Jennifer Dutton
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following compilation highlights characters introduced during 2017, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series' 30th season commenced broadcasting on 30 January 2017.[1] The character Riley Hawkins made his first appearance in the subsequent episode. In May, Scarlett Snow was introduced, followed by the Astoni family—parents Ben and Maggie, alongside daughters Coco and Ziggy—who debuted in June. July's new additions included Robbo and Jennifer Dutton, while August saw the arrival of Beth Ellis. October welcomed Ryder Jackson, November featured Willow Harris, and December brought in Jasmine Delaney.
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, portrayed by Ryan O'Kane, made his debut on 31 January 2017.[2] Interestingly, O'Kane’s roommate, Rob Mills, had also auditioned for this role. Riley is introduced as a surgeon and the former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee), stepping in to perform surgery on Justin Morgan.[3] This reunion surprises Tori, who has been living under witness protection with her siblings. Fellow medical professional Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor) displays jealousy over Riley's past relationship with Tori.[4]
On Riley's initial day at Northern Districts Hospital, he performs surgery on Justin, who is Tori’s brother. He confides in Nate about his desire to rekindle things with Tori and expresses remorse for previous unfaithfulness. Justin cautions Riley to keep his distance from Tori; however, Riley persists in treating Justin’s infection. During a bronchoscopy, Riley identifies a growth in Billie Ashford's airway. He later asks Tori for another chance during a lunch meeting; she is hesitant due to their complicated history. After sharing a flirtatious moment with Evelyn MacGuire at Billie's funeral, Brody Morgan warns Riley against hurting Tori again. Riley proposes that Tori relocate to the city with him, but she declines in order to safeguard her family.
Subsequently, Riley tampers with Billie’s medical records and lodges a complaint against Nate aiming to get him dismissed. When Tori uncovers the falsified notes, she ends their relationship. Following a heated confrontation at her residence involving Justin, Riley resigns from the hospital and departs from town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, enacted by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. At the time residing in Los Angeles, Nolan traveled to Sydney for a screen test and secured a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as "somewhat enigmatic" with a sorrowful past, which influenced her decision to accept the role and move to Sydney.
Within the narrative, Scarlett encounters Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who is attempting to avoid law enforcement. After initially detaining him, she assists Brody in confronting his drug dependency by involving his family members. Despite disapproving of Justin Morgan’s (James Stewart) methods toward Brody’s recovery, Scarlett offers Brody shelter. Following Brody’s relapse and theft incident, Scarlett loses her accommodation but gains employment at Alf Stewart’s bait shop and moves into a caravan provided by Alf.
Business conflicts arise when Bruno Addlen—hired by Scarlett’s estranged husband Caleb—demands $8,000 to keep her location confidential; Scarlett finances this through a loan repaid by Brody’s family. She develops a connection with Justin’s daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) and confides in Justin about her son Max’s death one year prior, which had led to her marriage breakdown.
Scarlett’s relationship with Justin progresses amid personal struggles, including a distressing flashback triggered during a rescue operation. They cautiously explore their relationship but face challenges due to Justin’s unresolved feelings for his former fiancée Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo). Scarlett also supports Brody legally by investigating his court case alongside Kat.
The arrival of Caleb Snow (Josh McConville) further complicates matters; he seeks reconciliation and brings reminders of Max. After an incident at a bush cabin injures Scarlett, tensions culminate in Justin ending their relationship due to Caleb’s presence. Ultimately, Scarlett chooses to leave the Bay with Caleb, recognizing the complexities affecting both her personal life and career.
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. Ziggy is portrayed as a rebellious teenager with a wild streak and was developed as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, enacted by Rohan Nichol, also debuted on 20 June 2017. Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly to be nearer to the production site at Palm Beach. Ben relocates to Summer Bay with his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco and Ziggy. The Astoni family was notable for being the first new nuclear family introduced to the soap since 2000. Nichol described Ben as a devoted, caring, and relatable "good guy."
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, portrayed by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was announced earlier that year, with character details revealed on 4 June. She mentioned that adapting to the rapid filming pace was a major change compared to her previous film work. Maggie moves to Summer Bay alongside her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family marked the first introduction of a nuclear family in the show since the Sutherlands in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, portrayed by Anna Cocquerel, made her debut on 21 June 2017 as the youngest member of the Astoni family. Their arrival represented the first nuclear family addition in almost two decades. Coco was positioned as a potential romantic partner for VJ Patterson.
In late 2018, Cocquerel scaled back her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12 studies, balancing education with acting responsibilities. Coco’s storyline explored themes such as suspension due to cyberbullying, moving to Summer Bay following parental intervention, and facing challenges at Summer Bay High including bullying and an eating disorder. Her bulimia plot involved hospital stays, strained friendships, and eventually confiding in her family.
Romantically, Coco dated Ryder Jackson, dealt with jealousy over his relationship with Raffy Morrison, and navigated complex teenage relationships. She supported her mother Maggie through a cancer diagnosis and served as maid of honour at her sister Ziggy’s wedding.
Ultimately, Coco decided to attend boarding school in Cairns despite initial parental hesitation. She returned briefly for Raffy’s birthday party, becoming involved in family conflict surrounding Ziggy’s fiancé Brody Morgan’s infidelity before returning to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), played by Jake Ryan, premiered on 25 July 2017. Ryan prepared for this role by losing 13 kg following a taekwondo injury and was cast to fill the "heart-throb void" left by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a handyman, AFP Federal Agent, and gym owner. His character was written out in early 2020 during the show's thirty-third season. Ryan explained his departure by stating his "time was done" and expressed gratitude for ending on a positive note.
Robbo initially appeared suffering from amnesia after being found hiding on a boat in Summer Bay. Unable to recall his identity, locals nicknamed him "Robbo" after Robinson Crusoe. He received medical treatment for post-traumatic amnesia and gained support from community members such as Alf Stewart and Constable Kat Chapman. His mysterious past involved several aliases—John Doe, Beckett Reid, Ryan Shaw—and connections to both law enforcement and criminal activity.
His storyline included acts of heroism saving locals, working various maintenance jobs, and forming relationships notably with Kat Chapman and later Jasmine Delaney. Robbo's past resurfaced when he confronted Dennis Novak, a former criminal associate; Novak’s death led to Robbo becoming a suspect. After escaping custody and returning to Summer Bay, he grappled with identity issues and legal challenges before finally recalling his true identity as AFP officer Ryan Shaw.
Robbo’s undercover assignment centered on protecting Kat while investigating his family's murderers. His assumed identity was part of an AFP operation designed to erase his real existence. Once his memories returned, he came back to Summer Bay with AFP support but chose not to rejoin the agency; instead, he purchased the local gym. He developed a complicated relationship with Jasmine Delaney and agreed to father a child via IVF with Tori Morgan. Following Tori’s miscarriage and later pregnancy without his knowledge, Robbo ended his engagement with Jasmine but eventually reconciled with her and they married.
Robbo’s story concluded after sustaining injuries in a car accident that led to surgical complications resulting in his death. He appeared posthumously in Jasmine’s dream sequence.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga's casting was announced in June 2017 after she was spotted filming scenes at Palm Beach with Matt Little and Anna Cocquerel. Jennifer was introduced as a high school student who bullies Cocquerel’s character, Coco Astoni. Subsequently, she becomes romantically linked to Hunter King (Scott Lee). Santariga’s portrayal attracted attention due to its significant influence on the dynamics at Summer Bay High.
At the outset, Jennifer mocks Coco following an embarrassing nickname given by Coco’s mother and school principal, Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi). She antagonizes Coco by assigning her detention and defacing her locker, which leads to clashes involving other students such as VJ Patterson (Little) and Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble). Jennifer manipulates Coco’s eating disorder as leverage to force her into arranging a date with VJ, creating tension between Coco and Raffy. Additionally, Jennifer encourages Raffy to drink excessively during a fashion launch event.
During Summer Bay’s Glow Day obstacle course, Jennifer injures her wrist while competing alongside Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich). She flirts with Raffy’s brother, Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), and they share a kiss; however, Mason rejects her advances due to his mourning over a deceased girlfriend. Jennifer later offers support to Hunter King after his split from Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) and eventually starts dating him despite Olivia’s objections.
Jennifer’s presence at a university party causes tension when her father Nick accuses Hunter of providing her with alcohol. After running away from home, Jennifer moves in with Hunter but is evicted by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) following an incident where she is caught kissing Hunter. After Hunter ends their relationship, Jennifer experiences homelessness briefly before returning to live with Nick, concluding her storyline with a farewell to Hunter.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Initially unsure about her audition outcome, she was later cast and described Beth’s narrative as emotionally compelling. Apps depicted Beth as spirited, complex, and quirky, serving as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan.
Beth is introduced in the hospital encouraging Mason to accept his wheelchair following his paralysis. Although she initially pretends to be a nurse, it is soon revealed she is a patient awaiting a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy. Beth forms a close connection with Mason, motivating him to forgive his brother Brody for causing his paralysis. Together they share moments such as getting tattoos and visiting a casino.
As Beth's condition worsens during their outings, she requires hospital readmission and the insertion of a stent. Her father, Alan Ellis, disapproves of her relationship with Mason and urges him to stay away; however, Beth refuses to end their bond. Despite brief improvements in her health, Beth suffers a fatal arrhythmia shortly after receiving a promise ring from Mason. Her passing profoundly impacts Mason, who later experiences a vision encouraging him to move forward.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, portrayed by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his initial acting engagement. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His early narrative arc features him breaking into the Surf Club and attempting to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, which ultimately reveals his familial link to Alf. When he refuses to disclose Quinn's whereabouts, his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) grows concerned that he may have fled.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), brought to life by Sarah Roberts, first appeared on 14 November 2017. Prior to securing this role, Roberts auditioned for other parts before landing Willow, a character defined by strength, independence, and loyalty, who injects both chaos and depth into Summer Bay. Characterized as a "bad girl," Willow’s actions are driven by her devotion and affection, often leading her to make contentious choices in defense of those she values. She becomes romantically involved with Justin Morgan (James Stewart).
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, debuted on 18 December 2017. Frost's casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 after she was invited to audition during her participation in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite competing against multiple actresses, she secured the role following a second audition. Frost described this opportunity as a fulfillment of a dream, marking her first acting role.
Her casting drew criticism from some actors who perceived it as a publicity tactic. Jasmine’s storyline begins with a car accident that causes the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost depicted Jasmine as reserved with an "anxious energy," carrying hidden secrets and a troubled history.
Other Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings. Conceived following Billie's assault by Mick, she is initially believed by VJ Patterson to be his child until their wedding reveals the truth. Billie gives birth shortly after escaping a bushfire. Luc is named after Billie's deceased brother. Mick abducts Luc but ultimately returns her. After Billie succumbs to terminal cancer, she dies in VJ's arms holding Luc. Struggling with grief, VJ entrusts Luc to Irene Roberts’ care. Ash briefly gains custody; however, Patrick Stanwood's PTSD endangers Luc during a camping trip where she suffers bowel torsion and septicaemia but recovers post-surgery. Mick returns, acknowledges his inability to parent Luc but later takes her from Irene without notification. Ash retaliates by kidnapping Mick; subsequent custody disputes follow. Ultimately, VJ relocates overseas with Luc to raise her in Cyprus. |
| 1 February– | Constable Corelli | Nick Cain | Constable Corelli supports Kat Chapman in an arson investigation and later discovers CCTV footage showing Robbo being threatened at gunpoint by Dylan Carter. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | Provides breastfeeding support to Billie Ashford following the birth of her daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | Transports John Palmer after he experiences a seizure and later rushes Zac MacGuire to hospital following a fall resulting in unconsciousness. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Patrick, believed dead brother of Billie and Martin Ashford, reveals he faked his demise due to depression related to military service. He struggles with PTSD which affects those around him, including temporary custody conflicts over Luc Patterson. After an attempted suicide, Patrick forms a bond with Luc and consents to pursue treatment. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay | Lena engages in drug dealing at university events and briefly works as a waitress at Salt before dismissal due to substance use. She enters into a short relationship with Brody Morgan who develops an addiction. Both attend rehabilitation but Lena attempts to lure Brody back into drug use. |
| 7 March | Byron | Benjamin Winckle | Encourages Olivia Fraser Richards to participate in social gatherings; tensions arise with Olivia's partner Hunter King. |
| 9 March | Local Woman | Meagan Caratti | Community members confront John Palmer regarding responsibility for fires he caused; his wife Marilyn defends him. |
| Local Man | James Caitlin | ||
| 13 March–18 April | Jess Kearney | Jess Bush | Collaborates with Olivia Fraser Richards on study sessions; participates in social activities within Olivia's circle. |
| 21 March | Cal Whitman | Craig Scott | Resident displaced due to bushfire; expresses gratitude towards John Palmer for apology and assistance offer. |
| 22 March, 6 December | Terry Diamond | Rob Flanagan | Esteemed restaurant critic who reviews Salt; initially offended by Brody Morgan but later acknowledges his culinary skills. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
- Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database
- Ben Astoni profile at the Official AU Home and Away website
- Coco Astoni featured on the Official AU Home and Away platform
- Ziggy Astoni available at the Official AU Home and Away website