Jai Fernandez

Home and Away
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television, Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera television series that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The list below details characters introduced throughout 2008, presented in order of their initial appearance, all brought in by series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 21st season commenced broadcasting on 28 January 2008. The first new character to appear was the deputy principal Martin Bartlett, portrayed by Bob Baines, who debuted in February. March saw the introduction of Axel Hay played by Trent Dalzell, Ross Buckton portrayed by David Downer, and Melody Jones enacted by Celeste Dodwell. In April, Tessa James joined the cast as Nicole Franklin. May introduced Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips, respectively. June welcomed Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds as Charlie Buckton and Ruby Buckton. On 8 July, Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano were added as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. November marked the arrival of David Jones-Roberts in the role of Xavier Austin.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, brought to life by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. As a seasoned Science teacher at Summer Bay High, Martin is introduced as the new deputy principal succeeding Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn). Following the stabbing of Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) by Johnny Cooper (Callan Mulvey), Martin is promoted to principal by the school board.

Early in his tenure, Martin hires Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as the school secretary; however, she blackmails him after witnessing his involvement at an illegal fight featuring Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), resulting in her dismissal. Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes) replaces Jazz in this role. Martin develops feelings for Kirsty and even covers up an injury sustained by her son Oliver while under her babysitting care. He shares details about his own upbringing by a single mother, drawing parallels with Kirsty's challenges while her father Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell) is incarcerated.

Upon discovering Kirsty’s relationship with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), Martin terminates her employment but provides a reference to help her secure work at the Sands resort. Tensions rise when Miles finds out that Kirsty works as an escort at the resort, where Martin is also a client, leading to a confrontation. Furthermore, Martin reveals that he has been secretly supporting Kirsty financially.

During a senior formal event hosted by Martin at the Surf Club, Kane’s car crashes through a wall; Martin sustains fractured ribs after being trampled but eventually recovers alongside Kane. Later, Martin organizes a commemorative school trek honoring Dan Baker (Tim Campbell)’s anniversary but grows concerned when students Jai Fernandez and Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) go missing. The situation intensifies when Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) takes students hostage by planting a bomb beneath their bus, which is ultimately defused by Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry).

Following these traumatic events, Martin experiences considerable stress and decides to leave for a cruise, appointing Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as his successor before departing.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, portrayed by Trent Dalzell, made his debut on 19 March 2008.

Prior to Axel's departure, both he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the scene. Todd Lasance, the actor behind Aden Jefferies, explained that while Jai escapes with minor injuries, Axel is seriously hurt and hospitalized. Neither recalls the event initially, but a shared memory of a silver estate car leads Aden to discover his father’s involvement.

Axel is introduced as a fellow student alongside Aden. At a party hosted by Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), Axel behaves inappropriately toward Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) and later attempts to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell). After being confronted by Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis), Axel is beaten and later found on the beach by Belle. Despite her hesitation to alert authorities, suspicion falls on Geoff and Aden. Belle deduces that Aden was responsible due to his indifferent reaction. Axel’s image is tarnished, yet he apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Tragically, Axel succumbs to injuries from the car crash caused by Aden’s father. He subsequently appears as a haunting vision in Melody’s nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, enacted by David Downer, first appeared on 21 May 2008 as a police officer investigating the death of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). His inquiries include interviews with key individuals such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon), suspecting homicide despite evidence suggesting suicide.

Ross shares a history with Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), which reignites amid complications including dishonesty about his late wife Elsie’s passing and resistance from his daughter Charlie. Ultimately, Ross proposes to Morag, and they marry in a private ceremony followed by a honeymoon in Europe.

Upon their return, signs of tension appear: Ross displays forgetfulness and stress. After wandering away and reopening an already closed case, Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) diagnoses him with Alzheimers. Following a near accident at home, Ross consents to move into care with Morag’s support.

When Grant Bledcoe’s (Clayton Watson) body is discovered, Charlie becomes a suspect and faces suspension. Ross confesses to killing Grant after Grant had raped Charlie during their youth and awaits trial. Ross passes away in 2011; his funeral takes place in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, played by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 after completing her Higher School Certificate in drama. Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which was awarded to Tessa James. Drawn by Melody’s character description, Dodwell accepted the part but later departed the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, portrayed by Tessa James, first appeared on 18 April 2008. Announced in January 2008, Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commended James as an exciting new talent expected to connect well with viewers. James relocated to Sydney for the role and described her time on the series as valuable experience and an apprenticeship. Celeste Dodwell originally auditioned for Nicole’s role before being cast as Melody. Nicole's major story arcs included rekindling romance on a desert island and enduring captivity, emphasizing her dramatic presence. Media outlets labeled her a "flighty minx" and a "fiery favourite," with TV Week highlighting James as one of the show’s most promising actresses poised for Hollywood success.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, played by Jordan Rodrigues, made his first appearance on 19 May 2008. Rodrigues, moving from theatre to television, described joining the show as an entirely new journey and enjoyed being recognized by viewers. Jai’s history includes the tragic loss of his family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which connects him to the established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who experienced similar losses. This shared past prompts Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay, although friction arises because Miles had previously left Jai behind in Phuket. Rodrigues highlighted Jai’s feelings of anger and his struggle to adapt to life in the coastal town.

In 2009, Rodrigues departed to take on a role in ABC's Dance Academy. His performance as Jai earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai is initially found living in an urban shelter before Miles locates him. Despite a frosty start, Jai relocates to Summer Bay but faces challenges fitting in both socially and academically. He forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell), which tragically ends when Axel dies in a scooter accident caused by a drunk driver. This event leads Jai to develop a reckless confidence, engaging in dangerous stunts that shock peers such as Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best), who later becomes his girlfriend despite objections from their guardians, Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

Their relationship encounters difficulties including Annie’s rescue from a storm drain by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) and harassment from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey). When Trey falsely accuses another character of wrongdoing, Jai leverages personal information to force him to retract the allegations.

Conflict escalates when Jai, intoxicated at Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) party, admits he wants to sleep with Annie, leading to their breakup. Shortly after, Jai is accidentally shot with an antique shotgun found on Martha MacKenzie's (Jodi Gordon) property but conceals his injury until he collapses during a school hike. Meanwhile, jealousy consumes Jai upon seeing Annie share a kiss with Dexter Walker (Tom Green).

Jai’s spirits lift when foster brother Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) arrives. However, Romeo’s efforts to help Jai win Annie back backfire when Romeo himself develops feelings for her. Jai plans to participate in a student exchange program to Japan but initially declines to support Kirsty following her miscarriage of Miles’ child. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie depart for Japan after heartfelt farewells with their friends.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His first appearance occurs when Irene Roberts collects him due to illness. Ollie requires hospitalization but remains uncommunicative despite attempts by medical staff and law enforcement. Kane, who is on the run from the law, secretly visits Ollie. After Kane’s unsuccessful robbery attempt leads to his arrest, Kirsty takes Ollie and moves in with Irene.

Ollie stirs conflict by revealing Belle Taylor’s romantic involvement and damaging her workplace, prompting Kirsty to relocate them to the caravan park. They later establish a family unit alongside Miles Copeland and Jai. Upon Kane’s release from custody, he reunites briefly with Kirsty and Ollie before departing again due to relationship difficulties. Kirsty becomes pregnant but suffers a miscarriage; Ollie then meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland, who takes them both back to live in the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton was introduced to audiences on 6 June 2008, with Esther Anderson cast in the role. Anderson, a former model, was brought in to enhance Home and Away with added "sex appeal." As a fan of the series, she secured the part following an audition. Anderson departed in 2011 to focus on advancing her acting career in Hollywood.

Her portrayal of Charlie led to multiple award nominations, such as "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, "Best Daytime Star" in 2010, along with Logie nods for "Most Popular Personality" and "Most Popular Actress." The episode depicting Charlie’s demise received recognition from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics praised her character as both an alluring sergeant and the show's most endearing crime fighter.

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, made her first appearance on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as a spirited individual who conceals her true feelings beneath a resilient exterior. She arrives while mourning her mother’s passing, internalizing her sorrow and presenting herself as self-reliant and reserved. Breeds described Ruby as independent, family-oriented, and full of passion.

Breeds filmed her concluding scenes in June 2012 before exiting Home and Away, though she expressed that Ruby remained close to her heart. Her performance earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009, followed by a nomination for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. Additionally, she was shortlisted for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards. Among Ruby’s significant story arcs was managing her father’s illness and orchestrating a memorable Skype prank involving skinny-dipping.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, portrayed by Luke Jacobz, debuted on-screen on 8 July 2008. Jacobz obtained the part in June 2008 after his recurring role on McLeod's Daughters ended. Prior to this opportunity, he had planned to work as a labourer in Sydney. Initially contracted for six months, Jacobz left Home and Away in early 2011 but continued appearing for several additional months.

According to the official show website, Angelo hails from a tight-knit family with three brothers and was originally seen as a brash individual unlikely to thrive. Jacobz received a nomination for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and was also recognized with a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at that year’s Inside Soap Awards.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, enacted by Paul Pantano, appeared between 8 July and 26 August 2008. Pantano was highlighted in Digital Spy's feature on gay characters. Within the narrative, Elliot endangers Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) as part of his vendetta over his brother Mark’s death. Elliot abandons Roman in the wilderness while Nicole and Geoff become trapped on an island. The actress portraying Nicole described Elliot’s actions as creating a "life-and-death obstacle course" for Roman.

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay seeking Roman, whom he blames for Mark’s death during their deployment with the SAS in Afghanistan. Despite an official inquiry concluding Mark died during an ambush, Elliot rejects this version and manipulates Roman by dating his daughter Nicole. When their relationship ends, Elliot kidnaps Nicole, demanding ransom from Roman who must drink from a flask to secure her freedom. Elliot forces Nicole onto a boat and assaults Geoff with a speargun when he intervenes.

After Roman complies with Elliot's demands, he faces several lethal traps set by Elliot in the bush, including an arrow injury, near landslide, and mine explosion. Ultimately, Roman overcomes Elliot who is then arrested at Yabbie Creek police station.

While in custody, Roman reveals that Mark intended to surrender during the ambush but threatened their squadmate Adam, compelling Roman to shoot him to protect others. Subsequently, enemy forces captured and killed Mark. Confronted with these facts, Elliot discloses Nicole’s whereabouts before being charged with kidnapping and attempted murder.

Xavier Austin

Xavier Austin, played by David Jones-Roberts, made his first appearance on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012, leaving Summer Bay permanently to settle in Goulburn. After undergoing four auditions, Jones-Roberts described landing the role as particularly gratifying due to the extended wait. He received confirmation of his casting while surfing, through a call from a pay phone. The soap opera news source Holy Soap identified Xavier's most memorable event as witnessing Brendan cause a serious car crash using his catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Father to Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland (Home and Away), appearing only in flashbacks. Aaron battled alcoholism and domestic violence issues that fractured his family. After his wife's death in 1988, he unsuccessfully sought custody of Sally, who was fostered by the Fletchers. He eventually died in 2000 due to complications from alcoholism.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Mother of Sally and Miles, seen in flashback scenes. Her troubled marriage to Aaron ended when she remarried Derek Wilson; both later perished in a boating accident.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Grandmother of Sally and Miles, and mother to Diana Wilson. Appears in 1988 flashbacks suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Medical specialist attending to principal characters following violent incidents at Northern Districts Hospital.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor of Coastal News and employer of Belle Taylor; known for provocative journalism impacting Aden Jefferies and Sally Fletcher.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	School peer involved in social intrigues, including spying on Miles Copeland.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Donor who contributed $100,000 to Leah Patterson-Baker as thanks for her late husband's lifesaving efforts.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender hired to attack Sam Holden; later provides testimony during investigations into her death.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of Johnny Cooper involved in underground fighting connected to illicit activities.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year nine student engaged in bullying, online deception, and drug-related incidents within the school environment.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Estranged sister of Sam Holden; assumes guardianship of nephew Rory Tolhurst amid inquiries into Sam’s death.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Axel Hay’s sister; participates in school conflicts and curriculum discussions.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander (actress)	Melody Jones’s mother; creates tension through confrontations at school and personal interventions; eventually relocates to New Zealand to mend her relationship with Melody.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Operator of a teen refuge; offers insight into Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Julie Cooper’s son; overcomes aquaphobia with coaching support during community sports activities.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek; promoted to Sergeant following significant events involving colleagues.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient with frequent hospital admissions; forms a bond with Rachel Armstrong affecting her professional responsibilities.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend; previous relationship led to Ruby’s expulsion from her former school; departs after doubts arise about their future together.
11 July	Mrs. Hay	Amelia Longhurst	Mother of Axel and Danielle Hay; devastated by Axel’s fatal road accident.
15–24 July	Daisy Alexander	Jessica Smith	University roommate providing support to Matilda Hunter during personal struggles away from Summer Bay.
15–24 July	Nathan Cunningham	Andrew Lees (actor)	Resident advisor at university campus; involved in interpersonal conflicts with Matilda Hunter and Ric Dalby.
1 September–6 October	Edward Jones	Errol Henderson	Husband of Christine Jones and father of Melody; involved in family disputes during Melody’s hospitalization and mental health challenges.
2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009	Bridget Simmons	Joy Smithers	Engages in a one-night stand with Tony Holden; becomes entangled in a scam with Brian Lawler resulting in legal consequences and community distrust.
3–4 September	Earl Pincus	Alan Cinis	Homeless individual assisted by community members; involved in a minor theft incident raising local concerns.
15 September–10 November	Murray Buchanan	Ben Tari	Council employee exposing environmental hazards related to toxic waste at development sites; faces threats and disappearance linked to local developer influence.
26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009	Tim Coleman	Keiran Darcy-Smith	Developer engaged in illegal activities including theft and murder; serves as main antagonist responsible for major plot developments including wrongful shooting incident.
22 October–5 November	Natalie Franklin	Adrienne Pickering	Former partner of Roman Harris and mother to Nicole Franklin; relationship involves family disputes and reconciliation efforts.
23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009	Brian Lawler	Ric Herbert	Criminal associate manipulating Bridget Simmons into scams culminating in kidnapping charges and arrests affecting multiple characters.
18–24 November	Eric "Nobby" Nobbes	Mark Casamento	Involved in criminal investigations related to Belle Taylor’s assault; acts as an informant before being killed under suspicious circumstances.

External links

Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database