Jackie Nicholls

Josh Webb

Josh Webb, brought to life by Erik Mitsak, made his first appearance on 7 February 1991 as the notorious troublemaker in Home and Away. Recently released on bail, this "jailbird" struggles with reform but frequently falls back into criminal behavior. Renowned for his cunning and quick wit, Josh often manages to stay a step ahead of the authorities. His controlling dynamic with his mother, Gerry (played by Julie Godfrey), enables him to manipulate her unwavering loyalty for his own advantage.

As the elder sibling of Rachel Webb (Beth Champion), Josh forms a friendship with her boyfriend Blake Dean (Les Hill). He invites Blake, Rachel, and their circle of friends to a party that ultimately results in a drug raid. Upon discovering Blake and Rachel’s relationship, Josh assaults Blake multiple times, sparking conflicts involving other characters such as Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson). Josh falsely accuses Adam of theft but is eventually unmasked and incarcerated.

After his release from prison, Josh feigns rehabilitation and deceives Blake and Adam into joining him on a camping trip with the intent to murder them. The plan fails, leading to Josh’s re-arrest and return behind bars. Erik Mitsak departed the series in early 1992 through an off-screen exit.

Cynthia Ross

Cynthia Ross, portrayed by Belinda Giblin, made her debut on 11 February 1991. Details about the casting were revealed in the 29 December 1990 edition of TV Week. Cynthia is introduced as the mother of Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill) and the former spouse of Michael Ross (Dennis Coard). Her arrival in Summer Bay aims to interfere with Michael’s relationship with Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrence). Haydn attempts to reconcile his parents but is unsuccessful and runs away; after being located, Cynthia takes him back to the city for several weeks. Cynthia’s last appearance occurred on 6 March 1991.

Nick Parrish

Nick Parrish, enacted by Bruce Roberts, first appeared on 4 March 1991. Roberts was cast just one day after completing drama school. He exited the show in 1994 to relocate to the United Kingdom with his partner, Suzanne Dando. During his tenure, Roberts received substantial fan correspondence from the UK, including a notable letter from a woman named "Kate" expressing her intention to marry him.

Sam Marshall

Sam Marshall, played by Ryan Clark, was introduced on 3 April 1991. Clark was seven years old when he landed the role and was allowed to film three days per week so he could continue attending school, supported by an on-set tutor. He departed from the series in 2000 to explore other career paths but returned in 2005 for the celebration of the show’s 4000th episode. Glenn Wheeler from The Morning Show highlighted Sam as part of one of Australian television’s most cherished families over ten years. The character drew a dedicated teenage female following, with MSN recognizing Clark as one of Australia’s teen idols during the 1990s.

Julie Gibson

Julie Gibson, portrayed by Naomi Watts, made her first appearance on 23 April 1991. Watts's casting was revealed in TV Week on 16 March 1991. Julie, who became paraplegic following a car accident, entered into a relationship with Nick Parrish (Bruce Roberts). Her protective brother Revhead (Gavin Harrison) opposed the romance due to Nick’s occupation as a police officer. Despite Revhead’s efforts to interfere, Julie and Nick ended their relationship on good terms, acknowledging that remaining friends suited them better.

After the passing of her father, Alec (David Baldwyn), and following Nick’s breakup, Julie chose to leave Summer Bay to attend university in the city. She reassured Revhead that she was capable of handling life independently, despite his reservations. Watts later reflected on her stint on the show as "six miserable weeks."

Lucinda Croft

Lucinda "Lou" Croft, played by Dee Smart, first appeared on 13 June 1991 and departed in 1992. Smart, who had completed three years of drama studies in Sydney, landed this role as her acting debut and initially signed a contract for two years. However, she exited after eight months. Mary Fletcher from Inside Soap praised Smart for transforming Lucinda into one of Home and Away's most beloved characters.

David Croft

David Croft, enacted by Guy Pearce, debuted on 19 July 1991. Filming began in May 1991, with David introduced as the nephew of Donald Fisher and brother to Lucinda Croft. Pearce's involvement lasted six weeks, concluding with his final episode on 21 August 1991.

David arrives seeking to mend ties with his estranged sister Lucinda after a previous family dispute involving a failed investment. He soon becomes romantically involved with Sophie Simpson (Rebekah Elmaloglou), despite objections from Sophie’s foster parents over their age gap. Following a temporary separation during Sophie’s visit to her grandmother Coral King, David plans a trip but tragically dies in a head-on collision caused by Karen Dean and Adam Cameron.

Afterwards, Sophie discovers she is pregnant with David’s child and decides to move closer to David’s mother in Perth. She later names her second child in his honor.

Barbara Toner of the Sydney Morning Herald criticized David's storyline as lacking engagement despite Pearce's film experience. In contrast, Channel 5 regarded the episode featuring David’s fatal accident as one of their favorite Home and Away installments.

Ryan Lee

Ryan Lee, portrayed by Alistair MacDougall, first appeared on 22 August 1991 and exited on 27 November 1992. After leaving the series, MacDougall expressed interest in returning for a cameo if Ryan were portrayed as an antagonist, stating he "would have stayed longer before if the scripts had been good enough." An Inside Soap writer described Ryan as a "wealthy troublemaker".

Finlay Roberts

Finlay Roberts, played by Tina Thomsen, made her debut on 18 September 1991 and remained until 1994, with guest spots in 1996 and 1997. Thomsen relocated from Brisbane to Sydney for this role while still in her teenage years. In an interview with Jenna Price of the Sydney Morning Herald, she acknowledged her parents' support but highlighted her own determination to succeed.

Greg Marshall

Greg Marshall, brought to life by Ross Newton, made his debut on 20 September 1991. Newton departed the series in 1993 but made a brief comeback in 2000. He described his involvement with Home and Away as a "wonderful opportunity" during the show's formative years. Presenter Glenn Wheeler remarked that Greg was a member of one of Australian television’s "much loved families".

Simon Fitzgerald

Simon Fitzgerald, portrayed by Richard Norton, first appeared on 25 September 1991 and exited on 24 July 1992. Norton joined Home and Away following a year-long stint on competitor soap Neighbours. Brendon Williams from the Daily Mirror commented that Norton proved to be "a big hit" in the role of Simon.

Irene Roberts

Irene Roberts was introduced on 29 October, originally portrayed by Jacqui Phillips before Lynne McGranger assumed the role. McGranger received a nomination for "Funniest Performance" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. The Sydney Morning Herald identifies Irene as one of the show’s three enduring "legacy characters," alongside Alf and Colleen. Holy Soap highlights a significant storyline where Irene is attacked by her former lover Ken’s ex-wife.

Damian Roberts

Damian Roberts, played by Matt Doran, made his first appearance on 6 November 1991. Doran was a regular cast member from 1992 until 1995, with occasional guest roles through 1996. In flashbacks from 1997, Ben Hamilton portrayed a younger Damian. During one return, Damian sported dreadlocks, marking a shift from his previously neat appearance. Doran’s portrayal garnered considerable popularity and a dedicated fan following. Critics often pointed out Damian’s lack of prominent romantic storylines, frequently describing him as unlucky in love.

Others

14 November | Ian Gardiner | Andrew S. Gilbert | Violent husband involved in domestic disputes addressed by police intervention led by Nick Parrish. 14 November | Elaine Gardiner | Lisabeth Kennely 14 November | Susie Gardiner | Lauren Snell | Daughter escaping domestic violence alongside mother Elaine Gardiner. 19 November–19 June 1992 | Ruth Winston | Anna Phillips | Local doctor involved in Sophie Simpson’s pregnancy care including delivery of her daughter Tamara.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
15–16 January	Jack Cody	Colin Taylor	Prospective buyer of the Beach House who withdraws after discovering property complications and financial fraud.
15–16 January	Helen Cody	Jan Adele	Partner to Jack Cody during consideration of purchasing the Beach House.
16 January	Peter	Scott Kelly	Friend of Pippa Fletcher who declines to purchase an old gypsy caravan intended for his children’s home.
21 January	Jake Wood	Frankie Davidson	Neighbour interested in acquiring a caravan; ends up trading it for a goat after an unsuccessful sale.
22 January	Postmaster Bagley	Ron Gaist	Delivers HSC exam results to local students.
30 January–7 April 1993	Louise Scott	Elaine Hudson	Foster care department official managing cases including Sam Nicholls and Tracey Turner.
4 February-28 March	Tony Clark	Rob Hunter	Real estate agent responsible for selling Stewart’s store.
6 February–17 April	Rachel Webb	Beth Champion	Dates Blake Dean; departs Summer Bay due to family issues involving illegal activities.
8–27 February	Roy Jackson	Fredric Abbott	Local farmer leasing land to Ben and Carly Lucini.
8–14 February	Betty Jackson	Marie Armstrong	Encourages Carly Lucini to take charge of farm operations.
8 March–8 April	Gerry Webb	Julie Godfrey	Mother of Rachel and Josh Webb; disapproves of Rachel’s relationship and relocates after Josh’s arrest.
19 March–3 May	Mark Smith	Greg Hatton	Member of Summer Bay High swim team; briefly dates Karen Dean.
27 March–13 May	Rodney White	Lester Morris	Yabbie Creek High headmaster engaged in rivalry with Donald Fisher.
27 March	Val White	May Howlett	Wife of Rodney White; frustrated during social occasions due to her husband’s preoccupation.
11 April–18 July	Jackie Nicholls	Erica Williams	Mother struggling with caring for son Sam Nicholls, who is fostered by Bobby Simpson.
18 April	Vet	Michael Beckley	Visits Ben and Carly Lucini's farm regarding poultry illness.
22 April	Smart Alec no.1	Adam Garcia	Swim team member who mocks Haydn Ross.
30 April	Celebrant	Carmel Mullin	Officiates Michael Ross and Pippa Fletcher's wedding ceremony.
30 April–1 May	Military Police	Leo Taylor Timothy Sullivan	Arrest Ben Lucini for going AWOL during wedding reception; charges are later dropped.
8–21 May	Alec Gibson	David Baldwyn	Father of Revhead and Julie Gibson; dies from a heart attack.
10–24 May	Jean Chambers	Maggie Kirkpatrick	Marilyn Chambers' aunt; causes fostering tensions before departing town.
22 May–21 June	Kenny Gibbs	David Field	Janitor at Summer Bay High who sells Blake Dean an old car.
20 June–3 July	Max Riley	Bruce Venables	Believed by Marilyn Chambers to be her biological father; leaves when real parents arrive.
20 June–3 July	Heather Riley	Lynne Porteous	Partner to Max Riley; involved in Marilyn Chambers’ search for her parents storyline.
5 June–11 July	Margaret Lynch	Gennie Nevinson	Year 11 personal development teacher obsessed with Sophie Simpson; leaves town after her background is revealed.
5 June	Mrs Clifton	Marianne Krogdahl	Mistaken by Marilyn Chambers as her mother during her search for biological parents.
5 June	Stanley Clifton	Brett Caroll	Mrs Clifton's son, also confused as Marilyn's relative.
7 June–10 July	Tracey Turner	Tania Martin	Fostered by Pippa Ross and Michael Ross; creates conflict with Sophie Simpson before transferring schools.
2–3 July	George Davidson	Doug Scroope	Marilyn Chambers’ biological father; traveling performer who exploits her financially.
2–3 July	Heather Davidson	Lynne Rainbow	Partner of George Davidson involved in Marilyn’s parental storyline.
23 July–14 August	Diane Robertson	Hanna McLeod	Rival to Sally Fletcher for Peter Mansell's attention; active in local Nippers activities.
23 July–16 August	Peter Mansell	Troy O'Hearn	Object of Sally Fletcher's affection; dinner date ends awkwardly due to social differences.
30 July–21 August	Constable Rogers	Dominic Purcell	Police officer assisting with investigations involving key characters and accident scenes.
2 August–2 October	Martin Bradley	John Bonney	Head of education department overseeing staffing decisions at Summer Bay High including Lois Crawford’s appointment and resignation.
9 August–2 October	Lois Crawford	Tina Bursill	Appointed Head Teacher at Summer Bay High; faces opposition from community leading to resignation amid controversy over disciplinary measures.
11–12 September	Isabelle Britton	Collette Roberts	Police officer and brief romantic interest of Nick Parrish intended to provoke jealousy in another character.
3–9 October	Sharyn McKinley	Liza Witt	Year 11 student involved in social interactions with Blake Dean and Simon Fitzgerald, resulting in school disciplinary action.
3–9 October	Annette Hodges	Kylle Hogart	Peer involved alongside Sharyn McKinley in the same school storyline.
6–28 November	Bill Fitzgerald	Terry Bader	Simon Fitzgerald's father engaged in business dealings with Alf and Ailsa Stewart; imprisoned for fraud before reconnecting with Simon after parole.

References

• Kercher, John. The Official Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd, 1993. ISBN 0-86227-954-2

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