James Gibson (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
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. This compilation details the characters who made their first appearance in 2006, all introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's 19th season was broadcast from 16 January to 1 December 2006. Significant new characters included Amy Mathews as Rachel Armstrong in January, Jessica Tovey as Belle Taylor in February, and Sam North portraying Dom Moran in April. Joining the cast as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie were Rodger Corser and Trent Baines respectively. In July, the series welcomed Bobby Morley as Drew Curtis alongside Chris Sadrinna playing Rachel's brother Brad Armstrong. October additions featured Jessica Chapnik as Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, brought to life by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, with her on-screen spouse Tony Holden also exiting the storyline. According to the official show website, Rachel is characterized by keen intuition, resilience, independence, and strong moral principles. Mathews described Rachel as an outgoing and intelligent woman, deeply independent yet romantic at her core. In recognition of this role, Mathews secured the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at that year's Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel's most impactful story arcs involved her being held hostage by a cult that compelled her to give birth under duress.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, played by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on screen on 3 February 2006. Her major storylines encompassed discovering her biological mother, struggling with drug addiction, developing a relationship with Aden Jefferies, and confronting a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the series in 2009, with Belle's final episode airing on 11 August that year. Joining Home and Away at just 18 years old, this role marked Tovey's television debut.

RTÉ portrayed Belle as a lively and outspoken young woman who grappled with feelings of insecurity stemming from a strict and controlling upbringing that left her yearning for parental affection she never received. Her parents were taken aback by her rejection of their conservative values and her involvement with a defiant peer group.

For her portrayal of Belle, Tovey received several award nominations including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. She was also shortlisted for "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, while in 2009 she garnered nods for "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" related to the drug addiction plotline. The wedding of Belle and Aden was nominated in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Furthermore, the episode depicting Belle’s funeral earned a nomination from the Australian Writer's Guild in 2010.

The pairing of Belle and Aden was recognized by Virgin Media as one of television’s "Soaps' sexiest couples," with fans voting them Home and Away's Hottest Couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, played by Sam North, featured on the show from 20 April 2006 until 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors. He subjects Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) to hazardous pranks, causing injuries on two occasions—once involving battery acid and another time due to a defective jack. Dom also targets Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) with persistent harassment, which leads to confrontations and ultimately results in Ray dismissing him for being too reckless.

When Dom returns the following year, he supplies Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components for "The Beast" and participates in drag races alongside local troublemaker Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). Following a deadly accident that claims the life of Lucas Holden's former partner, Lisa Duffy, Dom steals and burns Drew’s vehicle to evade capture. He agrees to assist in exonerating Drew if Belle agrees to kiss him; she does so reluctantly. Subsequently, Dom admits his wrongdoing and is incarcerated for theft.

After his release, Dom kidnaps Belle but is stopped by Drew and Ray. He later appears again, collapsing at the diner where Belle rushes him to medical care. Despite ongoing friction with Drew, Dom undergoes surgery and rehabilitation under the care of physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), who unintentionally encourages his pursuit of Belle. Dom takes a job at the diner and mocks Drew, prompting Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) to arrange a job interview for him at a city restaurant through Irene’s daughter Finlay (Tina Thomsen) as a means to distance him from Belle. Dom sabotages this chance and departs for the city, vowing to return for Belle.

Clayton Smales from The Townsville Bulletin criticized North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," labeling Dom a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, portrayed by Rodger Corser, made his first appearance on 5 April 2006 and last appeared on 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with Home and Away cast members James Stewart and Ditch Davey in Coogee, igniting rumors about a possible return since his character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both an old friend and former romantic partner of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). He asks Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) out on a date but departs after she declines. Upon returning months later, Hugh develops feelings for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth), becoming her confidant amid marital struggles. He arranges a picnic including Kim and Rachel and later shares a flat at the diner with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon).

Hugh spends a night with Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten), admitting he is not ready for an emotional commitment. Rachel confronts him about his feelings, which he acknowledges. After Rachel separates from Kim following an argument, she shares a kiss with Hugh. Hugh receives a job offer in Johannesburg and presents Rachel with an ultimatum: commit to him or he will leave. After her hesitation, he departs for South Africa. Months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony Holden—but she declines to meet.

A poll conducted by Inside Soap revealed that readers preferred Rachel ending up with Hugh rather than Kim, with Hugh receiving 57% of the votes.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, first appeared on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

Macca's narrative focuses on his volatile relationship with Cassie Turner (portrayed by Sharni Vinson), which is marked by repeated instances of domestic violence. Baines emphasized the storyline’s social significance, underlining the necessity for victim support and therapeutic intervention.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Macca quickly becomes part of the community through his sister Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and develops a friendship with Cassie, assisting her with boxing training. Despite Martha’s apprehensions about Macca’s past conduct, he secures a courier position and commits to sustaining a long-distance romance with Cassie. However, the pressures of his job lead him into drug use, which is uncovered by Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) and Cassie. His substance abuse intensifies his abusive tendencies towards Cassie, culminating in a severe injury caused by jealousy over her relationship with Ric.

After intervention by Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Macca turns himself in and begins seeking help. Although prohibited from attending Martha’s wedding, he heroically saves guests during an explosion but suffers injuries himself. He discharges himself from hospital to assist in a crucial search and rescue operation before leaving once more.

Macca returns several months later, claiming to have completed counseling. Despite Cassie reconciling with Ric, she starts an affair with Macca that leads to a violent altercation and Macca’s eviction from the caravan park. He briefly stays with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley) but rejects her romantic advances. Offered a desk job in the city, Macca plans to move there with Cassie; however, events in Summer Bay draw Cassie back. When she refuses to leave, Macca assaults her again and eventually surrenders to the police.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, made his debut on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining the cast, Morley appeared in Angels with Dirty Faces and was subsequently cast in Home and Away. Although older than the character he played, Morley relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this role. He admitted feeling nervous at first due to the rapid filming pace. Morley left the series at the end of 2007 and later described his time on set as feeling like a "meat puppet" because of frequent shirtless scenes.

The official Home and Away website characterized Drew as "brooding" with a notable "chip on his shoulder." Morley’s performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Media outlets referred to Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," highlighting his popularity among younger audiences.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, first appeared on 11 July 2006 and departed on 13 November 2007. Introduced as support for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders’ passing, Brad's storyline combined personal grief with professional challenges during his tenure as principal of Summer Bay High.

Brad arrives after the death of his mother Elaine, coping with family loss alongside his sister Rachel. He marries his girlfriend Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond) in an intimate beach ceremony; however, Emily soon succumbs to leukaemia, leaving Brad heartbroken. Brad and Sally develop a closer bond through their shared experiences of loss. As principal, Brad encounters conflicts involving students such as Rocco Cooper and staff disputes including issues with Naomi Preston, which result in his temporary suspension.

His relationship with Sally deepens, leading to a marriage proposal she initially accepts but ultimately declines on their wedding day, prompting Brad to move out. Brad faces additional hardships, including being lost at sea during a storm but returning safely. Family secrets emerge when Brad and Rachel uncover that their father Robert had an affair resulting in a half-sister named Tamsyn. Managing Tamsyn’s difficult behavior impacts Brad’s career opportunities, including losing out on a position at Yabbie Creek High.

Eventually, Brad decides to relocate to Tasmania and invites Heather and Tamsyn to join him.

Sadrinna received nominations for Best Newcomer and Best Couple (alongside Ritchie) at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. The episode featuring Sally jilting Brad at the altar won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008, while the lost-at-sea episode was nominated for Best Single Episode at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, played by Ian Meadows, was featured on the show from 11 October 2006 until 6 February 2007.

After transferring to Summer Bay High, Rocco faces skepticism from principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) due to his gang affiliations. However, Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) overrides Brad's concerns, impressed by Rocco’s commitment, and later offers him a place to live.

Rocco’s elder brother, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), exerts pressure on him to remain involved in gang-related activities, even threatening his life. Although Rocco initially provides an alibi for Johnny's offenses, he eventually reports him following a fake robbery incident. Under Johnny's orders, Rocco assaults Sally by stabbing her; she survives the attack. Johnny continues to threaten Rocco, culminating in a violent encounter where Rocco is severely beaten and falls into a coma, ultimately resulting in his death. This event leads to legal repercussions for others connected to the case. The storyline involving the stabbing received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, made her first appearance on 17 October 2006. Chapnik was cast unexpectedly and departed in 2008 to advance her career in the United States. She described Sam as a deeply conflicted character plagued by self-hatred, whose tragic downfall was unavoidable, making her difficult to sympathize with. Eleven Magazine highlighted Sam's role in causing significant turmoil within Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald described her as a "murderous psycho."

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, appeared between 19 October 2007 and 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) was part of the series from 20 October 2006 through 14 April 2008. The character was first portrayed by Ed Willis, with Jack Rickard assuming the role in 2007.

Rory enters the narrative through his mother Sam Holden’s relationship with Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien). Living together, Rory develops a close bond with Jack, who assures him of his support. When Sam is abducted, Rory attempts to locate her but is restrained by Jack’s father, Tony Holden. After Sam’s rescue, the family leaves Summer Bay temporarily.

They return following Sam’s ankle injury. Rory is later kidnapped by his father Shane Deeks, an escaped prisoner. A police pursuit follows; Shane is killed during the incident while Rory is found unharmed and grows to view Jack as a paternal figure.

Academically gifted, Rory skips two grades but encounters bullying at school. Aden Jefferies defends him in exchange for Rory manipulating a school election, which results in Rory’s detention once uncovered. During a school excursion, Rory and Annie Campbell become lost but are safely recovered.

Rory enthusiastically supports Jack and Sam’s engagement and even composes an award-winning essay about Jack. However, after stealing Jack's firearm and nearly causing harm, Rory's behavior deteriorates amid conflicts between Martha MacKenzie and Jack concerning the marriage. Despite these issues, he walks Sam down the aisle at their wedding.

The family’s stability collapses when Johnny Cooper attacks Sam. She takes Rory to stay with her sister Britt Grey before passing away weeks later. Rory holds Jack responsible and insists he avoid the funeral.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his portrayal of Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Details
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of Mumma Rose’s cult, The Believers. Rebecca alerts Robbie Hunter about the cult’s intentions involving his wife Tasha. After being abducted by the group, she pretends to cooperate in order to rescue Tasha and Jonah, then contacts authorities before vanishing.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong. He attempts to blackmail her regarding her relationship with Kim Hyde but is reported to hospital CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case and sentences him to nine months in prison following a guilty verdict.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor involved in Alf Stewart’s trial and advises Angelo Rosetta on legal issues. Present during several important trials including the arson case involving Casey Braxton.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital responsible for overseeing investigations into Rachel Armstrong and staff conduct, including malpractice cases and suspensions.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Rachel and Brad Armstrong’s estranged father. Serves as Regional Director of Emergency at Northern Districts Hospital. Attempts to leverage Rachel’s testimony to avoid a lawsuit over a failed surgery but is rejected and estranged further.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Proprietor of Moran Motors garage. Initially clashes with employee Ric Dalby over safety concerns, later dismisses him as part of a scheme involving illicit fighting.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother to Rachel and Brad Armstrong, suffers from severe amnesia caused by a previous car accident involving Robert Armstrong. Passes away due to injuries sustained in a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman whose health declines because of medication mismanagement, leading to cardiac arrest and death.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially antagonistic but develops close ties with Rachel Armstrong and Kim Hyde. Exhibits obsessive tendencies culminating in Rachel’s kidnapping; subsequently committed to psychiatric care.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage girl who becomes pregnant by her science teacher Steve Braeburn. Gives birth to son Joe and initially leaves him under Rachel Armstrong’s care before reclaiming custody.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Police detective assisting with stalking investigation. Later exposed as colluding with the stalker; dies in a gas explosion during a wedding.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother who deceives others about Belle Taylor’s birth. Engages in financial schemes and leaves after pressure from her other daughter Kelli.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable involved in investigations including arson and blackmail. Ultimately charged with arson and bribery after being framed by Dennis Gillan.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Adoptive father of Belle Taylor who extorts money from Kitty Landsdowne and attempts reconciliation with Belle, which she rejects.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot transporting key characters to burns unit; survives crash that temporarily strands passengers.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton. Attempts to control the situation through threats; arrested after kidnapping attempt is foiled.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Acquaintance of Colleen Smart; participates in local social activities such as aerobics classes and bowls tournaments within Summer Bay community.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	"Surf club gym patron who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault seeking attention; legal issues resolved once truth emerges."

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Details
3 August–27 September	Dean Silverman	Gary Brun	Meets Matilda Hunter at troubled teen retreat; they form a relationship despite obstacles; cleared of arson charges; discloses his sexuality before relocating.
	Vanessa Covacs	Emma Terracini	Attends the same retreat; struggles with anger management; attempts suicide; transferred for specialized treatment.
18–23 August	Hal Enpace	Leigh Scully	Influences Lucas Holden towards rebellious acts including vandalism; held financially accountable for damages.
	Lawrence	Uncredited	Associate of Hal Enpace involved in rebellious behavior.
21 August–15 September	Emily Armstrong	Libby Richmond	Brad Armstrong’s fiancée diagnosed with leukemia; marries Brad swiftly and passes away peacefully soon after.
21 August–5 September	Gordon O'Neill	Andrew Tighe	Police superintendent at Yabbie Creek who initially supports daughter Tara’s false claims against Kim Hyde until truth is uncovered, leading to apologies.
21 August–10 October	Ella HunterTemplate:Anchor Ella Hunter	Multiple actors	Newborn daughter of Tasha and Robbie Hunter; targeted by kidnappers due to cult beliefs; family later relocates abroad.
	Gareth WestwoodTemplate:Anchor Gareth Westwood	Benjamin Ronczka	Dean Silverman’s partner at teen retreat; their relationship causes tension but is ultimately accepted before moving away together.
	Grace CarterTemplate:Anchor Grace Carter	Elaine Smith	Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill and mother of Tara O'Neill; confirms Tara’s history of deceit during legal proceedings involving Kim Hyde.
	Dennis GillenTemplate:Anchor Dennis Gillen	Danny Adcock	Criminal adversary targeting detective Peter Baker over prior convictions; presumed dead after violent encounter but later revealed alive.
	Ash NaderTemplate:Anchor Ash Nader	Ben Geurens	Police officer romantically involved with Martha MacKenzie while married with children; double life exposed causing relationship breakdown.
	Joe MortonTemplate:Anchor Joe Morton	Multiple actors	Son of Lee Morton temporarily cared for by Rachel Armstrong; suffers bone cancer and dies following complex custody disputes involving Lee and Dane Smith.
Dane SmithTemplate:Anchor Dane Smith	Cody Kaye	Lee Morton’s boyfriend engaged in custody battles over son Joe; suspected child abuse disproved medically; departs after Joe's death.
ReverendTemplate:Anchor Reverend	Peter Flett	Local priest officiating numerous significant weddings and funerals within Summer Bay community over several years, contributing to major events.
rowspan=3 style="white-space: nowrap;" |1 December–7 February 2007	Rianna NaderTemplate:Anchor Rianna Nader	Lotte St. Claire	Wife of Ash Nader arriving with children unaware of his affair; later becomes pregnant prompting Ash's permanent return home.
Declan NaderTemplate:Anchor Declan Nader	Jack Concoran
Jessica NaderTemplate:Anchor Jessica Nader	Amy Baran

External links

• Cast and characters featured on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters listed on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Full cast and characters available at the Internet Movie Database