John Wilson (Home and Away)

Home and Away
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Headquarters	Sydney, Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Television program
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. The following section outlines characters who were introduced in 1998, all under the direction of executive producer John Holmes. The show's eleventh season premiered on the Seven Network on 12 January 1998. Early that year marked the debut of Will Smith, portrayed by Zac Drayson. Shortly afterwards, the Nash family was introduced, consisting of parents Joel and Natalie, along with their children Tom and Gypsy. April saw the arrival of Olivia Fraser Richards through birth. In September, both Byron Fisher and Bec Cartwright as Will's sister, Hayley, were added to the cast. October featured a guest role by Scott Major as the armed robber Murray, followed by the introduction of David D'Angelo in November.

Will Smith

Will Smith, brought to life by Zac Drayson, made his first appearance on 13 February 1998. He remained a main character from 1998 through 2002, with occasional guest spots until 2005. Drayson returned to reprise Will in 2010, appearing alongside his daughter on 14 October. Initially, Drayson was cast for the role of Tom Nash, but producers reassigned him to portray the more rugged character of Will. The storyline concluded with Will leaving Summer Bay after marrying Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper). At introduction, Will was characterized as a "hot-tempered trouble maker" who was reconnecting with his siblings, Hayley (Rebecca Hewitt) and Nick (Chris Egan). Over time, his character evolved into a dependable "good bloke" before his departure.

Natalie Nash

Natalie Nash, played by Angelica la Bozzetta, first appeared on 18 February 1998. Following Debra Lawrance's exit from her role as Pippa Ross in 1997, producers introduced the Nash family to take over management of the caravan park, a key setting in the series. The family comprised Natalie and Joel Nash (David Woodley), along with their children Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) and Tom (Graeme Squires). La Bozzetta left the role late in 1998 to dedicate time to her daughter; Antoinette Byron succeeded her in 1999. Channel 5 later recognized the episode featuring the Nash family’s return to Summer Bay as one of the standout moments in the show’s 25-year history.

Joel Nash

Joel Nash, portrayed by David Woodley, debuted on-screen on 18 February 1998 and exited on 11 October 2000. Prior to acting, Woodley served as a federal police officer based in Melbourne. He had previously appeared on the show in a guest role as Barry, Finlay Roberts’ partner, back in 1996.

Gypsy Nash

Gypsy Nash, enacted by Kimberley Cooper, first arrived on-screen on 18 February 1998 and departed in 2002, with a brief return in September 2011. The introduction of the Nash family followed Debra Lawrance’s departure, aiming to refresh the caravan park storyline. The family moved from Hong Kong to Summer Bay seeking a new beginning. Cooper reprised her role in 2011, describing Gypsy’s comeback as "dramatic," returning alongside her daughter Lily that September. Cooper earned the inaugural "Most Popular New Female Talent" award at the 41st Logie Awards for her portrayal. Gypsy’s kidnapping plotline was nominated for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards, while Cooper later secured "Best Aussie Actress." Holy Soap included Gypsy among the "Sexiest Home and Away girls ever," highlighting key moments such as her abduction and motherhood with Will Smith.

Tom Nash

Tom Nash, brought to life by Graeme Squires, made his first appearance on 18 February 1998. Initially, the role was intended for Zac Drayson, who was later reassigned to portray Will Smith, resulting in Squires being cast as Tom. After a two-year tenure, Squires departed from Home and Away in early 2000, with his final episode broadcast on 16 May 2000. He briefly reprised the role for the series' 3,000th episode special in 2001. Reflecting on his time with the show, Squires described it as his initial major acting opportunity and expressed appreciation for the experience.

The character of Tom Nash was characterized as a charming, athletic "ladies' man," actively involved in cricket during the summer and rugby throughout the winter months. Squires noted that he shared certain traits with Tom, such as creativity and an affinity for outdoor activities, though he considered himself more reserved. His performance garnered a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the Logie Awards of 1999. Critics acknowledged Tom and his family as visually appealing and captivating figures. Media sources highlighted Tom's romantic arcs as some of the series' most engaging, dubbing him "the darling of Summer Bay" and referring to him as "tasty Tom."

Olivia Fraser Richards

Olivia Fraser Richards entered the storyline on 20 April 1998 as the daughter of Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). In 2005, Ivy Latimer assumed the role. Following Chloe’s passing, Olivia departed Summer Bay accompanied by her uncle James (Michael Piccirilli). The character reappeared in October 2015, this time portrayed by Raechelle Banno. Olivia returns seeking support from her mother’s former foster carer, Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), after encountering difficulties at her school in London. Upon her return to Summer Bay, Olivia displays flirtatious behavior toward VJ Patterson (Matt Little), with Banno describing her as "very forward" and eager to attract attention.

Hayley Smith

Hayley Smith was played by Rebecca Cartwright from September 1998 until September 2005, followed by a brief portrayal by Ella Scott Lynch until November 2005. Cartwright chose to leave the series for personal reasons. Recognized by The Sun-Herald as one of Australian drama’s most beloved characters, Cartwright earned the 2005 Logie Award for Most Popular Actress for this role and secured a nomination for a Gold Logie that same year. Hayley was depicted as a "trouble-prone," artistic young widow who had successfully overcome issues related to graffiti.

Byron Fisher

Byron Fisher, portrayed by several child actors over time, first appeared on 16 September 1998 as a figment of his mother Marilyn’s (Emily Symons) dream during her pregnancy. Born on 16 February 1999, Byron was played by Brittany Jones and Joel Sanders-Aguius at different stages. Nathanial Davey later portrayed an eleven-year-old Byron in a subsequent vision.

Byron is the son of Marilyn and Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), with his middle name Vincent given in honor of Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten), who rushed Marilyn to hospital during labor. Marilyn initially faced challenges bonding with Byron due to post-natal depression and temporarily left both him and Donald. Upon returning, she felt overshadowed by Byron’s nanny, Ellen Porter (Anne Grigg), but eventually connected with her son after Ellen's departure. The family’s harmony was disrupted when Byron was diagnosed with cancer, necessitating treatment overseas. Marilyn and Byron relocated to America, financed by Donald selling his Streeton painting—a piece later returned by purchaser Simon Broadhurst (Morgan O'Neill). Before Donald could join them abroad, he was informed of Byron’s death. Donald attended Byron’s funeral in America but returned alone following Marilyn’s subsequent disappearance. He later authored Letter to Byron, which featured illustrations by Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).

Byron made another appearance as an eleven-year-old in a dream sequence experienced by Marilyn alongside visions of the late Amber Copeland (Mitzi Ruhlman), during which he introduced himself.

The episode featuring Byron’s birth was selected by Channel 5 as one of their "Best Ever" episodes.

Murray

Murray, brought to life by Scott Major, made his debut on 20 October 1998. A television reviewer from The Advertiser characterized him as "a dangerous and armed young man" who shoots Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after being turned down for employment. Channel 5 recognized Murray's diner hostage situation as one of their standout episodes.

Upon entering the Bayside diner, Murray orders breakfast but admits he lacks funds. When Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) attempts to alert the authorities, he secures the door and holds her at gunpoint. Her spouse Alf (Ray Meagher) arrives and tries to retrieve money but is thwarted.

Officers Joel Nash (David Woodley) and Terri Garner (Alyson Standen) drop by for coffee. Murray becomes alarmed when Terri returns, firing a shot that wounds Sally Fletcher. He then takes the patrons hostage before escaping and hiding in a cave. There, he captures Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright)) as hostages. Hayley’s brother Will (Zac Drayson) and his partner Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) are also seized.

While Murray sleeps, the teenagers attempt to break free but are recaptured. Will connects with Murray by sharing his own experiences living on the streets. Sam and Hayley manage to flee; however, Gypsy is caught again. Will secures Gypsy’s freedom by surrendering himself. Officers Joel and Barry Dennis (Mark Shaw) subsequently arrest Murray. Later, he appears as a figment in Ailsa’s mind when she notices a customer resembling him in the diner.

David D'Angelo

David D'Angelo (also known as Robert Perez) first appeared on 9 November 1998, initially played by Valentino Arico, followed by Ross Pennissi credited as Mr. X in shadowed scenes, and ultimately portrayed by Tony Poli until his departure on 13 October 1999.

David’s narrative revolves around his vendetta against Joel Nash (David Woodley), who had imprisoned him in Hong Kong for fifteen years. Using Joel's daughter Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) as leverage, David masquerades as her tutor before abducting her. Cooper described working with Poli as both demanding and supportive, praising his professionalism despite the character’s dark nature.

Arriving in Summer Bay, David covertly records conversations involving the Nash family, adopts the persona Robert Perez, and begins dating Gypsy. Advertising himself as a Maths tutor, he is hired by Joel and Natalie (Angelica la Bozetta) to help Gypsy academically. David sends Natalie a tape exposing Joel’s reluctance toward having more children, stirring familial discord. Concerned relatives Travis (Nic Testoni) and Rebecca (Belinda Emmett) alert Joel and Natalie.

David kidnaps Gypsy during a supposed book sale. Her brother Tom (Graeme Squires) and Will Smith (Zac Drayson) uncover David’s criminal history tied to Joel's incarceration. Holding Gypsy captive for three weeks, David sends cryptic messages to the Nashes. He later abducts Joel, abandons him in the wilderness, assumes his identity, drains his bank account, and sets fire to the Nash residence with Natalie (now portrayed by Antoinette Byron), Tom, and Gypsy inside. During the fire, David takes Natalie hostage but is apprehended after Joel rescues her.

Following imprisonment, David escapes months later aiming to retrieve stolen money buried in the bush but finds it already taken by Duncan Stewart (Brendan McKensy) and Gazza Boyd (Sebastian Huber). He threatens Duncan and Ailsa (Judy Nunn), seizes Duncan as a hostage while attempting to flee with accomplice Lauren Healy (Merridy Eastman). Joel pursues him; after a chase culminating near a cliff edge, Joel saves David from falling. David lodges a false complaint against Joel but is returned to custody after evidence confirms Joel’s innocence.

Critics acclaimed David’s revenge plot as one of the most gripping cliffhangers of Australian television in 1998. Prior to the 1999 season premiere, he was described as a "Hooded Psycho driven by vengeance." His abduction of Gypsy and stalking of the Nash family earned a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
19–20 January	Gordon Macleay	Danny Adcock	Unlawful arms trader discovered adrift by Travis Nash (Nic Testoni); hospitalized due to illness.
22 January	George Baker	James Hagan	Legal representative for Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher); recommends a $10,000 out-of-court agreement with Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin).
23 January–2 February	Sludge	Steve Pate	Acquaintance of Sam (Ryan Clark); pupil involved with Rod Sutton's (Nick Atkinson) ram-raid crew.
22 January	Warren Hickson	Andrew Marshall	Member of the Department of Childcare Services; informs Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrence) regarding foster care possibilities.
30 January	Christine McKenzie	Linda Newton	Conservative politician promoting immigrant deportation; incites local protest.
2 February–30 October 2000	Barry Dennis	Mark Shaw	Local police officer frequently working alongside colleague Joel Nash (David Woodley).
3 February	Darren	Jordon Askill	Drummer trying out for the band led by Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) and Aaron Welles (Ritchie Gudgeon).
25–27 February	Carol Williams	Diana Davidson	Neighbor to Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright); creates friction.
10–11 March	Ralph Marchant	Nicholas Garsden	Tour guide bringing visitors to Summer Bay; involved in boat accident caused by Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten).
18 March–24 April	Jason Duncan	Paul Kelman	Bonza Burger manager; his affair causes wife Tamara to leave; employs Vinnie Patterson who attempts to get fired; eventually departs Summer Bay.
18–25 March	Tamara Duncan	Sarah Aubrey	Jason Duncan’s spouse; leaves him after uncovering infidelity and denies him access to their unborn child.
26 March	Chris Brown	Luke Jacobz	Summer Bay High soccer team member deliberately injured by jealous Will Smith (Zac Drayson).
30 March	Geoffrey Burns	Ben Price	Encounters Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert) in Africa, brings her back to Ironbridge for convalescence.
	Bill Burns	Michael Carter	Geoffrey's father; briefly shows interest in Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger); later invites her for a visit.
	Waitress	Lorraine Brown	Waits on Bill Burns and Irene Roberts at a dining establishment.
	George	Richard Clohessy	Colleague of Geoffrey Burns who invites him on a trip following Selina Roberts' reunion with Steven Matheson.
31 March–2 April	Pam Edmonson	Rebecca O'Dare	Winner of girls' under-18 surf carnival race; encounters Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark).
3–6 April	George Berry	Rhiannon Mason	Foster child in crisis care with behavioral challenges; temporarily placed with Travis and Rebecca Nash before moving on.
8 April–28 May	Bruce "Chook" Fowler	Shannon Cooper	Friend of Sam Marshall; involved in drug purchase that nearly leads to expulsion, later overturned by Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn).
9–21 April	Sugar O'Donnell	Brooke Gissing	Dates Tom Nash despite maternal disapproval; relationship ends when she leaves him for band frontman Ben.
9–17 April	Candy O'Donnell	Bianca Gissing	Sugar's twin sister; dates Aaron Welles, creating tension with Tom Nash’s relationship.
15–24 April	Nigel Whittaker	Stephen Holford	Interior decorator hired by Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) to renovate Bayside Diner.
17 April	Ben	Tony Gibson	Lead vocalist who attracts Sugar O'Donnell, prompting her breakup with Tom Nash.
20–21 April	Dr Matthew	Alan Lock	Delivers baby daughter Olivia to Lachlan Fraser and Chloe Richards.
22 April	Christina	Marina Finlay	Editor of Cheeky Magazine awarding Joey Rainbow $1000 for essay contest victory.
22 April	Isabella	Kylie Watson	Christina's assistant during the award ceremony.
22–23 April	Policeman	Reg Cribb	Pulls over Kylie Burton for speeding; Kylie uses false identity as Rebecca Nash to evade police.
1–20 May	Harry MacKintosh	Sam O'Dell	Year 12 student distributing drugs through Lillian Reynolds; intimidates Gypsy Nash and Will Smith, disrupting a fight attempt.
12 May–5 June	Leila	Michelle Fondacaro	Iranian Year 11 student courted by both Aaron Welles and Tom Nash but chooses neither after competing for her attention.
20–25 May	Professor Dunstan	David Nettheim	Neurosurgeon performing brain surgery on Lachlan Fraser; reassures family although patient later lapses into coma requiring further operation.
22 May–18 February 2000	Emily O'Kane	Rochelle Eardley	Friend of Rachel McGregor (Sarah Mumcu).
22 May–12 June	Mardi O'Kane	Kelly Cawley	Emily’s mother; briefly dates Jesse McGregor before ending relationship due to his ongoing feelings for Rachel’s mother Kylie Burton.
19 June–22 October	Daria Ellis	Tamra Williams	Surfer and Sam Marshall’s girlfriend; battles epilepsy and family issues involving parents Sean and Tanya Ellis; relationship ends when Sam leaves her for Hayley Smith.
19 June–4 September	Sean Ellis	Mark Gerber	Surf shop owner; dates Sally Fletcher despite age difference; relationship ends after estranged wife Tanya returns causing renewed conflicts; Sean leaves Bay subsequently.
24 June–17 March 2003	John Wilson	Bryan Wiseman	Physician at Northern Districts Hospital appearing intermittently over five years.
1 July	Mark Hollis	Matt Juarez	Kidnaps Rachel McGregor from mall along with friends Jason and Mrs Hollis (his mother).
Jason	Shaun Losesby
Mrs Hollis	Felicity Soper
"9 July–14 August"\|	Colt	Brendan Cowell	Frontman of rock band Monkey Jam; recruits Aaron Welles against family and foster carers’ wishes; romantically involved with Tiegan Brook who briefly tours with the band before returning home.
Phil Flatley	Benjamin Hawker	Drummer critical of Aaron Welles’ musical style in Monkey Jam.
Judith Wade	Lyn Lovett	Mall store owner irritated by local teens loitering; initially accuses Will Smith of assault but drops charges after realizing error.
Mr. Wade	David Whitford	Judith Wade's husband explaining her paranoia stems from prior mugging incident involving youths outside store.
Douglas Dawson	Ivar Kants	Runs computer classes attended by Irene Roberts, who shows interest until learning he is gay.
Mike Carter	Stephen Leeder	Detective Inspector at Yabbie Creek police station managing investigations over five years prior to replacement.
Max	Steve McCarthy	Douglas Dawson’s partner introduced to Irene Roberts at diner.
Margaret Burton	Lynne Turner	Mother of Kylie Burton attending her funeral.
Eddie	Tim McCunn	Chantal's boyfriend who blackmails Marilyn Fisher for money; both arrested after plan fails.
Tanya Ellis	Antonia Murphy	Sean Ellis’s ex-wife and Daria's mother; briefly reunites with Sean but departs following renewed disputes.
Catherine Clements	Belinda Giblin	Blind caravan park visitor who befriends Alf Stewart and rescues him during fire before leaving.
Suzie Morris	Lauren Dubois	Year 11 student attracted to Tom Nash, sparking rivalry with his girlfriend Justine Welles over school play role.
John Simpson	Bryan Marshall	School inspector dating Irene Roberts but frames her for theft when rejected; later exposed and arrested after harassment complaint.

External links

Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database