James Donahue (Home and Away)

Martha Stewart
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially portrayed by Alison Mulvaney from 25 January to 13 February 1989. She was introduced through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). The character returned on 27 March 2018, recast with Belinda Giblin, who had previously appeared on the series. Meagher recommended Giblin for the role, describing her as "the ideal choice." Martha holds the record for the longest interval between appearances of any character on Home and Away.

As part of the show's 30th anniversary celebration, Alf reveals to their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha is not deceased but vanished due to her unhappiness. Roo’s efforts to locate her are unsuccessful until Martha eventually arrives in Summer Bay. The following year, after Alf reaches out, they rekindle their romantic relationship. Meagher regarded Martha as Alf’s true love, despite his marriage to Ailsa Stewart. Martha temporarily departs after experiencing anxiety linked to her borderline personality disorder.

Martha was married to Alf and is the mother of Ruth "Roo" Stewart. Initially believed to have drowned in a sailing accident in 1985, she appears in flashbacks when Bobby Simpson reads her diary. It is revealed that Martha arranged Bobby’s adoption after discovering that Alf’s sister, Morag Bellingham, was Bobby’s biological mother.

Years later, Alf discloses to Roo that Martha is alive. Upon visiting Summer Bay House, she meets Ryder Jackson and reunites with both Alf and Roo. Martha explains that she left due to her struggle with borderline personality disorder and feelings of guilt over abandoning Roo. Following treatment, she starts mending relationships but initially avoids family gatherings. She apologizes to Alf and provides her contact information before leaving once more.

Several months later, Alf calls Martha but ends the conversation abruptly. She returns seeking an explanation; he admits he misses her. They reconnect aboard Alf’s boat where Martha paints his portrait and confesses her love. They agree to explore their relationship further; however, after experiencing anxiety episodes related to her condition, Martha chooses to return home with Alf joining her later. Upon their return to the Bay, they inform Roo about their renewed relationship. Martha briefly leaves but then returns permanently, moving in with Alf.

Adjusting to the move proves challenging for Martha, leading her to consult Alex Neilson regarding her mental health; Alex refers her to a specialist. After learning about the deaths of Mason Morgan and Robbo, Alf formally proposes marriage; Martha accepts and they wed a week later before visiting Alf’s sisters.

Martha owns a home and studio in Merimbula, which causes friction when Alf wishes for her to sell it. She explains that it serves as a sanctuary for managing her BPD, a point Alf comes to understand. When contacted by her son Kieran Baldivis, she confides in Irene Roberts and visits Kieran in Merimbula to share news of her marriage. Returning to Summer Bay, she reveals Kieran is her half-brother with a complex past but eager to connect; he soon arrives.

Martha continues residing in Merimbula while Alf visits frequently.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured on the show as headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week described Vicki as "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Although Coburn initially disliked portraying a villainous role, she grew fond of it over time. She appeared semi-regularly until filming concluded in June 1990, considering the role valuable experience. She particularly enjoyed filming a fight scene with Dannii Minogue near the end of her time on the show.

Vicki serves as an antagonist within Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High School. She bullies other students and frequently clashes with Emma Jackson (Minogue). After falsely accusing teacher Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan) of sexual assault—which leads to his suspension—Emma forces Vicki to admit the truth. Subsequently, Vicki frames Emma for stealing exam papers, resulting in Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen team up with Vicki's cousin Anna to expose Vicki’s manipulations, culminating in Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of Summer Bay's school principal, Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn). During her stay in the town, she becomes romantically linked to Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). The producers valued the on-screen rapport between Hall and Willits, which led them to consider occasional returns for the character. Rebecca was later recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period in 1994, followed by Belinda Emmett taking over in 1996. Emmett's performance garnered her multiple Logie Award nominations, including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998 and 1999), and the prestigious 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 from the series in 1992 but returned between 1995 and 1999. Although Dannii Minogue initially auditioned for Marilyn, she was instead cast as Emma Jackson, paving 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 entered the series 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 been seen on rival soap Neighbours as Skinner, relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role. He departed from the show in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat of a loafer who favors relaxation over responsibility, a trait contrasting with his own more conscientious personality. An Inside Soap columnist described Adam as a "former joker" and "carefree spirit." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and contemplated rejoining full-time, noting that little had changed within the show.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and exited on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming soon after Justine Clarke's departure. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned that she enjoyed staying active during filming, often resulting in cast members searching for her when she was off-script.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, made her first appearance on 22 September 1989 and left on 22 August 1990. Although Minogue initially auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers, she was ultimately cast as Emma. After one year, Minogue departed to focus on her music career. Despite rumors about a potential return for the show's twentieth anniversary in 2008, she did not reprise her role. For this character, Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Additionally, Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

31 October || Chas, pool player acquaintance of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble who warns them about Mick’s hustling abilities at The Corner Pocket pool hall.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Details
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé, appearing in flashbacks set in 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart's diary; their engagement celebration ends tragically as Les later dies in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas arrives in Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin and attempts to purchase the caravan park; he frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters, assaults Stacey, and is ultimately subdued by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Sister to Alison, Mav, and Skye Patterson; attends Summer Bay Primary School and uncovers Morag Bellingham's manuscript; challenges local myths alongside Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband of two decades; they separate following revelations about Morag’s maternity secret; he cautions niece Roo Stewart against Morag.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag Bellingham’s secret; manipulates Celia Stewart for information and persuades Lance Smart to provide false shark sighting testimony.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Dates Martin Dibble; learns reading skills from Matt Wilson; eventually leaves with violent ex-boyfriend Meat Axe, leaving Martin heartbroken.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a community meeting about a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble’s mother; introduced during a dinner intended to temper Leanne Dunn's expectations regarding marriage.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble’s brother; appears alongside family at dinner introducing Leanne Dunn.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who mediates disputes and gently declines Celia Stewart’s romantic interest before resigning to pursue independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about a novel that reveals Morag Bellingham as Bobby’s mother.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Aggressive ex-boyfriend of Leanne Dunn who fights Martin Dibble but leaves with Leanne after intervention.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Con artist responsible for thefts and arson causing Philip Matheson's death; later fostered by Fletchers; manipulates Steven Matheson and bullies Sally Fletcher; confesses crimes leading to imprisonment; returns in 1995 seeking revenge before disappearing after confrontation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner; dates Roo Stewart; framed for arson under Dodge’s influence; flees but promises Alf Stewart repayment.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley who seeks reconciliation before passing away, leaving Andrew an inheritance accompanied by apologies.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official overseeing Dodge Forbes' foster placement and investigating abuse allegations against John Newton; temporarily revokes Donald Fisher's guardianship during legal proceedings.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart’s inflated claim following a store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese Macklin family clients visiting Summer Bay for business purposes.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor involved with Macklin development initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign contract.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletcher family members.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer working for Macklin corporation involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart’s negotiation; assists during emergency involving Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker briefly managing Macklin development office; energizes Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart amid crisis.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Stacey Macklin’s friend 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 aiding Viv Newton during her time living on the streets.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car incident which Steven Matheson takes responsibility for.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; imprisons Viv in cupboard but is exposed leading to loss of custody after intervention by Donald Fisher and social services.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton; subjected to manipulation by father John but eventually reunites with mother Angela after escaping abuse and relocating to Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; employs Matt as beach inspector; shuts down Andrew Foley’s advice centre; resigns following heart attack.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley's youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Sally Keating’s estranged uncle seeking custody; invites her to live with him and wife Louise but Sally opts to remain with Fletchers.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating unable to have children; supports Sally before she decides against relocation.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter's father who reacts angrily towards allegations against teacher Grant Mitchell but later accepts Vicki fabricated claims.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham by threatening her and holding her hostage; dates Bobby Simpson before fleeing town after intervention.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in various investigations including arrests and accidents; admits guilt over hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death resulting in suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician coordinating Tom Fletcher's transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma at city hospital.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble dressed in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her amidst family estrangement.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman booking charter cruise with Adam Cameron; abandons him stranded on island under false pretenses.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of hot dog stand selling business to Celia Stewart over competing offer from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Wife of Rex Wilson present during council dispute involving closure of Martin Dibble's hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor seeking out Fletchers under false pretenses; befriends locals before being killed by shark, triggering subsequent storylines including shark hunting efforts.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Drug-addicted friend of Andrew Foley who causes damage at Stacey Macklin's flat following misunderstandings related to an engagement ring.

External links

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