Howard West (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| 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. The following compilation outlines the characters introduced throughout 1989, all of whom were added under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The show's second season commenced on 23 January 1989. The year began with the introduction of Martha Stewart in January, followed by the arrival of schoolgirl Vicki Baxter in February. In April, Rebecca Fisher was introduced, and May saw Emily Symons join the cast as Marilyn Chambers. June marked the birth of Duncan Stewart, the first child of Alf and Ailsa. Later that month, Mat Stevenson appeared as Adam Cameron, with Mouche Phillips debuting as Viv Newton in July. September brought in Dannii Minogue portraying Emma Jackson.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart was first seen from 25 January until 13 February 1989, played by Alison Mulvaney. Initially introduced through flashbacks as Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) first wife, the character was reintroduced on 27 March 2018 with Belinda Giblin taking over the role. Giblin had a previous stint on the series in 1991. According to reports, Meagher himself recommended Giblin for the part, describing her as "the perfect choice." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.
Her return coincided with the program’s 30th anniversary, where it was revealed that Martha had survived a sailing accident in 1985, contrary to earlier beliefs that she had drowned. This plot development initiated a storyline wherein Alf’s daughter Roo embarked on a search for her mother. Martha eventually came back to Summer Bay and rekindled her romantic relationship with Alf despite facing challenges related to borderline personality disorder (BPD), which led to anxiety and strained personal connections.
Martha’s history includes her marriage to Alf and being the mother to their daughter Roo (originally portrayed by Justine Clarke). Though presumed dead, it was later disclosed that she had left due to dissatisfaction and struggles with mental health. Flashbacks also unveiled her awareness regarding Bobby Simpson’s biological parents.
In more recent narratives, Martha reconnected with both Alf and Roo, explaining her absence as a consequence of battling BPD and undergoing treatment. She and Alf renewed their relationship, culminating in remarriage and dividing their time between Summer Bay and her residence/studio located in Merimbula. Martha’s journey with mental health is explored through dialogues with Alex Neilson and consultations with healthcare professionals.
Additionally, Martha disclosed to Roo and Alf that she has a son named Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), adding further depth to family relationships. Kieran’s eventual arrival in Summer Bay expanded upon Martha’s storyline.
Presently, Martha primarily lives in Merimbula but frequently visits Alf in Summer Bay.
Vicki Baxter
Vicki Baxter, enacted by Nana Coburn, made her debut on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured in Home and Away portraying headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay’s resident trouble-maker." Initially disliking the role, Coburn later grew fond of playing a villainous character. She maintained a semi-regular presence until filming her final scenes in June 1990. Coburn credited the role for providing consistent work and fostering professional growth. One memorable moment included filming a fight scene alongside Dannii Minogue.
Within the series, Vicki is portrayed as an antagonist attending Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High. She bullies fellow students Carly Morris and Viv Newton and frequently engages in conflicts with Emma Jackson. After being rejected by newly appointed teacher Grant Mitchell, Vicki falsely accuses him of sexual misconduct, resulting in his suspension. Emma compels Vicki to admit the truth, leading to Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki frames Emma for stealing exam papers, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen join forces with Vicki’s cousin Anna to expose Vicki’s manipulations, which ultimately results in Vicki being expelled herself.
Rebecca Fisher
Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of the school principal, Donald Fisher. During her visit to Summer Bay, she becomes romantically involved with Steven Matheson. The producers recognized the compelling dynamic between Hall and Adam Willits and contemplated bringing the character back occasionally. In 1994, the role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period, and later in 1996, Belinda Emmett took over the role. Emmett's performance garnered several Logie Award nominations, including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998, 1999), and she ultimately won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.
Marilyn Chambers
Marilyn Chambers, brought to life by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but returned to the role from 1995 until 1999. Initially, Dannii Minogue auditioned for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, which paved the way for Symons to assume the role. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."
Duncan Stewart
Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy's portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.
Adam Cameron
Adam Cameron, enacted by Mat Stevenson, first appeared on 28 June 1989. Stevenson, who had previously played Skinner on rival soap Neighbours, viewed this role as a contrasting experience that helped him mature. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming and exited the series in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat lazy and more inclined toward leisure than kindness, yet he enjoyed portraying him despite their differences. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and considered requesting a full-time return after enjoying his time back on set.
Viv Newton
Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and left on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after Justine Clarke's departure from the show. She mentioned that she preferred to remain actively engaged during production, often making herself hard to find due to her busy involvement.
Emma Jackson
Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, appeared from 22 September 1989 until 22 August 1990. Although Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn Chambers, she was cast as Emma instead. After one year, she left to focus on her music career. Despite rumors of her returning for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not make an appearance. Minogue received a Logie Award nomination in 1989 for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" for this role and was named by Holy Soap among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 January | Les Palmer | Graham Lancaster | Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé shown in flashbacks from 1970; their engagement celebration ends tragically when Les dies in the Vietnam War. |
| 26 January–16 March | Nicholas Walsh | Robert Taylor | Nicholas visits Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin; conspires with her father to acquire the caravan park; after being arrested for indecent exposure and framing Roo Stewart with poison pen letters, he assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher. |
| 1 February–5 September | Kim Patterson | Jacqui Townsend | Younger sister of Alison Patterson attending Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham’s manuscript and debates local legends with Sally Fletcher. |
| 13 February–20 March | Richard Bellingham | John Bonney | Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades separates after Morag’s secret about Bobby Simpson’s maternity is exposed; warns Roo Stewart against Morag before departing. |
| 20 February–21 November | James Donahue | Richard Morgan | Journalist probing Morag Bellingham’s history manipulates Celia Stewart for information and persuades Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting. |
| 22 February–5 April | Leanne Dunn | Kylie Foster | Illiterate woman on a blind date with Martin Dibble misinterprets his intentions; learns to read from Matt Wilson but leaves Martin for her abusive ex-boyfriend Meat Axe. |
| 1 March–12 November | Enid | Jan Oxenbould | Friend of Celia Stewart who attends a community meeting about a killer shark near the beach. |
| 8 March | Nola Dibble | Denise Roberts | Martin Dibble’s mother appears when he introduces Leanne Dunn to his family. |
| 8 March | Scott Dibble | Uncredited | Martin Dibble’s brother present at a family meal with their parents. |
| Errol Dibble | Uncredited | ||
| 21 March–24 May | Nigel Taggart | Gary Down | Morag Bellingham’s visually impaired personal assistant who mediates disputes; resigns seeking independence and gently rejects Celia Stewart’s romantic interest. |
| 28 March | Ross Maybury | John Banas | Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about a novel; reveals Morag Bellingham as Bobby’s mother, upsetting Bobby. |
| 4–5 April | Meat Axe | Joseph Dicker | Leanne Dunn’s violent ex-boyfriend who assaults Martin Dibble before Leanne leaves with him. |
| 18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995 |
Brian "Dodge" Forbes | Kelly Dingwall | Troublemaker who steals from locals, sets fire causing Philip Matheson’s death; becomes Fletchers’ foster child; bullies Sally Fletcher; frames Simon Yates for arson; confesses leading to arrest; paroled in 1995 commits murder and frames Steven Matheson before disappearing after a fight. |
| 20 April–16 May | Simon Yates | Christopher Saunders | Ex-convict working at Bayside diner; dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; harassed by Steven Matheson and framed for arson but later promises Alf Stewart repayment via letter. |
| 2–9 May | Andrew Foley Senior | Alan Tobin | Estranged dying father of Andrew Foley seeks reconciliation but is rejected; leaves money and apology letter in will. |
| 10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990 | Howard West | Richard Rowe | Childcare Services representative overseeing foster placements and abuse investigations; temporarily removes guardianship from Donald Fisher during murder charges. |
| 11 May | Peter Braithwaite | Ron Blanchard | Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s inflated claim following store fire. |
| 18–29 May | Kyoko Sakamoto | Yuka Mitani | Interpreter for Japanese Macklin family clients visiting Summer Bay on business matters. |
| 2–8 June | Peter Bedford | Bevan Wilson | Macklin development investor initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded to invest following Martin Dibble's influence. |
| 2 June | Claire Bedford | Linda Anning | Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletcher family. |
| 8 June–18 July | Flynn | Mark McCann | Labourer employed by Macklin corporation involved in strike negotiations resolved by Roo Stewart; assists in rescue involving Marilyn Chambers. |
| 13 June | Jay Everett | Andrew Doyle | Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart due to personal concerns. |
| 6 July–13 September | Nina Olivera | Raquel Suarstzman | Friend of Stacey Macklin who forms music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; departs for promotion job in Los Angeles inviting Stacey to join later. |
| 11 July | Beulah | Robyn Gurney | Homeless woman assisting Viv Newton during her period living on streets. |
| 19 July | Sgt. Col Baker | Simon Westaway | Police sergeant questioning Brian "Dodge" Forbes regarding stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes responsibility. |
| 21 July–1 August | John Newton | John Gregg | Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; imprisons Viv in cupboard; loses custody following social services intervention; relinquishes custody rather than face court after Tammy runs away. |
| 27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990 | Tammy Newton | Katy Edwards | Younger sister of Viv Newton manipulated by their father; escapes abuse to live with Viv then reunites with estranged mother Angela Newton to start anew. |
| 9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990 | Rex Wilson | Barry Donnelly | Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; secures beach inspector job for Matt; closes Andrew Foley’s advice center; resigns after heart attack. |
| 9 August | Freddie Hudson | Mark Arbib | Student visiting Andrew Foley's youth advice center at Bayside diner. |
| 18–31 August | Ross Keating | James Gleeson | Sally Keating’s estranged uncle seeking custody; invites Sally to live with him but she remains with Fletchers; departs Summer Bay with wife Louise. |
| 23–31 August | Louise Keating | Felicity Soper | Ross Keating’s wife unable to have children; bonds with niece Sally Keating before leaving Summer Bay. |
| 29 August 1989, 23 March 1990 |
Len Baxter | Uncredited / Damian Cudmore | Father of Vicki Baxter demanding removal of teacher Grant Mitchell after molestation allegations which are later disproved. |
| 29 August–10 November | Danny Farnsworth | Justin Connor | Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham by threatening and holding her hostage; dates Bobby Simpson before fleeing town. |
| 30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996 | Chris Hale | John Meillon Jr. | Police constable involved in multiple cases including key arrests; promoted sergeant; implicated in hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death; confesses guilt leading to suspension. |
| 11 September | Doctor Ellis | Marilyn Allen | Hospital doctor arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack. |
| 11 September | Doctor Williamson | David Whitford | Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma at city hospital. |
| 18–21 September | Ian McTavish | Noel Trevarthen | Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it does not exist and encountering Martin Dibble disguised in costume. |
| 20 September | Samantha Walker | Fiona Shannon | Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson's wish to live with her amid family estrangement. |
| 11–12 October | Millicent Staples | Julie Haseler | Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; deceives him by abandoning him stranded on island after gaining his trust. |
| 11 October | Henry Whiting | Patrick Ward | Hot dog stand owner approached by Lance Smart and Martin Dibble selling business ultimately acquired by Celia Stewart instead. |
| 25 October | Sylvia Wilson | Marie Armstrong | Rex Wilson’s wife seen at Stewart store during council disputes over hot dog stand closure. |
| 26 October–15 November | Rory Heywood | Gregor Jordan | Arrives under false pretenses searching for Fletchers; irritates locals before being killed by shark triggering revenge plot involving shark capture. |
| 30 October–2 November | Mick, friend of Andrew Foley | Bruce Samazan | Drug addict staying with Andrew Foley and Stacey Macklin causing trouble leading Stacey to end relationship. |
| 31 October | Chas, friend of Lance Smart & Martin Dibble | Richard Huggett | Plays pool against Mick who hustles him out of money prompting Martin to challenge Mick despite warnings. |
| 17 November | Rosemary White, Rory Heywood's sister | Zoe Bertram | Reveals Rory's real name was Colin following his death. |
| 21 November 1989–22 January 1990 | Zac Burgess, shark hunter | Mark Conroy | Demands payment for catching shark responsible for Rory Heywood's death; uncovers local pollution scheme; makes unwelcome advances towards Carly Morris & Pippa Fletcher causing community tension before leaving town after confrontation. |
| 12 December | Drew Howard, game show producer | Ignatius Jones | Producer attempting public humiliation of Marilyn Chambers on national TV but embarrasses himself instead. |
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 at the Internet Movie Database