Jade Lennox
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section highlights characters who were introduced during 2019, all under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 32nd season began broadcasting on 18 February 2019. In June, Mackenzie Booth made her first appearance alongside Ian and Wendy Shaw. August saw the arrival of Alex Neilson and Teresa Masterson, followed by Jade Lennox in October. November introduced Ari Parata to the cast.
Mackenzie Booth
Mackenzie Booth, played by Emily Weir, was first seen on-screen on 13 June 2019. News of Weir’s casting emerged months earlier after photographers spotted her filming at Palm Beach. A reporter from Soap World speculated that the character would be named Mackenzie Booth and might be revealed as Dean Thompson’s (Patrick O'Connor) half-sister. Official confirmation came on 10 June. Weir discovered she had secured the role during an unrelated audition and described the experience as a "dream come true."
Mackenzie arrives in Summer Bay as the new proprietor of the restaurant Salt. Weir characterized her as "fierce, independent, and intelligent," with an enigmatic reason behind her decision to relocate to the Bay. Jackie Brygel from New Idea described Mackenzie as both "mysterious" and "fiery," hinting that purchasing the restaurant may not be her sole purpose for moving. On 20 June, it was officially revealed that Mackenzie is Dean’s half-sister.
Ian and Wendy Shaw
Ian Shaw, portrayed by Frankie J. Holden, alongside Wendy Shaw, played by Amanda Muggleton, made their debut on 27 June 2019. Holden mentioned that his casting happened quite naturally, humorously attributing it to his previous role as a farmer on A Place to Call Home, which influenced the producers’ decision. Muggleton expressed excitement about joining the show, praising the professionalism of the Home and Away crew. Ian and Wendy are parents to Robbo (Jake Ryan), who brings his fiancée Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost) to meet them at their family farm. Wendy is initially wary and protective, showing disapproval towards Jasmine, while Ian shares concerns about Robbo’s decisions and encourages him to consider returning to farm life.
When Robbo introduces Jasmine to his parents, they question her involvement with him, especially given his child with Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). Ian suspects Robbo may have been misled regarding his fatherhood status. Both Wendy and Ian openly express disapproval of Jasmine and their engagement. Despite early tensions, they eventually accept Jasmine into the family and offer their hospitality; however, they are unable to attend the wedding due to car trouble.
Several months later, Ian and Wendy visit Summer Bay to meet their granddaughter Grace Morgan. They encourage Robbo and Jasmine to relocate to the countryside so Grace can be raised on the farm. While Jasmine resists pressuring Robbo, he ultimately agrees. Their plans change when Tori awakens from a coma. Following Robbo’s passing, Ian and Wendy return for his funeral—where Ian delivers a eulogy—and Wendy offers support to family and friends alike. They express appreciation for those who cared for Robbo before departing.
Wendy comes back when Jasmine reveals she is pregnant; this pregnancy later turns out to be phantom, stemming from grief. Wendy consoles Jasmine, advising her to concentrate on Grace before returning home. Weeks later, Jasmine stays at the farm without explaining her reasons. Family friends alert Ian and Wendy about Jasmine’s difficulties managing Grace and Tori’s situation. They encourage Jasmine to accept help but warn that she cannot remain indefinitely due to legal restrictions affecting Grace’s custody. Jasmine agrees to return to Summer Bay but later comes back permanently when Wendy suffers a heart attack, deciding to stay on the farm for good.
Alex Neilson
Alex Neilson, played by Zoe Ventoura, made her first appearance on 22 August 2019. Ventoura was approached by the show's producers while she was in Los Angeles and was attracted to the role due to Alex's dynamic, assertive, and captivating personality. Alex is introduced as the new doctor and emergency department head at Summer Bay, temporarily filling in for Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) during her maternity leave. Having experience portraying a nurse on Packed to the Rafters, Ventoura welcomed the opportunity to depict a doctor, dedicating time to learn medical jargon. Her initial scenes featured handling a critical trauma case, highlighting Alex's composure and depth.
Alex swiftly becomes central to major plots within Northern Districts Hospital ED. She attends to a torture survivor connected to the Ouroboros gang and voices concerns about nurse Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost)'s well-being due to her AFP protection status. Developing a friendship with Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts), Alex agrees to personal training sessions that evolve into a close bond. She aids Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) during epilepsy treatment by sharing her own history with the condition and introducing alternative options such as medicinal cannabis trials. Additionally, Alex employs hypnotherapy to assist Jasmine’s husband Robbo (Jake Ryan) in recovering suppressed memories, skillfully managing a tense situation during the process.
Moreover, Alex supports Mason Morgan’s (Orpheus Pledger) efforts throughout his medical internship and sets firm boundaries when he flirts with her, disclosing her sexual orientation as gay. Her continuous professional and personal engagements underscore her position as a compassionate and proficient physician vital to Summer Bay’s healthcare team.
Teresa Masterson
Teresa Masterson, portrayed by Simone McAullay, appeared for the first time on 28 August 2019. McAullay, who had previously guest-starred in the series in 2007, accepted this role unexpectedly, drawn by Teresa's layered character. Teresa is an activist and part of a victims' support group affiliated with Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).
She records a video recounting her sexual assault for Leah Patterson's (Ada Nicodemou) blog to stand with Irene during her trial for attacking Tommy O'Reilly (Adam Sollis). Teresa organizes a demonstration outside the courthouse and suggests utilizing media coverage to aid Irene’s defense, though Irene initially declines. She continues supporting Irene and offers help when Tommy initiates a civil lawsuit, promoting public campaigns against him.
After being blocked from Leah's website, Teresa warns Irene about Leah and insists on taking measures beyond legal avenues. Following gratitude from Tommy's victim Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), Teresa later appears at the pier drenched in blood, confessing she fatally stabbed Tommy at his rehabilitation center. Constable Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin) arrests her. While Irene condemns Teresa’s actions, Leah remarks on their consequences for victims’ justice. Teresa remains unrepentant for what she has done.
Jade Lennox
Jade Lennox, brought to life by Mia Morrissey, made her first appearance on 22 October 2019. Morrissey’s casting was revealed shortly before she debuted, fulfilling a "lifelong dream" given her upbringing near the filming location. She sought to challenge conventional beauty norms on the series by portraying a character with a curvier, healthier physique.
Jade arrives as a backpacker and becomes a romantic competitor to Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). She flirts with Ziggy’s boyfriend Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) during surf lessons, stirring conflict. Meanwhile, Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) is drawn to Jade and assists her in obtaining a position at the local eatery Salt. Morrissey described Jade’s dynamic with Ryder as one where she enjoys the attention but quickly moves on.
The core of Jade's storyline revolves around manipulation and deception. She dates Ryder, exploiting his feelings to benefit herself at work, including embezzling money from the cash register. When confronted, Jade defends her actions by citing financial difficulties following her mother’s job loss. Despite Ryder’s efforts—such as negotiating an extension on her rent—she persists in stealing, which ultimately leads to her arrest after Ryder informs their employer Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir).
After being released, Jade apologizes and they become physically involved; however, she secretly records their encounter using Ryder’s phone and then falsely accuses him of sharing the footage without consent. This results in police questioning and charges against Ryder. Jade further manipulates others like Mackenzie and Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), convincing them of Ryder’s guilt.
Jade publicly provokes Ryder, capturing their exchanges on video until Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo) steps in. She attempts to seduce Nikau but he uncovers her deceitful recording setup and confiscates her phone, later returning it to Ryder. Jade tries to reclaim the phone during a public wedding but is exposed when confronted by both Ryder and Nikau. With overwhelming evidence against her and threats of police involvement from Ryder and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Jade departs Summer Bay on 6 February 2020.
Morrissey commented on the difficulty of portraying Jade’s ethically ambiguous behavior, which conflicted with her personal values.
Ari Parata
Ari Parata, played by Rob Kipa-Williams, first appeared on 27 November 2019. Initially training as an insurance salesman and contemplating leaving acting, Kipa-Williams secured a three-year contract and began filming in June 2019. Ari is the head of a Māori family from New Zealand; his brother Tane Parata is portrayed by Ethan Browne, while his nephew Nikau Parata is played by Kawakawa Fox-Reo. Ari plays a significant role during a hostage situation at the local hospital in the 2019 season finale after sustaining an injury at a construction site and assisting Marilyn Chambers. Kipa-Williams confirmed Ari’s full name as Ariki Wiremu Parata, emphasizing his New Zealand origins before relocating to Australia and highlighting his deep commitment to family loyalty.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 February | Unfortunate Driver | Mark Duncan | Vehicle seized by Constable Colby Thorne and Dean Thompson after their car experiences a flat tire. | |
| 19 February | Paramedic | Elouise Eftos | Transports Willow Harris to Northern Districts Hospital following a gunshot wound. | |
| 7 March | Imogen | Caroline Oayda | Schoolgirl who taunts Bella Nixon and Raffy Morrison; informs Maggie Astoni that Bella has exited the classroom. | |
| 11 March | Mutt | Timothy Parsons | Friend of Dean Thompson who supplies him with sleeping tablets. | |
| 14 March | River Boy | Uncredited | Sells marijuana to Ryder Jackson. | |
| 27 March | Overdose Patient | Alex Jewson | Found near hospital with suspected drug overdose; treated by Tori Morgan but becomes restless. | |
| 3 April | Army Officer | Mitchell Why | Notifies Marilyn Chambers and John Palmer about their son Jett Palmer's severe injury in Afghanistan. | |
| 3–4 April | Army Chaplain Wilson | Kirk Page | Provides updates regarding Jett Palmer’s shrapnel wounds and subsequent surgery. | |
| 29 April, 13 June | Radiographer | Kate Fraser | Performs Tori Morgan’s 12- and 20-week pregnancy ultrasounds, confirming normal results. | |
| 2 May | Colonel Kate Porter | Emily Stewart | Conducts interview with Lieutenant Jett James about an explosion in Afghanistan; Jett experiences concussion-induced memory loss. | |
| 2 May | Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Haynes | Steve Cornor | Participates in military interview of Jett James. | |
| 9 May | Mark | Sam Delich | Attempts to flirt with Ziggy Astoni; becomes involved in a physical altercation with Dean Thompson resulting in assault charges. | |
| 9 May | Drew | Danny Ball | Friend of Mark; involved in party and assault incident targeting Dean Thompson. | |
| 22 May–17 June | Aiden Wilcox | Socratis Otto | Counsellor providing ongoing mental health support to Jasmine Delaney and Robbo. | |
| 28–30 May | Lachy | Lachlan Fargher | Organizer of the Bush Bomb Rally; coordinates participants including Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson. | |
| 28–30 May | Tanya | Georgia Scott | Participant in Bush Bomb Rally; interacts with Ziggy and Dean; married to Paul. | |
| 28–30 May | Paul | Gary Clementson | Rally attendee living with stage four melanoma; engages in pranks during the event. | |
| 17 June | ' Obstetrician | ' Alyson Standen | ' Advises Tori Morgan on cervical insufficiency risking premature labor; initiates progesterone therapy. | ' |
| 11 July–5 September | ' Tommy O'Reilly | ' Adam Sollis | ' Manipulates teenager Bella Nixon online, culminating in an attempted sexual assault; subsequently killed by Teresa Masterson to prevent a civil suit against Irene Roberts. | ' |
| 11 July 2019 – 27 January 2020 | ' Scott Larkin | ' Trent Baines | ' Former AFP colleague of Robbo; involved in protective custody and Ouroboros gang investigations; becomes corrupt and is killed during conflict. | ' |
| 11 July | ' Priest | ' David Baldwin | ' Officiates at Robbo and Jasmine Delaney’s wedding ceremony. | ' |
| 18 July | ' Journalist | ' Branden Christine | ' Attempts to question Dean Thompson about family issues but is blocked by John Palmer. | ' |
| 18 July | ' Ted | ' John O'Hare | ' Reporter investigating Dean Thompson’s father Rick Booth; photographs staged altercation arranged by Rick. | ' |
| 23 July | ' AFP Officer | ' Simon Barbaro | ' Escorts Robbo and Jasmine Delaney back to Summer Bay; conducts security checks. | ' |
| 23 July | ' Amy | ' Danielle Clements | ' Socializes at Salt bar, showing interest in barman Ryder Jackson. | ' |
| 23–24 July | ' Samantha | ' Emily Edwards | ' Engages Ryder Jackson at Salt bar, leaving her contact details. | ' |
| 25 July | ' Nurse Rodgers | ' Madeline Exarhos | ' Oversees Tommy O'Reilly’s recovery following life support removal. | ' |
| 6–22 August | ' Joe (AFP Officer) | ' Adam Nayel | ' Escorts Robbo and Jasmine from pier flat to motel safe house. | ' |
| 7 August – 2 October | ' AFP Officer Dave | ' Brenton Prince | ' Assigned to monitor Jasmine Delaney at pier flat; provides hourly reports to Robbo. | ' |
| 12 August–27 November | ' Des Hendrix | ' Matt Zeremes | ' Contacts Robbo regarding Ouroboros gang activities; kidnaps Jasmine Delaney; later arrested for criminal involvement. | ' |
| 12 August–27 November | ' Victor Devlin | ' Patrick Thompson | ' Leader of Ouroboros gang; pressures Robbo for information on Dylan Carter; arrested following police intervention. | ' |
| 15 August– | ' Blake | ' Tom Wilson | ' Ryder Jackson’s friend involved in exam cheating scheme resulting in police action. | ' |
| 15 August– | ' Josh | ' Ash Sakha | ' Friend of Ryder Jackson assisting with party preparations at caravan park. | ' |
| 19 August– | ' Tyler | ' Prescot Palmer | ' Student attending caravan park party implicated in underage drinking incident. | |
| 22 August | "Thug #1" | "Nadim Accari" | "Accompanies Des Hendrix to meeting with Robbo." | |
| 22 August | "Sean Coulson" | "Taylor Wiese" | "Discovered severely beaten with gang-related markings; dies after cardiac arrest." | |
| 5 September – 2 October | "Fitz" | "Nathan Sapsford" | "Accomplice in kidnapping Jasmine Delaney during airport transport ambush." | |
| 5–19 September | "Lenny" | "Joseph Del Re" | "Sustains injuries during ambush; treated by Jasmine Delaney." | |
| 2–3 October | "Mike" | "Josef Brown" | "Doctor delivering Tori Morgan and Robbo’s daughter; assists during Tori’s collapse." | |
| 3 October 2019 – 27 September 2021 | "Grace Morgan" | "Various infants" | "Daughter of Tori Morgan and Robbo; central figure in postpartum health storyline and custody issues following Robbo's death." | |
| 7 October | "Dr Lisa Booker" | "Kellie Jones" | "Provides treatment for Tori Morgan’s postpartum pre-eclampsia and stroke complications." | |
| 7 October, 7 November | "Nurse Frankie" | "Mia Donatelli" | "Cares for newborn Grace Morgan after delivery." | |
| 15 October 2019, 23 April 2020 | "Stella" | "Anna Phillips" | "Personal trainer hired for Summer Bay Fit program; dismissed due to operational difficulties." | |
| 31 October–21 November | "Kurt" | "Dylan Hare" | "Mechanic involved in pit crew training for Ziggy Astoni." | |
| 31 October–21 November | "Alana Bentley" | "Erin Clare" | "Mechanic and driver collaborating with Kurt." | |
| 31 October | "Yvonne Wise" | "Danielle King" | "AFP lawyer reviewing statements prior to Ouroboros gang trial." | |
| 14 November | "Student Surfer" | "Tayla Stevenson" | "Seeks refund after Dean Thompson cancels surfing lesson." | |
| 20 November | "Con" | "Adam Kovarik" | "Engages Dean Thompson in confrontation at Salt bar leading to physical fight." | |
| 20 November | "Carla" | "Claudia Cranstoun" | "Accompanies Con during Salt bar altercation." | |
| 21 November | "Joe" | "Frazer Lee" | "Mechanic from rival race team interacting with Ziggy Astoni." | |
| 26 November | "Jack" | "Dylan Benson" | "Approaches Jade Lennox seeking autograph related to adult film notoriety." | |
| 27 November 2019,27 January 2020 | "Senior Constable Jay Myers" | "Edmund Lembke-Hogan" | "AFP officer who becomes Ouroboros gang collaborator during hospital hostage crisis; arrested after standoff." | |
| "Phil" | "Greg Hatton" | "Hostage taker involved in Northern Districts Hospital siege alongside Reg and Myers." | ||
| "Reg" | "Gareth Rickards" | "Participant in hospital siege hostage situation." | ||
| 27 November | "Nurse" | "Olga Olshansky" | "Hospital staff member held hostage during siege." | |
| "AFP Officer (2)" | "James Slattery" | "Brings Des Hendrix for questioning related to criminal investigations." | ||
| "Reporter" | "Matthew Backer" | "Provides live coverage of Northern Districts Hospital hostage event." |