Jamie Cooper (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
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

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 during 2008, all under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 21st season commenced on 28 January 2008. Significant character debuts include deputy principal Martin Bartlett (Bob Baines) in February; in March, Trent Dalzell joined as Axel Hay, alongside David Downer portraying Ross Buckton and Celeste Dodwell as Melody Jones; April saw Tessa James take on the role of Nicole Franklin; May introduced Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips respectively; June brought in Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds playing sisters Charlie and Ruby Buckton; July featured Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen; finally, November marked the arrival of David Jones-Roberts as Xavier Austin.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, enacted by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. He was introduced as Summer Bay High's new deputy principal, stepping in after the departure of former principal Donald Fisher. Following the stabbing of Sally Fletcher, Martin was promoted to principal. His leadership responsibilities encompassed staff management, including hiring secretary Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) initially under duress before dismissing her and subsequently recruiting Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes) as her successor.

Despite Kirsty being involved with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), Martin developed a strong attraction towards her. This tension intensified when he terminated Kirsty's employment after uncovering her involvement in escort work at the Sands resort—a place Martin himself frequented as a client. Martin's duties also extended to overseeing situations involving Kirsty's son Oliver (Oliver Davis), which resonated with him due to his own experience growing up with a single mother.

His tenure was marked by several challenges, including an incident where a vehicle crashed into the Surf Club during a senior formal event he organized, resulting in injuries to Martin. He also coordinated a commemorative trek honoring Dan Baker's memory, which escalated into a hostage crisis when Trey Palmer planted a bomb on the bus. The device was safely defused by Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). After these events, Martin appointed Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as principal before leaving Summer Bay to embark on a cruise.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, played by Trent Dalzell, first appeared on-screen on 19 March 2008.

A pivotal storyline leading to Axel’s departure involved him and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) being struck by an intoxicated Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then fled the scene. Actor Todd Lasance, portraying Larry’s son Aden Jefferies, explained that while Jai escaped mostly unharmed, Axel suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization. Both boys had no recollection of the accident but remembered seeing a silver estate car, prompting Aden to suspect his father’s involvement.

Axel was initially introduced as a Summer Bay High student and attended a party hosted by Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), where he unsuccessfully pursued Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). Subsequently, Axel attempted to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell), which resulted in conflict with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) who threatened him. After being assaulted himself and hospitalized, suspicion fell on various characters until it was revealed Aden was responsible. Axel’s reputation suffered due to these events; however, he later apologized to Melody and formed a friendship with Jai. Axel ultimately succumbed to injuries from the car accident caused by Aden’s father. Following his death, Axel appeared as a vision haunting Melody’s nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008 as a police investigator assigned to the case of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). Throughout his inquiry, he interrogates significant individuals such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon). However, when Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) establishes that Sam's death was self-inflicted, Ross is compelled to withdraw the charges.

Amidst obstacles including Ross's reluctance to disclose details about his deceased wife Elsie and resistance from his daughter Charlie, he and Morag revive their previous romantic connection. His other daughter, Ruby, offers her approval. Ross eventually proposes, and the couple marries privately before departing on a European honeymoon.

Upon returning the following year, Ross begins to display symptoms of mental deterioration such as memory lapses and unpredictable conduct. Following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews), he consents to move into care with Morag at his side.

After the discovery of Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson)'s corpse, Ross admits to killing Grant in retaliation for Grant's past sexual assault of Charlie when they were younger. Facing murder charges, Ross awaits trial but passes away in 2011; his memorial service is conducted in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, enacted by Celeste Dodwell, was introduced in December 2007 shortly after she completed her drama HSC. Initially, Dodwell auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which was ultimately awarded to Tessa James. Her agent informed her about Melody's "character breakdown," which piqued her interest. Dodwell later exited the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, brought to life by Tessa James, first appeared on 18 April 2008. The announcement of James’s casting came in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commending her as a highly promising talent. James relocated to Sydney for this role, viewing it as an important step in her professional development. Notably, fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell had originally tried out for Nicole’s part. Nicole’s story arcs included rekindling romance while stranded on a desert island and enduring captivity, underscoring her dramatic significance. Media outlets labeled her a "flighty minx" and a "fiery favourite," with TV Week highlighting James as one of the series’ most talented actresses with potential for Hollywood success.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, played by Jordan Rodrigues, debuted on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described this role as an entirely new challenge and welcomed recognition from viewers. Jai’s background involves losing his family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which connects him with established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who experienced similar tragedy. This bond prompts Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay; however, initial friction arises because Miles had left Jai behind in Phuket.

Rodrigues departed from the show in 2009 to join ABC's Dance Academy. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai’s introduction occurs at an urban shelter where he initially reacts coldly toward Miles despite Miles’ promise to look after him following the deaths of his parents William and Nadieen in the tsunami. Eventually relocating to Summer Bay, Jai struggles to integrate at Summer Bay High School. He forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell), leading them into trouble—including a scooter crash caused by a drunken Larry Jefferies that results in Axel’s death. This event causes Jai to develop a sense of invulnerability, demonstrated through risky stunts that alarm peers like Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best). Their shared experiences blossom into a romantic relationship despite initial opposition from their guardians Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

The couple encounters difficulties such as Annie becoming trapped in a storm drain and facing bullying from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey), who spreads false rumors affecting their social group. Jai retaliates by threatening to reveal Trey’s history with weight issues.

Their relationship deteriorates after Jai drunkenly confesses at Ruby Buckton's birthday party that he wants to sleep with Annie, leading to their breakup. Soon after, Jai is accidentally shot with an old shotgun discovered on Martha MacKenzie's farm but hides the injury until collapsing during a school hike. He later recovers.

Tensions escalate when Dexter Walker (Tom Green) shows romantic interest in Annie; Jai becomes upset upon seeing Annie kiss Dexter. The arrival of Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell), an old foster friend of Jai’s, briefly lifts his spirits but complicates matters due to Romeo’s pursuit of Annie. Jai plans to participate in a student exchange program in Japan but initially declines to support Kirsty following her miscarriage of Miles’ baby. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie leave together for Japan after farewells with their friends.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty (née Christie Hayes) and Kane Phillips (played by Sam Atwell). His initial appearance occurs when Irene Roberts (portrayed by Lynne McGranger) arrives to pick him up after being informed about his fever. Irene then contacts Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) who recommends that Ollie be admitted to the hospital.

While hospitalized, Ollie remains uncommunicative despite attempts by medical staff and law enforcement to engage him. Kane, who is on the run from the authorities, secretly visits Ollie. Following Kane’s unsuccessful robbery and subsequent police pursuit, Kirsty takes Ollie out of the hospital; Kane is apprehended.

Ollie and Kirsty move in with Irene but create tension when Ollie reveals Belle Taylor's (Jessica Tovey) relationship with Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance) and damages Belle’s belongings at work. Subsequently, Kirsty relocates them to a caravan park near her former residence in Summer Bay. Miles Copeland invites them into his home, establishing a family unit alongside Miles and Jai.

After Kane is released from prison, Ollie excitedly notices him and shares this news. Kane expresses a desire to reunite with his family, prompting them to leave together; however, they return due to ongoing conflicts between Kane and Kirsty. Ollie feels distressed when Kane departs permanently but is relieved to be back home.

Kirsty experiences a pregnancy but suffers a miscarriage. During this time, Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland (Paula Forrest), who offers support to Kirsty and eventually takes them to live with their family in the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton made her first appearance on 6 June 2008, portrayed by former model Esther Anderson, who was cast to introduce additional "sex appeal" to Home and Away. Anderson, an avid viewer of the series, was delighted to secure the role after auditioning. She departed the show in November 2011 to pursue acting opportunities in Hollywood.

Anderson received multiple award nominations for her portrayal of Charlie, including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and "Best Daytime Star" in 2010. Additionally, she was nominated for Logie Awards in categories such as "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" during 2010. The episode depicting Charlie's death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild.

Critics described Charlie as a "sexy sergeant" and praised her as the soap's "cutest crime fighter."

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, first appeared on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as a carefree individual who conceals her true emotions behind a strong exterior, influenced by the grief over her mother's passing. Unlike her sister, Ruby tends to internalize her feelings, presenting herself as independent and reserved. Breeds characterized Ruby as spirited, deeply devoted to her family, and confident.

In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes and exited Home and Away, though she acknowledged that Ruby’s storyline remained open-ended. Her performance earned her a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2009 and another for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. At the 2012 Inside Soap Awards, she was nominated for "Best Daytime Star".

Holy Soap noted Ruby’s significant storylines, including dealing with her father's illness and a prank involving Skype combined with skinny-dipping.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, played by Luke Jacobz, made his first appearance on 8 July 2008. Jacobz landed the role in June 2008 following the cancellation of McLeod's Daughters, where he previously held a recurring position. Initially intending to pursue work as a labourer in Sydney, he accepted the part, which was originally contracted for six months. It was announced in February 2011 that Jacobz had departed from Home and Away, with his final episodes airing shortly thereafter.

The character is depicted as originating from a tightly bonded family with three brothers and was initially seen as a brash individual unlikely to achieve success. Jacobz received a nomination for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and was also shortlisted for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards in the same year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, brought to life by Paul Pantano, appeared on Home and Away between 8 July and 26 August 2008. Pantano was featured in Digital Spy's spotlight on gay characters. In a prominent storyline, Elliot puts the lives of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) at risk. Seeking vengeance for his brother Mark's death, Elliot holds Roman responsible and threatens Nicole. He orchestrates dangerous scenarios, including leaving Roman stranded in the wilderness and isolating Nicole and Geoff on an island. The actress portraying Nicole described Elliot's attack on Geoff with a speargun as part of a "life and death obstacle course" designed for Roman.

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay searching for Roman, whose brother Mark had served alongside him in the SAS and died during deployment in Afghanistan. As the anniversary of Mark's death approaches, Elliot pressures Roman for answers despite an ongoing official investigation. Roman explains that their unit was ambushed, resulting in Mark being lost and presumed dead. Rejecting this account, Elliot manipulates Roman by dating his daughter Nicole. When their relationship ends, Elliot kidnaps Nicole, demanding ransom through a DVD instructing Roman to drink a liquid or lose her forever. Elliot forces Nicole onto a boat; Geoff intervenes but suffers injuries from Elliot’s speargun attack.

Once Roman complies with Elliot’s demands, he faces a series of deadly traps set by Elliot, including being wounded by an arrow, nearly caught in landslides, and surviving a mine explosion. Roman manages to overcome these perils, subdues Elliot, and has him taken into custody at Yabbie Creek police station.

While detained, Roman reveals that during the ambush Mark intended to surrender but threatened to shoot a squad member; Roman shot Mark to prevent this. The enemy then captured and killed Mark while others escaped. Elliot admits to Nicole’s whereabouts and is charged with kidnapping and attempted murder.

Xavier Austin

Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, first appeared on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012 when he left Summer Bay to move to Goulburn. After four auditions, Jones-Roberts secured the role, describing the result as "even more rewarding" due to the wait. He discovered his casting news via payphone while surfing. The soap opera website Holy Soap identifies Xavier’s defining moment as witnessing Brendan cause a serious car crash using a catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Business-Relevant Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Father of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland shown in flashback sequences. His struggles with alcoholism and domestic violence caused family estrangement. After his wife passed away, Aaron attempted to gain custody of Sally but ultimately left her with foster parents, the Fletchers. He died in 2000 due to alcohol-related issues.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Mother to Sally and Miles Copeland, who endured a troubled marriage with Aaron. Later married Derek Wilson before dying in a boating accident.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Mother of Diana Wilson and Ross Keating, grandmother to Sally and Miles Copeland; featured in 1988 flashbacks residing in a nursing home suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Hospital anesthetist responsible for administering anesthesia to critical patients, including Sally Fletcher and Penn Graham.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor at Coastal News and employer of Belle Taylor, known for making divisive editorial choices impacting local figures such as Aden Jefferies and Sally Fletcher.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	School peer involved in minor altercations affecting student interactions.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Benefactor who donated $100,000 to Leah Patterson-Baker in appreciation for life-saving efforts by her late husband Dan Baker.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender engaged in illicit activities; involved in events following the death of Sam Holden.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of criminal Johnny Cooper; participated in underground fighting that affected Ric Dalby's reputation.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year 9 student involved in bullying and disciplinary issues affecting peer relationships.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Estranged sister of Sam Holden; took custody of nephew Rory Tolhurst during legal proceedings.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Axel Hay's sibling; involved in school conflicts influencing classroom dynamics.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander	Mother to Melody Jones; involved in disputes over educational content and behavior issues, as well as family legal matters impacting community relations.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Operator of a teenage refuge; offers insight into youth welfare challenges relevant to local social services.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Son of Julie Cooper; active participant in community sports initiatives promoting youth involvement.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek; engaged in law enforcement operations and leadership roles following Charlie Buckton's death.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient with multiple admissions; interactions highlight challenges within community mental health services.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend with a contentious history influencing school disciplinary decisions.
11 July	Mrs. Hay	Amelia Longhurst	Mother mourning the loss of son Axel Hay; represents family impact from local tragedies.
15–24 July	Daisy Alexander	Jessica Smith	University roommate providing social support to Matilda Hunter during her studies in Perth.
15–24 July	Nathan Cunningham	Andrew Lees	Resident advisor on university campus influencing student social activities.
1 September–6 October	Edward Jones	Errol Henderson	Husband of Christine Jones; involved in family matters related to daughter Melody’s mental health treatment.
2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009	Bridget Simmons	Joy Smithers	Con artist engaged in fraudulent schemes affecting local businesses and community trust; implicated in kidnapping leading to arrest.
3–4 September	Earl Pincus	Alan Cinis	Homeless man interacting with community members; involved in minor criminal acts impacting local safety concerns.
15 September–10 November	Murray Buchanan	Ben Tari	Council employee exposing environmental concerns tied to land development; faced intimidation from developers, highlighting governance issues.
26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009	Tim Coleman	Keiran Darcy-Smith	Construction manager linked to criminal activities including theft, intimidation, and murder; apprehended following police investigation.
22 October–5 November	Natalie Franklin	Adrienne Pickering	Former partner and mother dealing with family conflicts that affect personal relationships within the community.
23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009	Brian Lawler	Ric Herbert	Criminal associate involved in extortion and kidnapping, arrested along with accomplices, influencing local law enforcement efforts.
18–24 November	Eric "Nobby" Nobbes	Mark Casamento	Suspect involved in theft and undercover operations; murdered after exposure of illegal dealings connected to developer Tim Coleman.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Full cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database