguishing him from typical Summer Bay residents, challenging prevailing stereotypes.

Edward was introduced while on the beach, where his goth appearance attracted teasing from Will Smith (Zac Drayson), to which Edward responded sarcastically. After defending Duncan Stewart (Brendan McKensy) against bullies, he joined local youths at go-kart trials, achieving the fastest lap time. The new principal, Judith Ackroyd (Anna Hruby), also arrived—Edward’s mother.

Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) recognized Edward’s name through university ties to his late father Edward Sr (Peter Sumner), who succumbed to Huntington's disease—a condition Edward fears he has inherited. Edward quickly bonded with Peta Janossi (Aleetza Wood) and Mitch McColl (Cameron Welsh). He honored Peta’s late grandmother by lighting candles, which drew suspicions of occult practices from Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood).

Edward’s friendship with Duncan created friction with Alf and Ailsa Stewart, especially after Edward’s candid comments about illness caused tension. As Huntington's symptoms manifested—such as muscle spasms and partial paralysis—Edward sought adrenaline-filled experiences that strained his relationships. Following a breakup and reconciliation with Peta, they took self-defense classes due to harassment concerns. Edward attempted to seduce Peta but was caught by her foster father, Joel Nash (David Woodley). The couple privately married, consummated their relationship, and decided to cohabit with Judith’s consent despite Joel’s objections. Conflicts arose over Judith's matchmaking attempts.

Upon turning eighteen, Edward received a positive Huntington's diagnosis but initially minimized its impact. After an emotional breakdown triggered by laughter-induced spasms, Judith presented him with a pre-recorded video message from his father. Though initially upset over its delayed delivery, Edward found some comfort in it. He removed his gothic makeup and requested access to his trust fund to travel abroad with Peta; Judith arranged their stay with her sister in Rome. In the days before departure, Edward became irritable but was reassured by Peta's commitment. They left Summer Bay together; a year later Will confirmed that Edward's condition had deteriorated.

SEO Keywords: Huntington's disease, trust fund

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–3 March	Dr. Noble	Mariette Rups-Donnelly	Acts as psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash following her abduction; subsequently provides support to Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenia episodes.
14–25 January	Mr Gilkey	Ben Ager	A driver exhibiting road rage who confronts Ailsa Stewart after a collision, demanding compensation; his apology is declined.
14 January–21 May	Troy	Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz	Year 12 peer and cricket teammate of Tom Nash.
18–19 January	Rhonda	Samantha Braniff	Utilized by David D'Angelo to lure and abduct Joel Nash.
21 January–10 February	Brian Matthews	Scott Swalwell	Companion of Sam Marshall and Hayley Smith; admires Hayley's graffiti art; dies while tagging a building.
3–12 February	Geraldine Peterson	Anna Lee	Member of a local women's organization who falsely claims credit for charity fundraising, prompting Rebecca Nash to resign from the group.
5 February	Mo Matthews	Pat Sands	Brian Matthews' father; discovers Brian and Sam Marshall tagging a tower.
8–18 February	Kaia Stokes	Blazey Best	Provides support to Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but departs when he converses with visions of his deceased father.
19 February–6 October	Bob Playford	Tony Morgan	Real estate agent employed by Diana Fraser to acquire and develop the caravan park; local residents fundraise to purchase it themselves.
4–23 March	Brooke Taylor	Bridie Carter	Sister of Mara Taylor; attracted to Travis Nash due to resemblance to her late fiancé; reveals family secrets before departure.
4–5 March	Mara Taylor	Ann Burbrook	Brooke's sister; encounters Travis and Joel Nash during a near boat collision; pursues Joel unaware of his marital status.
10–17 March	Denise Hennessy	Lauren Clair	Former prison cellmate of Kylie Burton using an alias; visits Jesse McGregor then escapes following police suspicion.
11 March	Eleanor Mace	Deborah Piper	Candidates interviewed by Donald Fisher for Byron Fisher's nanny role.
	Patsy Little	Jillian O'Dowd
	Skye	Karren Lewis
16 March–11 May	Ellen Porter	Anne Grigg	Nanny employed for Donald Fisher’s infant son Byron; has a manslaughter history but earns trust; leaves after admitting feelings for Donald.
17–22 March	Jim Woods	Nick Hogan	Local police officer suspicious of Denise Hennessy as a prison escapee; investigates drug activities involving Will Smith’s brother.
19–23 March	Johnno	Josef Ber	Drug dealer pursuing Nick Smith over owed money; assaults Nick but later considers the debt resolved.
24 March	"Ted Williams'"	Kim Knuckey	Foster father of Nick Smith who arrives with his wife to retrieve him.
24 March 1999–26 April 2000	Wendy Williams	Monette Lee Lisa Cameron	Foster mother of Nick Smith; returns him to live with his biological father due to behavioral challenges.
26 March–20 April	Miranda Porter	Lauren Hewett	Ellen Porter's daughter; HIV-positive student concerned about discrimination; briefly dates Joey Rainbow before departing town.
29 March–7 April	Claire Andrews	Kate Beahan	Half-sister to Travis and Joel Nash; stays with Rebecca Nash but steals from their home and leaves after charges are dropped.
21 April–14 June	Jack	Eamon Davern	Friend of Duncan Stewart; assists in creating a homemade bomb that injures Alf Stewart.
4–5 May	Organist	Gregg Arthur	Performs at the wedding of James Fraser and Chloe Richards.
7 May–19 August	Wendy Collins	Jayne Leslie	Ruby Collins’ mother who falsely accuses childminder Justine Welles of abuse, resulting in wrongful imprisonment before confessing the truth.
11 May–19 August	Steve Collins	Don Halbert	Ruby Collins’ father who supports Wendy in framing Justine Welles until later admitting guilt.
11–19 May	Ruby Collins	Kiara Bleskas Tara McKellar Brittany Jones Sian Tierney	Daughter of Steve and Wendy Collins whose death in care leads to Justine Welles' wrongful conviction.
24–25 May	Guy North	Drayton Morley	Marilyn Fisher’s friend during her post-natal depression, reveals past romantic feelings before leaving town.
3 June 1999, 8 November 2004	Father O'Hearn	Alan Russell	Catholic priest officiating Marilyn Fisher’s confession and Owen Dalby’s funeral service.
7 June–2 July	Hope Benedict	Brooke Harmon	Member of church group approached by Duncan Stewart, who departs after she rejects his advances.
9–23 June	John Russell	John Moore Marbuck Khan (flashback)	Aboriginal educator at Summer Bay High conducting racism research; searches for estranged mother with Joel Nash’s assistance before leaving town.
16 June–20 July	David Janossi	Philip Edwards	Older sibling of Peta Janossi living illegally on grandmother’s pension; leaves after securing employment in the city.
28 June–9 September	Roger Lansdowne	Tony Bonner	Film producer attempting to acquire rights to Alan Fisher’s autobiography, manipulates locals, casts roles amid controversy before departing town.
28 June	Reverend Lee	Stewart Reade	Conducts Lachlan Fraser’s funeral service.
28 June–19 July	Annie Matthews	Carole Skinner	Homeless woman impersonating Peta Janossi’s grandmother; invited to stay with Peta but later reunites with estranged daughter Frances Kennedy.
12 July–20 August	Angus Halliday	Gabriel Andrews	University peer of Sally Fletcher whose presence provokes jealousy from Vinnie Patterson.
19 July	Frances Kennedy	Alice Livingstone	Estranged daughter of Annie Matthews who reconciles with her mother through efforts by Peta Janossi and Will Smith.
28 July–26 August	Sharon Welles	Shayne Francis	Estranged mother of Justine Welles, former heroin addict who obtains a confession from Justine leading to her conviction, later rejected by Justine upon release.
28 July–9 August	Leon Watson	David Webb	Attorney representing Justine Welles during her trial for Ruby Collins’ murder; defends her despite difficult preparation sessions.
30 July–31 August	Jeff Berger	Jonathon Speer	Journalist who pays Sharon Welles for a confession from Justine Welles but delays publishing the story; offers money to Justine post-release which she declines.
6–9 August	Kelly McCane	Laurie Foell	Prosecutor in Justine Welles’ trial, rigorously cross-examining witnesses including Tom Nash and Justine herself.
10–18 August	Gemma	Alyssa McClelland	Cellmate sharing prison time with Justine Welles.
23 August		Mrs. Brown	Jan Merriman	-	24 August 1999–26 February 2000	Jack Brown	Paul Chubb	-	31 August–30 September	Anthony Doyle	Kim Knuckey	-	10–22 September	Jillian Williams	Alexandra Davies	-	14 September	Darryl	Jeremiah Tickell	-	23 September 1999–16 June 2003	Ralph Patterson	Alan Cinis	-	27 September–8 October	Gazza Boyd	Sebastian Huber	-	11–13 October	Lauren Healy	Merridy Eastman	-	14 October 1999–24 March 2000	Claire Rogers	Talia Marmount Jaime Mears	-	15 October 1999–21 February 2000	Danielle McCarthy	Claire Paradine	-	20 October 1999–5 April 2000	Juliette Bellatti	Nicole Nabout	-	2 November 1999–31 January 2000	Mick Dwyer	John Brumpton	-	3 November 1999–27 March 2000	Rosemary Myers	Anita Bochnik	-	4–9 November	Christian	John Atkinson	-	24 November 1999–2 February 2000	Alison	Jenny Apostolou	-

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database