Jeremy Riggs

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Parent	Seven Network

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Below is a compilation of characters who made their debut in 1995, all introduced under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes. The show's eighth season started broadcasting on 16 January 1995. The initial new character was Daniel Goddard portraying the drug dealer Eric Phillips. In March, Adrian Lee joined the cast as the educator Andrew Warren. Nic Testoni entered the series as Travis Nash in April, followed by Kristy Wright assuming the role of Chloe Richards in June. From July onwards, Kimberley Joseph appeared as Joanne Brennan. The role of doctor Kelly Watson was played by Katrina Hobbs starting in August. October saw Nick Freedman cast as Alex Bennett, who appeared alongside Quinn Jackson. In November, David Ritchie was introduced as Saul Bennett, Alex’s father.

Eric Phillips

Eric Phillips, brought to life by Daniel Goddard, featured in a guest arc spanning six weeks. Eric is characterized as a shrewd and physically imposing individual who exploits others for his own benefit. Goddard described Eric as someone adept at winning people over while using steroids to maintain his muscular build. Eric forms friendships with Jack Wilson (Daniel Amalm) and Curtis Reed (Shane Ammann), offering to assist them with fitness goals and urging Jack to experiment with steroids despite Curtis’s hesitation. His presence escalates tensions, particularly when he acts aggressively toward Shannon Reed (Isla Fisher), leading Jack to step in. Ultimately, Eric leaves Summer Bay after instigating considerable disruption.

Goddard’s interpretation of Eric was well-received, attracting substantial fan correspondence and potential for a return appearance. Critics labeled Eric a "bad boy" with notable biceps who provoked attention among Summer Bay’s residents, especially appealing to female viewers. His storyline played a significant role in driving the drama throughout 1995.

Andrew Warren

Andrew Warren, enacted by Adrian Lee, appeared from 16 March until 3 May 1995. He was introduced as the former partner of established character Donna Bishop (Nicola Quilter), arriving with hopes of rekindling their relationship. Lee portrayed Andrew as outwardly pleasant but prone to jealousy-induced violence, particularly when witnessing Donna interacting with other men. This volatility culminates in Andrew physically assaulting Donna after seeing her with Rob Storey and Travis Nash (Nic Testoni). To deliver an authentic performance, Lee researched domestic abuse extensively and expressed interest in returning due to the complexity of portraying an antagonist.

Andrew immediately provokes conflict with Shane Parrish (Dieter Brummer) by parking in a handicapped space reserved for Shane’s fiancée, Angel Brooks (Melissa George). As a Year 11 Mathematics teacher, his arrival at the school unsettles Donna, who warns him to keep his distance. Although initially met with suspicion by colleagues and pupils aware of his violent history, Andrew gradually gains some acceptance by assisting Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) during a medical emergency and helping improve Sally Fletcher’s (Kate Ritchie) academic performance. Despite this progress, Donna remains wary until she slaps Andrew during an argument but later acknowledges his efforts to reform.

Despite opposition from Rob Storey, who attempts unsuccessfully to intervene, Andrew and Donna reconcile. He invites her to live with him; however, his jealousy resurfaces upon seeing her socializing with friends and sharing a kiss with Rob. This leads to another violent episode where Andrew assaults Donna and damages his apartment. After Donna decides to leave, Andrew tries to stop her and nearly strikes her again before Rob intervenes. Law enforcement arrests Andrew and issues a restraining order against him; he subsequently resigns from teaching and exits town.

The episode depicting the peak of Andrew’s abusive behavior toward Donna earned a nomination for "Best Episode in a Television Drama Serial" at the 1995 Australian Film Institute Awards.

Travis Nash

Travis Nash, brought to life by Nic Testoni, made his initial appearance on 10 April 1995 and departed the show on 11 August 1999. Testoni earned the "Most Popular New Talent" Logie Award in 1996 and received a nomination for "Most Popular Actor" the following year. In 1998, Travis and Rebecca were honored with the "Best Couple" accolade at the Inside Soap Awards, securing another nomination in 1999. Judy Johnson from The Sun-Herald referred to Travis as a "dreamboat fisherman."

Chloe Richards

Chloe Richards, portrayed by Kristy Wright, first appeared on-screen on 28 June 1995. Wright initially joined as an extra before becoming a regular cast member. The episode showcasing Chloe’s confrontation with her assailant Brad Cooper was awarded the Australian Writers' Guild prize for "Best Episode in a Television Serial" in 1997. Wright was nominated for Best Actress at the 1998 Logie Awards and later received a nomination for "Sexiest Female" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Kelly Watson

Kelly Watson, enacted by Katrina Hobbs, made her debut on 28 August 1995. Hobbs prepared for this role by observing medical professionals at Sydney's St. Vincent hospital prior to joining Home and Away. After the on-screen death of Shane Parrish (Dieter Brummer), Hobbs gained the nickname "Doctor Death" from fellow cast members. She exited the series in 1997.

Joanne Brennan

Joanne Brennan, played by Kimberley Joseph, was introduced on 24 July 1995. Although Joseph originally auditioned for the role of Donna Bishop, she was cast as Joanne, a former school friend of Angel Parrish (Melissa George) who returns to disrupt Angel’s life. Joanne takes up a secretarial job at Summer Bay High while secretly distributing drugs to students, including Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). She also seduces Steven Matheson (Adam Willits), drawing him away from nurse Lindsay Simons.

When methamphetamine is discovered at the school, Joanne falsely accuses principal Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) of sexual harassment to divert attention from herself. Donald is exonerated after Chloe admits the truth, leading to Joanne’s arrest for drug trafficking. Upon release on parole, she attempts to deceive Simon Broadhurst (Julian Garner) but is exposed and rejected in favor of Angel. Subsequently, Joanne leaves Summer Bay accompanied by another affluent man.

Alex Bennett

Alex Bennett, portrayed by Nick Freedman, first appeared on 16 October 1995 and left on 16 August 1996. The producers of Home and Away sought an actor who embodied an "easygoing hippy type," and familiar with Freedman’s previous roles in Echo Point and GP, they offered him the part. Before pursuing acting, Freedman was also involved in music. Alex was introduced as a romantic interest for established character Shannon Reed (Isla Fisher). Characterized as a "laid-back, have-a-go hero," Alex is a favored resident of Summer Bay and an artist facing creative struggles but with a generous heart. He meets Shannon when he rescues her from a group of men, sparking their relationship which soon encounters difficulties. Freedman chose to exit the show to concentrate on his music career as lead singer of the band Lurch, expressing criticism towards industry biases against artists who work across multiple disciplines.

Quinn Jackson

Quinn Jackson first appeared on 26 October 1995, originally portrayed by Danielle Spencer. She was introduced as the daughter of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), with a backstory revealing Alf’s brief romance with her American nurse mother during the Vietnam War. Despite Quinn’s initial antagonism and manipulative tendencies, Alf attempts to support her, which creates tension in his marriage. Meagher commended Spencer for her professionalism. After being absent for 22 years, Quinn reappeared in 2017, this time played by Lara Cox. Her son Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) was introduced shortly before her return on 23 November.

Quinn arrives in Summer Bay intending to meet Alf but initially hides her true identity. She rents a caravan, arousing Alf’s suspicion until she finally confesses she is his daughter. Alf then introduces Quinn to his wife Ailsa and son Duncan. Quinn briefly dates Steven Matheson, but the relationship ends after she admits her motive was revenge against Alf for abandoning her mother. Alf expresses remorse for his absence and offers Quinn a share of profits from a development project, which she declines. Upon discovering the full truth about her upbringing, Quinn feels remorseful for opposing the development but departs despite Alf's invitation to reconcile.

In 2017, Quinn reaches out to Alf regarding her son Ryder running away from camp. She arrives early at Summer Bay House, where Ryder introduces her to half-sister Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). Residing in Brisbane and working as a cruise ship vocalist, Quinn faces criticism from Roo for undermining Ryder’s self-esteem but is convinced by Alf to remain in Summer Bay temporarily.

Saul Bennett

Saul Bennett, played by former Macquarie University Senior Lecturer Dr. David Ritchie, made his debut on 21 November 1995. Saul is the leader of a religious cult and tries to recruit Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert). Tina Baker from Soaplife described him as a cult figure who brainwashed followers, abducted Selina on her wedding day, and attempted to force her into bearing his child. Inside Soap labeled Saul as "crazier than a veggie roast" and noted his resemblance to Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings.

Others

  28 November 1995–19 January 1996   Kathy Wilson   Christine Muscat   Jack Wilson’s sister persuading him to return home during holidays amid family land inheritance disputes.   29 November 1995–19 January 1996   Maria Wilson   Kim Antonios   Jack Wilson’s mother seeking his return home under false pretenses related to land inheritance; leaves after Jack decides to remain in Summer Bay.   30 November   Patient   Darren Stapleton   Kelly Watson treats an HIV-positive patient resulting in workplace safety concerns.   30 November   Norma   Barbara Morton   Clairvoyant predicting Shane Parrish’s accident during Angel Parrish’s hospital visit.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
24 January–16 February	Wendy McFarlane	Fiona Stewart	Wendy, sister to Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), arrives accompanied by her son Nelson McFarlane (Laurence Breuls). Formerly a country singer, she struggles financially and is in denial until confronted by Irene. Wendy briefly works at the diner before departing with Nelson.
24 January–14 September	Nelson McFarlane	Laurence Breuls	Irene's nephew who dates Selina Cook (Tempany Deckert) and steals newspapers to support his mother. Following a car accident caused by a friend, he sustains severe burns and is transferred to a specialized burns unit in the city.
20 February–10 March	Dr. Gordon	Bud Tingwell	Provides medical care to Angel Brooks (Melissa George) after an accident.
27 February–22 September	Elizabeth Clarke	Gwen Plumb	An elderly woman who befriends Selina during hospital stays; passes away after spending her final days with Selina.
1 March–7 April	Laura Bonnetti	Claudia Buttazonni	Italian exchange student hosted by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) and Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn). Dates Curtis Reed but dies after running onto train tracks during a dare.
1–8 March	Mary O'Brien	Carole Skinner	Employed as housekeeper by Alf and Ailsa but overstays her welcome; revealed as a con artist who cashes a cheque written by Alf to dismiss her.
14–23 March	Phil	Marc Grey	Physiotherapist assisting Angel Parrish in regaining mobility.
23 March–14 April	Marcus Neeks	David Price	Local student who has a brief relationship with Shannon Reed.
4 April 1995–21 October 1996	Reverend Brown	Jeremy Chance	Minister at St James' church; officiates multiple weddings including those of Shane Parrish and Angel Brooks.
28 April–11 August	Paul Harris	Ramsay Everingham	Angel Parrish's ex-partner and father of Dylan; contests custody before relinquishing it. Later stalks Angel and attempts abduction; subsequently arrested.
8 May–21 June	Teresa Lynch	Diane Craig	Deputy principal at Summer Bay High School; clashes with Donald Fisher and her son Joe. Injured in seaplane crash and hospitalized.
9 May–21 June	Joseph "Joe" Lynch	Justin Rosniak	Teresa's son who stays at the beach house; initially bullies Sally Fletcher but reforms. Leaves to be with his injured mother after the seaplane crash.
11–12 May	Kim	Charde Doherty	Foster child causing disruption in the Ross household; eventually returned home due to neglectful mother.
29 May–23 June	Gus Bishop	Samuel Johnson	Donna Bishop's brother; rebellious teenager who dates Sally Fletcher but departs following escalating misconduct.
31 May	Charles Bishop	David Baldwyn	Father of Donna and Gus; reprimands Gus for his behavior.
8 June 1995–18 November 1997	Arthur Briggs	Derek Amer / David Downer	Head administrator at Summer Bay High; investigates disciplinary matters including Selina Cook’s suspension and teacher-student relationships.
21 June–7 July	Maya Krakajcek	Xenia Natalenko	Yugoslavian foster child placed with Michael and Pippa Ross after seaplane crash; later returned to Yugoslavia.
26 June 1995–17 June 1998	Jan Connolly	Pat Pitney	Child Services officer involved in Maya’s placement and subsequent family welfare cases including aftermath of Pippa Ross's injury.
29 June 1995–30 August 1996	Max Richards	Rob Steele	Chloe Richards' father; displays racist attitudes towards Jack Wilson, abuses Chloe, later kills Chloe’s rapist during court proceedings; imprisoned thereafter.
6 July	Carol O’Reilly & Ingrid O’Reilly	Amanda Wenban & Kathryn Dagher	Mick O'Reilly's wives who reveal his bigamous status during his engagement to Irene Roberts, leading to cancellation of the engagement.
10 July 1995–24 May 2000	Constable Len Turner	Christopher Maxfield	Local police officer involved in various arrests including that of Alf Stewart for assault and youth-related offenses in Summer Bay.
20 July–11 August	Murdoch "Mud" Roberts	Tom Richards	Estranged husband of Irene Roberts who returns homeless; briefly reconciles before being murdered in a bushfire arson case implicating family members.
27–28 July	Raoul Irving	Lloyd Morris	Offers commercial modeling opportunities to Angel Parrish but makes unwanted advances which she rejects.
2 August 1995–10 April 1996	Harry Prendegast	Geoffrey Rees / Ben Gabriel	Old acquaintance of Bert King who stays with Pippa Ross; mistakenly accuses Jack Wilson of theft before apologizing.
16–18 August	Heather	Sarah Monahan	Foster child known for attention-seeking behavior causing tensions among foster siblings before leaving Summer Bay.
17–25 August	Rad	Rudi Baker	Milk truck driver who befriends Jack Wilson, encourages rebellion, then abandons him during a hazardous car accident.
31 August–1 September	Grant Gardner & Ryan	Trent Bowater & Anthony Macri	Victims of bushfire blaming Jack Wilson for their losses; engage in confrontations with him and others in Summer Bay.
13 September 1995–6 August 1997	Mandy Thomas	Rachael Blake	Professional novelist involved in complex relationships with Shannon Reed and others; departs for Paris following romantic developments.
14 September–13 October	Gail	Belinda Emmett	Briefly dates Travis Nash while supporting fundraising efforts for bushfire victims.
25 September–16 October	Lisa Matthews	Nana Coburn	Girlfriend of Brian "Dodge" Forbes; assists in framing Steven Matheson for theft amid Dodge’s schemes.
27–28 September	Toni Jarvis	Bridie Carter	Editor and girlfriend of Mandy Thomas whose arrival causes jealousy from Shannon Reed.
1–2 November	Rachel Watson	Tasma Walton	Sister of Kelly Watson struggling with guilt over boyfriend Rick’s death; reconciles with Kelly before departing.
1 November	Rick	Andrew Rodereda	Rachel Watson’s boyfriend who dies from injuries sustained in a car accident.
1–3 November	Crash	Justin Hewitt	Member of biker gang threatening Alex Bennett and Shannon Reed; loses race determining gang membership status.
7 November 1995–3 September 1996	Jeremy Riggs	David Stanley	Obsessive student involved in blackmailing Selina Cook over relationship with Steven Matheson; attempts suicide after public humiliation; later provides evidence in investigation.
16 November 1995–11 June 1996	Lindsay Simons   Kate Agnew   Nurse briefly dating Steven Matheson; manages care for brain-injured Alex Bennett amid behavioral challenges.