Jimmy Crawford (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
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. The following section outlines characters introduced throughout 2008, all under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show’s 21st season commenced on 28 January 2008. Bob Baines debuted as the key character Martin Bartlett in February. March saw the arrivals of Trent Dalzell portraying Axel Hay, David Downer as Ross Buckton, and Celeste Dodwell playing Melody Jones. In April, Tessa James joined the cast as Nicole Franklin. May introduced Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis in the roles of Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips, respectively. June brought in Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds as sisters Charlie and Ruby Buckton. On 8 July, both Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano appeared as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. Finally, November featured the debut of David Jones-Roberts portraying Xavier Austin.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, played by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. He was introduced to Summer Bay High as the new deputy principal, succeeding Donald Fisher. After Sally Fletcher was stabbed, Martin was promoted to principal by the school board. Early in his tenure, he hires Jazz Curtis as secretary following her blackmail attempt but later terminates her employment. Subsequently, Kirsty Sutherland replaces Jazz, and Martin develops a romantic interest in her.

Martin’s narrative includes accepting responsibility when Kirsty's son Oliver suffers a broken arm while under babysitting care. This storyline reflects Martin’s own upbringing by a single mother, paralleling Kirsty’s challenges with Oliver while his father Kane Phillips remains incarcerated. Upon discovering Kirsty’s involvement with Miles Copeland, Martin dismisses her but provides a reference that allows her to work at the Sands resort, where she unknowingly becomes an escort—Martin himself being one of her clients. This situation generates tension between Martin and Miles.

During a senior formal event hosted by Martin, a car accident causes turmoil; he sustains injuries but eventually recovers. Later, Martin organizes a memorial hike in honor of Dan Baker, which escalates when students Jai Fernandez and Annie Campbell go missing. The situation intensifies as Trey Palmer holds others hostage on their bus with a bomb attached beneath it. The explosive is safely defused by Hugo Austin. Due to the mounting pressures from these events, Martin decides to leave for a cruise, appointing Gina Austin as his successor before departing.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, portrayed by Trent Dalzell, first appeared on 19 March 2008.

Prior to Axel’s departure from the series, he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who is intoxicated and flees the scene. Actor Todd Lasance, who plays Aden Jefferies, explained that while Jai escapes mostly unscathed, Axel is hospitalized with severe injuries. Both boys initially have no recollection of the accident but later remember seeing a silver estate car, leading Aden to suspect his father’s involvement.

Axel is introduced as a fellow student alongside Aden. At a party, Axel makes unwanted advances toward Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) and subsequently attempts to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell). After Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) confronts Axel with threats, Axel is assaulted and left unconscious on the beach where Belle discovers him. Axel is hesitant to involve law enforcement, which casts suspicion on both Geoff and Aden. Belle ultimately deduces Aden’s role after noticing his indifferent response to the incident. Axel’s reputation suffers due to these events; however, he later apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Axel dies following the road accident caused by Aden’s father and subsequently appears as a vision haunting Melody during her nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008 as a detective assigned to investigate the homicide of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). During his inquiry, he questions significant individuals such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon), attempting to link Jack and Martha to Sam’s demise. Nevertheless, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) provides evidence confirming Sam’s death was self-inflicted, compelling Ross to withdraw the accusations.

Following Morag’s divorce from Richard Bellingham (John Bonney), Ross reconnects with her romantically. Their relationship endures difficulties, including Ross withholding the truth about his late wife Elsie’s passing and opposition from his daughter Charlie, although his daughter Ruby supports Morag. Ross eventually proposes, and they wed in an intimate ceremony before embarking on a honeymoon across Europe.

After returning, Ross begins exhibiting signs of memory loss and stress. After disappearing on two occasions, Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) diagnoses him with Alzheimers. After a hazardous event at home, Ross consents to move into a care facility with Morag by his side.

When Grant Bledcoe’s (Clayton Watson) corpse is discovered, suspicion falls on Charlie, leading to her suspension. Ross admits to having killed Grant years earlier as retribution for Grant’s assault on Charlie during their youth. Charged with murder, Ross awaits trial until his death in 2011; his funeral takes place in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, brought to life by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her drama HSC. Dodwell initially tried out for the role of Nicole Franklin, but that part was awarded to Tessa James. Attracted by Melody’s character description, Dodwell accepted the role. She later departed the series to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, portrayed by Tessa James, appeared for the first time on 18 April 2008. The announcement of James’s casting came in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commending her as a dynamic talent expected to connect well with viewers. James relocated to Sydney for the role and described the experience as valuable professional development. Celeste Dodwell had originally auditioned for Nicole. Nicole's significant story arcs involved rekindling a romance while stranded on a desert island and being taken hostage, highlighting her dramatic range. Critics labeled her a "flighty minx" and a "fiery favourite." TV Week recognized James as one of the show’s most promising actresses, suggesting she was poised for Hollywood opportunities.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, enacted by Jordan Rodrigues, first appeared on 19 May 2008. Rodrigues described joining the cast as an entirely new venture, transitioning from theatre to television, and expressed enthusiasm about gaining viewer recognition. Jai’s backstory includes losing all family members in the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. He bonds with established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who also endured family loss. Miles invites Jai to Summer Bay; however, their relationship is tense due to Jai feeling abandoned in Phuket previously. Rodrigues explained Jai’s anger issues and struggle adjusting to life in the coastal town.

In 2009, Rodrigues exited the series to star in ABC's Dance Academy. His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai is introduced at an urban shelter where Miles discovers him. Although initially distant, Jai accepts Miles’ invitation and relocates to Summer Bay. He faces challenges fitting into Summer Bay House and school but forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell). Their escapades include a scooter ride that ends tragically when Axel is fatally struck by a drunk driver, leading Jai to develop a sense of invulnerability. He begins performing dangerous stunts that impress Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best), with whom he later starts a romantic relationship despite objections from their guardians, Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

The couple encounters difficulties when Annie becomes trapped in a storm drain and is rescued by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Meanwhile, bully Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) targets Jai and others, escalating conflict over false allegations involving Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes). Jai leverages knowledge of Trey’s weight problems to coerce him into dropping charges.

Jai’s relationship with Annie deteriorates after he drunkenly confesses at Ruby Buckton’s party that he desires intimacy with her, prompting their breakup. Later, Jai is accidentally shot with an antique shotgun found on Martha MacKenzie’s (Jodi Gordon) farm but hides the injury until collapsing during a school hike; he eventually recovers. Tensions rise when Jai catches Annie kissing Dexter Walker (Tom Green) and refuses their explanations.

Jai's spirits lift when foster friend Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) arrives at Summer Bay House. Jai enlists Romeo’s assistance to reconcile with Annie; however, Romeo pursues her himself. To avoid further complications, Jai accepts a student exchange program in Japan but initially withdraws to support Kirsty after she miscarries Miles’ child. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie depart for Japan following farewells with friends.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His first appearance occurs when Irene Roberts picks him up after he develops a high temperature. Ollie requires hospitalization but remains uncommunicative despite efforts from medical staff and law enforcement. Kane, who is on the run, secretly visits Ollie. Following Kane's unsuccessful robbery attempt and arrest, Kirsty takes Ollie out of the hospital in an attempt to escape but eventually returns them to Irene's care.

Ollie and Kirsty stay with Irene, though Ollie's actions create friction by revealing Belle Taylor's relationship and interfering with her work. Subsequently, Kirsty relocates them to a caravan park near her previous residence. Miles Copeland offers them accommodation in his home, where they establish a family unit alongside Miles and Jai.

Upon Kane's release, Ollie expresses excitement; however, Kane’s wish to reunite leads them to leave together temporarily. They come back due to complications between Kane and Kirsty. Ollie feels distressed when Kane departs permanently but is relieved to be back in Summer Bay.

Kirsty experiences a pregnancy that unfortunately ends in miscarriage. Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland when she arrives to support Kirsty, after which Shelley takes them back to live with the family in the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton made her debut on 6 June 2008, brought to life by former model Esther Anderson, who was cast to enhance Home and Away’s appeal with added "sex appeal." Anderson, a longtime admirer of the show, expressed excitement about joining the cast. She departed in November 2011 to pursue an acting career in Hollywood.

Anderson received multiple award nominations for her role as Charlie, including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, "Best Daytime Star" in 2010, as well as Logie nods for "Most Popular Personality" and "Most Popular Actress" that same year. The episode featuring Charlie’s death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics referred to Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and the soap’s "most charming crime fighter."

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, portrayed by Rebecca Breeds, first appeared on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is depicted as carefree yet concealing her true feelings behind a resilient exterior. Arriving while mourning her mother's passing, Ruby internalizes her grief differently from her sister. She is portrayed as independent, indifferent to others’ judgments, and tends toward solitude. Breeds described Ruby as spirited, devoted to family, and laid-back.

In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes before leaving Home and Away. She mentioned that Ruby’s storyline remained incomplete at that point. Breeds was nominated for a Logie Award in the category of "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009 and later received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. At the 2012 Inside Soap Awards, she earned a nomination for "Best Daytime Star". Holy Soap highlighted one of Ruby’s standout moments involving a Skype prank followed by revenge through skinny-dipping.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, played by Luke Jacobz, debuted on 8 July 2008. Jacobz won the role in June 2008 after concluding his recurring part on McLeod's Daughters. Initially planning to work as a laborer in Sydney, he accepted this acting opportunity with an initial six-month contract. It was announced in February 2011 that he would exit Home and Away, with his final appearance airing several months later. The official show website described Angelo as coming from a tight-knit family with three brothers and initially portrayed as loud and unlikely to succeed.

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 that same year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, brought to life by Paul Pantano, featured on Home and Away between 8 July and 26 August 2008. Pantano's portrayal earned him attention, including a spotlight in Digital Spy's coverage of gay characters. Elliot's narrative revolves around his pursuit of revenge against Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), whom he holds responsible for the death of his brother Mark during an SAS mission in Afghanistan.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Elliot confronts Roman, disputing the official explanation of Mark's demise and setting off a chain of retaliatory acts. To unsettle Roman, Elliot begins dating his daughter Nicole (Tessa James), but their relationship soon dissolves. Subsequently, Elliot abducts Nicole, demanding a ransom and compelling Roman to undertake a perilous rescue involving traps and physical altercations. During this conflict, Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) sustains injuries after Elliot attacks him with a speargun.

Roman eventually triumphs over Elliot's schemes, leading to Elliot's capture. While in custody, Roman confesses that he shot Mark to stop a mutiny during an ambush, with Mark later being killed by enemy forces. Overcome with emotion, Elliot reveals Nicole’s whereabouts before facing charges for kidnapping and attempted murder.

Xavier Austin

Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, made his first appearance on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012, relocating permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts secured the role after four auditions and was informed of his casting while surfing. Among his significant storylines was witnessing a tragic car accident caused by Brendan’s catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Aaron is the father of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland (Home and Away), appearing in flashbacks that explore his struggles with alcoholism and family tensions. After the death of his wife Diana, he attempts to regain custody of Sally but ultimately leaves her with the Fletchers. Aaron passes away in 2000 due to complications from alcoholism.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Diana, mother to Sally and Miles, features in flashbacks portraying her troubled marriage with Aaron and her fatal boating accident alongside her second husband.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Grandmother to Sally and Miles, depicted in flashbacks as residing in a care facility due to Alzheimer’s disease.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Medical staff member at Northern Districts Hospital who treats key characters including Sally Fletcher following a stabbing incident.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor at Coastal News and employer to Belle Taylor; involved in editorial disputes affecting the careers of Aden Jefferies and Belle.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	A classmate who creates tension by undermining Melody Jones’ reaction to an assault.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Donor who contributes $100,000 to Leah Patterson-Baker as thanks for Dan Baker saving his son’s life.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender hired to assault Sam Holden; later provides information concerning her final days after her passing.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of Johnny Cooper participating in underground fights that impact Ric Dalby and prompt police involvement.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year 9 student engaged in bullying, online deception, and negatively influencing Melody Jones during school events.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Estranged sister of Sam Holden who assumes custody of her nephew amid investigations into Sam's death.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Sister of Axel Hay; involved in school conflicts including a fight captured on video by Christine Jones.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander	Mother of Melody Jones; instigates multiple conflicts at school and within Melody’s relationships before relocating to New Zealand.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Runs a teen refuge and offers insight into Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Son of Julie Cooper; overcomes his fear of water through coaching sessions led by Jack Holden.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek who advances to Sergeant following Charlie Buckton’s death after initial conflicts.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient whose conduct challenges medical staff, particularly Rachel Armstrong; suspected during her disappearance but later cleared.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend; their relationship ends due to concerns about their pasts and future compatibility.
11 July	Mrs. Hay	Amelia Longhurst	' Axel Hay’s mother; appears following Axel’s fatal accident.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
15–24 July	' Daisy Alexander '	' Jessica Smith	' University roommate to Matilda Hunter who encourages social involvement and supports Matilda’s romantic decisions.
'15–24 July'	' Nathan Cunningham '	' Andrew Lees	' Resident advisor at Matilda’s university; creates tension between Matilda and Ric Dalby due to misunderstandings.
'1 September–6 October'	' Edward Jones '	' Errol Henderson	' Husband of Christine Jones and father of Melody; involved in family conflicts and Melody's mental health struggles.
'2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009'	' Bridget Simmons '	' Joy Smithers	' Participant in a major con involving Alf Stewart’s bait shop and Leah Patterson-Baker’s life insurance policy, culminating in kidnapping and legal repercussions.
'3–4 September'	' Earl Pincus '	' Alan Cinis	' Homeless individual whose presence impacts community dynamics, including theft incidents involving Ruby Buckton.
'15 September–10 November'	' Murray Buchanan '	' Ben Tari	' Council employee uncovering environmental corruption linked to developer Tim Coleman before disappearing under suspicious circumstances.
'26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009'	' Tim Coleman '	' Keiran Darcy-Smith	' Developer engaged in criminal activities such as intimidation, theft, and murder; serves as a central antagonist leading to significant plot events including Jack Holden’s death.
'22 October–5 November'	' Natalie Franklin '	' Adrienne Pickering	' Former partner of Roman Harris and mother to Nicole Franklin; marked by strained familial relationships and personal irresponsibility prior to leaving the Bay.
'23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009'	' Brian Lawler '	' Ric Herbert	' Criminal accomplice of Bridget Simmons involved in scams and kidnapping, arrested following police intervention.
'18–24 November'	' Eric "Nobby" Nobbes '	' Mark Casamento	' Accomplice turned victim connected to Tim Coleman's illegal dealings; killed after cooperating with police wearing a wire for surveillance purposes.

External links

• Cast and characters featured on the official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters available on the official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database