James Mayvers

Home and Away

Company type	Television soap opera
Industry	Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
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 highlights characters introduced throughout 2017, all under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show’s 30th season commenced broadcasting on 30 January 2017. Notable new arrivals include Riley Hawkins in January, Scarlett Snow in May, followed by the Astoni family—parents Ben and Maggie, along with their daughters Coco and Ziggy—in June. Subsequent introductions featured Robbo and Jennifer Dutton in July, Beth Ellis in August, Ryder Jackson in October, Willow Harris in November, and finally Jasmine Delaney in December.

Riley Hawkins

Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. He secured the role over his roommate, Rob Mills, who also auditioned. Introduced as a surgeon working at Northern Districts Hospital, Riley is revealed to be Tori Morgan’s (Penny McNamee) former partner and operates on Justin Morgan (James Stewart).

Riley’s storyline primarily revolves around his medical profession and the rekindling of his relationship with Tori, which is complicated by her family’s involvement in witness protection. He develops a contentious rivalry with fellow doctor Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), culminating in Riley attempting to have Nate dismissed for alleged medical malpractice after tampering with patient records. Once his actions come to light, Riley loses both Tori’s confidence and his hospital job, resulting in his exit from the series.

Scarlett Snow

Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, was introduced on 8 May 2017. Nolan, who resides in Los Angeles, traveled to Sydney for a screen test and signed a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as "somewhat enigmatic" with a sorrowful history, which influenced her decision to accept the role and relocate to Sydney.

Within the narrative, Scarlett encounters Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood) while he is fleeing law enforcement. After initially detaining him, she aids Brody in addressing his drug dependency by involving his family. Despite disapproving of Justin Morgan’s (James Stewart) approach to Brody’s recovery, Scarlett offers him refuge. Following Brody’s relapse and theft incident, she is compelled to move into a caravan provided by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) and takes up employment at his bait shop.

Scarlett’s estranged spouse hires Bruno Addlen (Johnny Nasser) to track her down, demanding $8,000 to keep her location confidential. With financial assistance from Brody’s relatives, Scarlett pays Bruno. She builds a connection with Justin's daughter, Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas), while coping with personal struggles including the death of her son Max. After disagreements with Justin, Scarlett contemplates leaving but remains following his encouragement.

The storyline delves into Scarlett’s intricate relationships: her growing feelings for Justin are complicated by his unresolved emotions toward ex-fiancée Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo). Their fragile relationship faces obstacles such as a near-drowning event that triggers Scarlett's trauma linked to Max's death. Concurrently, Scarlett supports Brody through his legal proceedings.

Her estranged husband Caleb Snow (Josh McConville) returns, introducing emotional tension and reminders of their shared loss. A trip to a bush cabin ends with Scarlett sustaining injuries from an explosion; Caleb’s presence further strains her relationship with Justin. Ultimately, Scarlett recognizes the challenges within her relationships and opts to leave the Bay alongside Caleb.

Ziggy Astoni

Ziggy Astoni, brought to life by Sophie Dillman, made her first appearance on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni, representing the first traditional nuclear family introduced to the series in 17 years, since the arrival of the Sutherlands in 2000. Ziggy was portrayed as a rebellious teenager and spirited "wild child," serving as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.

Ben Astoni

Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, also debuted on 20 June 2017. To accommodate filming near Palm Beach, the show's outdoor set, Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly. Ben relocates to Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters, Coco and Ziggy. The introduction of the Astoni family marked the reintroduction of a nuclear family unit after a 17-year gap. Nichol described Ben as a devoted and caring individual, embodying a grounded and relatable persona.

Maggie Astoni

Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was announced earlier in 2017, with character specifics revealed on 4 June. She highlighted the fast-paced nature of filming for the show, contrasting it with her previous film work, noting that nearly an entire episode is shot daily. Maggie moves to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astonis were the first complete nuclear family added to the soap since the Sutherlands in 2000.

Coco Astoni

Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, made her debut on 21 June 2017. She is the youngest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The arrival of the Astonis reestablished a traditional family unit on the show after nearly two decades. Coco was positioned as a possible romantic partner for VJ Patterson. In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12 studies.

Coco’s narrative involves being suspended due to cyberbullying, which prompts her family’s move to Summer Bay. She forms a friendship with Raffy Morrison and meets VJ Patterson, who asks her out after Raffy claims Coco tutors her in French. At Summer Bay High, Coco experiences bullying and develops an eating disorder that leads to hospital stays and strained relationships. She eventually confesses to struggling with bulimia and receives support from Leah Patterson-Baker.

Her relationships include dating Ryder Jackson, which ends due to trust issues, while she also supports her sister Ziggy’s engagement and wedding plans. Following another breakup with Ryder and dealing with his new relationship with Raffy, Coco opts to attend boarding school in Cairns despite initial reluctance from Maggie.

Several months later, Coco returns for Raffy’s birthday celebration, confronting Brody Morgan over his infidelity that impacted Ziggy. She apologizes for any resulting conflict and discusses Ziggy’s new romantic involvement before heading back to boarding school.

Robbo

Robbo (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. Ryan lost 13 kg for this role following a taekwondo injury and was cast to fill the "heart-throb" niche left vacant after Stephen Peacocke’s departure as Darryl Braxton. Robbo was introduced as a handyman, Australian Federal Police (AFP) agent, and gym owner, becoming a significant love interest for Kat Chapman. The character was written off in early 2020; Ryan stated his exit was due to feeling his "time had come" and wanting to leave "on a high note."

Robbo initially appears suffering from amnesia while hiding on an island before integrating into Summer Bay life. Despite memory loss, he gains locals’ trust by performing heroic acts and taking up maintenance jobs. His quest for identity leads him to discover ties to a woman named Rose and uncover a corpse; he temporarily suspends his investigation afterward. Robbo’s backstory unfolds as he confronts Dennis Novak, an ex-criminal associate who targets Kat Chapman. Robbo kills Novak in self-defense but becomes the primary suspect in Novak’s death. After fleeing and experiencing a car crash with Kat—who later dies along with their unborn child—Robbo grieves profoundly.

Returning injured and in hiding, Robbo receives support from Tori Morgan and Willow Harris. He recalls his real name as Ryan Shaw and reveals that his family has passed away. Under pursuit by Ash, Robbo surrenders but is granted bail pending trial. During proceedings, AFP agents intervene revealing Robbo’s true identity as an undercover federal officer whose original identity had been erased for protection purposes. His mission involved tracking down those responsible for his family’s demise while safeguarding Kat.

Following this disclosure, Robbo declines rejoining the AFP and instead purchases the local gym. He develops a relationship with Jasmine Delaney while agreeing to father a child with Tori through IVF. After Tori suffers a miscarriage but later becomes secretly pregnant using another embryo, Robbo ends his engagement with Jasmine and temporarily leaves Summer Bay; they eventually reconcile and marry.

Robbo undergoes hypnotherapy attempting to recover memories related to Dylan Carter’s case but initially struggles. His storyline concludes tragically when he experiences hemorrhaging following surgery related to a car accident and dies; he later appears to Jasmine in a dream sequence.

Throughout his arc, Robbo’s complex dual identity as an undercover federal agent intertwined with personal loss and romantic entanglements established him as a central figure driving dramatic tension and viewer engagement within the series.

Jennifer Dutton

Jennifer Dutton, brought to life by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga's involvement was announced in June 2017, introducing Jennifer as a high school student who initially bullies Coco Astoni. She later becomes romantically linked to Hunter King, driving significant plot developments at Summer Bay High.

Jennifer's early behavior includes targeting Coco with bullying, which sparks conflicts involving other students such as VJ Patterson and Raffy Morrison. She manipulates Coco’s eating disorder for her own advantage, coercing a date with VJ in exchange for keeping quiet. These actions create rifts between friends and escalate into physical fights, leading to suspensions.

Her narrative also features participation in key social occasions like Olivia Fraser Richards' fashion event and Summer Bay’s Glow Day, during which she injures her wrist. Jennifer shows interest in Mason Morgan, who resists due to personal grief, before beginning a relationship with Hunter King. This romance causes friction with Olivia Fraser Richards.

Jennifer’s attendance at a university party results in clashes with her father Nick, who disapproves of Hunter’s influence on her. After running away from home, she moves into Summer Bay House with Hunter but is later evicted by Alf Stewart following an intimate encounter. Subsequently, Hunter ends their relationship, leaving Jennifer briefly homeless before she returns to live with her father and concludes her relationship with Hunter.

Beth Ellis

Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, was introduced on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Initially uncertain about her audition outcome, she described Beth as "cheeky," "layered," and "quirky," serving as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan.

Beth’s storyline revolves around her time as a hospital patient suffering from cardiomyopathy and awaiting a heart transplant. At first, she pretends to be a nurse to avoid sympathy but eventually confides in Mason about her condition, leading to a growing friendship and romance. Their shared experiences include getting tattoos together and visiting a casino. During a trip with Mason, Beth’s health worsens, resulting in hospitalization and an advancement on the transplant waiting list.

Beth’s father, Alan Ellis, disapproves of her relationship with Mason, causing family tensions. Despite this opposition, Beth insists on continuing the relationship until another collapse requires a stent insertion. After recovering somewhat and receiving a promise ring from Mason during a beach lunch, Beth suffers a fatal arrhythmia and passes away. Her death deeply affects Mason, who experiences a vision encouraging him to move forward.

Ryder Jackson

Ryder Jackson, played by Lukas Radovich, arrived on screen on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast soon after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his acting debut. Ryder is the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His initial storyline involves breaking into the Surf Club and attempting to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson. He reveals his relation to Alf Stewart but refuses to share Quinn’s phone number, raising concerns from his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) that he might have run away.

Willow Harris

Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, made her debut on 14 November 2017. Prior to securing this part, Roberts auditioned for the roles of Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She characterized Willow as a "strong, female character" who embodies independence, loyalty, and a fierce spirit, injecting "mischief and a bit of trouble" into Summer Bay. Willow is depicted as a rebellious "bad girl" whose questionable decisions stem from deep loyalty to those she cares about. The character soon develops into a romantic interest for Justin Morgan (James Stewart).

Jasmine Delaney

Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, was introduced on 18 December 2017. Frost's casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 after she auditioned while participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite competing with numerous actresses, she secured the role following a second audition. Frost described landing the part as a dream fulfilled, marking her first acting role.

Her casting encountered some backlash from actors who criticized it as a publicity move. Jasmine's initial plotline involved a car accident that resulted in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost described Jasmine as "quite guarded" with an "anxious energy," concealing secrets and harboring a "dark past."

Additional Characters

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Description
			Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings. Billie becomes pregnant after being raped by Mick and allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is the father until their wedding day. Luc is born shortly after Billie escapes a bushfire. VJ and Billie name her Luc in memory of Billie's late brother. Mick abducts Luc but later returns her. Billie succumbs to terminal cancer, dying with Luc in her arms. VJ faces custody challenges, leading Ash to gain temporary custody. Luc experiences serious health complications requiring surgery but recovers fully. Mick returns but accepts he cannot parent Luc; ultimately, VJ relocates overseas with her to Cyprus.
		Nick Cain	Constable Corelli supports Kat Chapman with an arson investigation and later discovers CCTV footage showing Robbo held at gunpoint by Dylan Carter.
		Gail Knight	Provides nursing assistance to Billie Ashford with her newborn child.
		Rob Baird	Transports both John Palmer and later Zac MacGuire to medical facilities following emergencies.
		Luke McKenzie	Patrick, believed to be the deceased brother of Ash and Billie, returns suffering from PTSD. He struggles with family relationships, especially concerning Luc’s custody, but eventually forms a bond with her and agrees to seek treatment.
		Felicity McKay	A university student involved in drug distribution at Salt nightclub; briefly employed as a waitress before dismissal due to drug use. Has a short relationship with Brody Morgan and later enters rehabilitation.
7 March	Byron	Benjamin Winckle	Socially encourages Olivia Fraser Richards; becomes involved in a dispute over Olivia’s boyfriend’s academic standing.
9 March	Local Woman	Meagan Caratti	Community members confront John Palmer regarding fires he ignited; his wife defends him.
	Local Man	James Caitlin
13 March–18 April	Jess Kearney	Jess Bush	Engages with Olivia Fraser Richards for study sessions; participates in social events including birthday celebrations involving Olivia’s boyfriend.
21 March	Cal Whitman	Craig Scott	Resident displaced by bushfire caused by John Palmer; appreciates John’s gesture towards community support.
22 March, 6 December	Terry Diamond	Rob Flanagan	Restaurant critic initially clashes with Brody Morgan but later acknowledges his talent.
	Donna Fields	Melissa Bonne	Visits Summer Bay to reconnect with Phoebe Nicholson; discusses music career prospects and invites Phoebe on a U.S. tour.
29 March–29 August	Lachlan Piers	Warwick Allsopp	John Palmer’s attorney advising on defense strategy; later informs Ben Astoni about heritage status impacting planning applications.
	James Mayvers	Tim Ross	Roo Stewart’s boyfriend who visits Summer Bay; involved in storyline concerning pregnancy loss through miscarriage.
3 April–30 August	William Zannis	Caleb Alloway	Drug dealer linked to Brody Morgan’s storyline; involved in drug supply, intimidation, kidnapping, and criminal activities resulting in police pursuit.
10 April	Court Officer	Alistair Bates	Oversees court proceedings involving testimony from VJ Patterson.
	Jury Foreperson	Aanisa Vylet	Announces guilty verdict in trial of John Palmer for arson and manslaughter charges.
	Police Officer	Joshua Farah	Escorts John Palmer from courtroom to police custody.
11–25 April	Prison Officer	PJ Williams	Manages prison routines during Marilyn Chambers’ visits to John Palmer; supervises inmate interactions.
12 April	Annie Banks	Raelee Hill	Mediates custody dispute over Luc Patterson; takes case to court resulting in interim parental responsibility awarded to Ash.
13 April	Delivery Guy	Brendan Dodds	Attempts food delivery at Salt; informs Brody Morgan about declined credit cards during transaction.
17–25 April	Deacon Marx	Sam Smith	Prison inmate confronting Marilyn Chambers and John Palmer; involved in altercations and threats before being subdued by John Palmer.
17 April	Bartender	Alex Ewan	Refuses alcohol service to underage patrons at Salt nightclub during Olivia Fraser Richards’ birthday event.
3–11 May	Brian Gilbert	Tom O'Sullivan	Ava Gilbert’s stepfather who conflicts with Justin Morgan; involved in family disputes following Ava’s accident.
8 May	Tony Stoiov	Patrick Dickson	Pawnbroker who disputes with Brody Morgan over necklace sale leading to police involvement.
9 May, 11 July	Terry Deakins	Chris Hanrahan	Department of Education representative engaging with Zac MacGuire about relocation and principal vacancy discussions at Summer Bay High School.
10 May	Postman	Jonathan Lee Jones	Delivers contractual documents from Mayvers family to Roo Stewart.
17 May	David Mayvers	Noel Hodda	Father of James Mayvers offering financial settlement to Roo Stewart regarding pregnancy; offer declined by Roo.
22 May	Heather Shirley	Meagan Caratti	Criticizes John Palmer for organizing fundraiser following arson charges.
24 May	Helena Harrison	Jenevieve Chang	Divorce attorney representing Leah Patterson during separation from Zac MacGuire; present at signing despite Zac’s absence.
	Joseph Moore	Joel Pierce
29 May–7 June	Dr. Bailey Voss	Travis Jeffery	Psychologist treating John Palmer; recommends hypnosis therapy after exploring childhood trauma linked to brain tumor diagnosis.
30–31 May	Rebecca Brown	Kate Betcher	Briefly interacts with VJ Patterson at Salt before leaving upon learning of his mother’s presence.
31 May–22 June	Bede Hadden	Bill Young	Shares family history related to John Palmer’s father; provides personal items found in attic to John.
31 May–8 June	Young John Palmer	Rex Palazzi	Portrays flashback memories of young John Palmer concerning his father’s suicide and subsequent cover-up involving arson.
8 June	Enid Palmer	Megan O'Connell	Narrates involvement in covering up husband’s suicide through arson alongside son John Palmer.
14 June–4 October		Jay Turner		Aidan Gillett		Operator of drug den confronted by Justin and Mason Morgan while searching for their brother Brody Morgan; accused of assaulting Brody; later arrested following police investigation.
14–15 June		Bruno Addlen		Johnny Nasser		Private investigator hired to find Scarlett Snow; demands payment for silence regarding her location.
20 June		Des Green		Kirk Dodd		Leader of Narcotics Anonymous meetings attended by Brody Morgan during recovery process.
21 June		Anton Shields		David Woodland		Facilitator of NA meetings where Brody Morgan admits struggles with addiction.
26 June–11 September		Max Snow		Addison Price		Deceased son of Scarlett Snow whose death influences her storyline via flashbacks and emotional reflection.
4–20 July		Peggy King		Caroline Gillmer		Grandmother of Hunter King involved in family disputes related to paternity revelations and criminal accusations.
6 July		Constable Anderson		Jon Scholten		Private investigator tracking Scarlett Snow who attempts interference but is thwarted by Justin Morgan’s assistance.
13 July–18 December		Jarrod McGregor		Joel Davies		Ziggy Astoni’s boyfriend engaged in tumultuous relationship including infidelity and attempts at reconciliation ending definitively.
13 July		Random Girl		Emma Sabjan		Involved in Jarrod McGregor cheating incident witnessed by Ziggy Astoni.
20 July		Tom		Joel Hogan		Flirts with Scarlett Snow at Salt nightclub but is warned off by Justin Morgan.
31 July–4 September		Wally Burns		Julian Garner		Initially suspected as Hunter King’s father; confirmed infertile but DNA test later confirms paternity causing strained father-son relationship dynamics.
10 August–14 September		Doctor Simms		Ed Wightman		Medical professional overseeing Mason Morgan’s recovery from respiratory arrest and discharge evaluations.
10 August		Norris		Gavin Fenwick Christensen		Provides Martin Ashford information on William Zannis's location related to criminal investigations.
14 August		Counsellor Kathryn		Sarah Amanious		Rehab facility counsellor supporting Brody Morgan’s addiction recovery through group therapy focusing on triggers and hallucinations.
14 August		Addict Lisa		Ashley Avci		Participant alongside Brody Morgan in rehab group sessions.
14 August		Mackenzie		Luke Davis		Attempts inappropriate advances towards Raffy Morrison during car ride; interrupted by Robbo’s intervention.
16 August		Surfer		Finlay Upton		Mistakenly addresses John Palmer as "Grandpa" while passing him accompanied by Luc Patterson.
17–21 August		Claire Burns		Di Adams		Confronts Leah Patterson over alleged affair with husband Wally Burns; uncovers truth regarding Hunter King’s paternity.
22 August, 18 December		Felicity Cox		Amali Golden		Potential buyer interested in purchasing Salt restaurant; engages in negotiations involving price increases due to personal interest in Justin Morgan before ultimately selling Salt back to Brody Morgan.
22 August 2017 – 21 March 2018		Nick Dutton		Jacob Allan		Develops romantic relationship with Leah Patterson while managing daughter Jennifer’s disciplinary issues involving Hunter King; experiences family tensions culminating in Jennifer moving between households after breakup with Hunter.
22 August	Tyson	Indigo Felton	Alongside Nick Dutton and Paul overhears Leah Patterson expressing romantic doubts prompting plans to ask her out.
	Paul	John Van Putten
Polygraph Examiner	Gregg Arthur	Conducts polygraph test on Robbo suffering amnesia related to police corruption case involvement.
28 August –6 September	Faz	Jesse Rowles	Accomplice aiding William Zannis in kidnapping Ziggy Astoni and Brody Morgan; assaults Kat Chapman causing unconsciousness before confrontation by Robbo.
30 August	Bob	Neal Horton	Assists William Zannis and Faz relocating hostages Ziggy Astoni and Brody Morgan prior to attack by Robbo.
4 September –17 October	Dr Pandza	Oliver Wenn	Treats Beth Ellis during hospital stay including pre-procedure consultations disrupted by Mason Morgan revealing patient status confusion.
11 September	Rose Wagner	Jacqui Duncan	Denies knowledge of Robbo when questioned by Kat Chapman during local crime investigation.
12 September	Trish	Jeannie Gee	Witnessed Robbo's association with deceased neighbor Rose but lacks full identification details during interview by Kat Chapman.
21 September	Leon	Maxime Etienne	Tattoo artist engaged by Mason Morgan for tattooing himself and Beth Ellis as part of personal story arcs.
25 September –5 October	Colin	Ben Barber	Dates Tori Morgan briefly after meeting at Pier Diner but realizes mutual disinterest leading to amicable separation aided by Martin Ashford's date Liz assisting childcare duties.
26 September	Sergeant Halac	Louise Kelly	Supervises police raid on Dylan Carter's residence uncovering incriminating evidence including personal clippings targeting Kat Chapman's investigation role.
28 September	Photographer	Lance Bonza	Captures images at Olivia Fraser Richards' fashion label launch event enhancing business promotion within storyline context.
3 October	Junkie	Ellen Harvey	Briefly assists Scarlett Snow at Jay Turner's drug den facilitating cigarette acquisition during contraband pickup visit.
4 October	Mate #1	Peter Sammak	Social drinking companion of Jay Turner participating in casual pool games at residence setting drug-related conflict context.
5 October	Liz	Margarita Merkel	Socializes with Martin Ashford through childcare play date leading to mixed signals due to Ash's attraction towards Tori Morgan resulting in Liz departing company supported by Colin's assistance.
	Baby Phoenix	River and Ryder Srhoj	Infant accompanying Liz contributing minor role within social interactions involving Martin Ashford and Tori Morgan storylines.
5–23 October	Alan Ellis	Blair McDonough	Father of Beth Ellis opposing Mason Morgan's relationship amid health crises culminating in Beth's fatal arrhythmia impacting hospital complaint proceedings against Mason for perceived negligence or misconduct concerning patient care decisions within transplant context.
	Jackie Ellis	Rachael Coopes	=Spouse supporting Alan Ellis' family involvement throughout Beth Ellis health narrative arc contributing parental perspectives within medical drama context.|} External links Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site Cast and characters listed at the Internet Movie Database Ben Astoni profile on the official Australian Home and Away website Coco Astoni featured on the official Australian Home and Away site Ziggy Astoni information available at the official Australian Home and Away website