Juliette Bellati

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. Below is an overview of characters introduced during 1999, all under the direction of then-executive producer John Holmes. The series’ twelfth season commenced on 11 January 1999. The first new character was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez, who appeared in March. His father, Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, was introduced in April. Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi in May. In July, Cameron Welsh took on the role of Mitch McColl. August saw the arrival of Bianca Zeboat and lifeguard Shauna Bradley, played by Kylie Watson. Science instructor Harry Reynolds, acted by Justin Melvey, debuted in September. Lastly, in October, Anna Hruby and Stephen James King appeared as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son, Edward Dunglass, respectively.

Nick Smith

Nick Smith made his first appearance on 18 March 1999, initially portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity. From 2000 onwards, Chris Egan assumed the role as a regular cast member until Nick’s departure on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge depicted Nick during flashback scenes in 2003. For his portrayal, Egan received a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2001.

Peta Janossi

Peta Janossi, enacted by Aleetza Wood, debuted on 27 May 1999 and exited on 14 July 2000. Wood was selected for the role while still attending university; her youthful appearance attracted Series Producer Russell Webb’s attention. Her work on the show earned her a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2000.

Mitch McColl

Mitch McColl, brought to life by Cameron Welsh, first appeared on screen on 15 July 1999. Welsh originally auditioned for a guest role before being cast as Mitch. In 2000, Welsh suffered a herniated disc that required a six-week hiatus; during this period, Mitchell McMahon temporarily filled in as Mitch. Welsh returned to the character in April of that year. He later made a cameo appearance for the show's 4000th episode in 2005, celebrating Alf Stewart's birthday. Subsequently, Welsh transitioned into a production role for Home and Away, crediting his acting experience as Mitch with providing valuable industry insight.

For this role, Welsh was nominated for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2000. Critics praised Mitch’s impactful introduction and noted his chemistry with Hayley, highlighting their eagerly anticipated first kiss as a pivotal moment that captivated audiences. The Daily Record (Scotland) recognized Mitch’s departure as a significant television event.

Bianca Zeboat

Bianca Zeboat, played by Lara Cox, arrived on screen on 11 August 1999. Cox secured this extended guest role shortly after completing work on Heartbreak High, juggling appearances in both series simultaneously. She described Bianca as a "manipulator" and "nasty," which contrasted sharply with her previous character Anita Scheppers; however, she acknowledged Bianca’s assertiveness as one of her strengths. An Inside Soap contributor remarked on Bianca’s disruptive tendencies upon her arrival at the Summer Bay Diner.

Bianca is characterized as an actress and model vying for the lead part in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's novel On the Crest of a Wave. She befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to extract insider information. Jesse, longing for companionship and a maternal figure, becomes infatuated with Bianca, unaware of her scheming nature. Eventually, film director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner) dismisses Bianca from the project, which leads to her breakup with Jesse and subsequent exit from Summer Bay.

Shauna Bradley

Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and exited the series in July 2002. Watson secured the role soon after relocating back to Canberra, despite initial hesitation about auditioning. This marked her first acting engagement, supported by acting lessons arranged through her agent. For her performance, Watson was nominated for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards.

Shauna was characterized as "sassy" by Karman Kregloe of AfterEllen and described as "feisty" in The People. Andrew Mercado referred to her as a "sexy lifesaver". Inside Soap emphasized Shauna’s stormy relationship with Harry and cautioned that she "played with fire" by getting involved with Gavin.

In 2012, Channel 5 featured Shauna’s storyline confronting Margaret about her adoption in their "From Day One" segment, encouraging audiences to vote for their favorite episodes.

Harry Reynolds

Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and departed on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the cast, Melvey concentrated on modelling and refining his acting abilities. He won the role following a brief audition process, which prompted his move from Los Angeles to Australia. In 2000, Melvey received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award for his portrayal of Harry.

Judith Ackroyd

Judith Ackroyd, brought to life by Anna Hruby, was featured from 21 October 1999 until 21 November 2000. Hruby was previously recognized for her role in Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith took over as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher's sabbatical.

Her narrative included handling challenges such as speculation regarding her appointment and clashes with students like Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper). Judith's son, Edward Dunglass, born from an affair with a deceased lecturer who succumbed to Huntington's disease, added layers to her story. She supported Edward through his diagnosis and arranged for him to travel alongside his girlfriend Peta Janossi (Aleetza Wood).

Judith entered into a relationship with Joel Nash, but it ended when Joel reunited with his former wife. Subsequently, Judith sought a teaching opportunity in Switzerland. Before leaving, she advised Donald Fisher to resume his principal duties and appointed Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) as her replacement.

Edward Dunglass

Edward Dunglass, played by Stephen James King, appeared between 28 October 1999 and 14 July 2000. King juggled acting commitments with high school and this marked his television debut following theatrical experience. He praised the seasoned cast for their encouragement and observed that Edward's distinctive goth style set him apart from typical Summer Bay residents, providing a "refreshing change" for the series.

Edward is introduced on the beach where Will Smith mocks his goth appearance, to which Edward replies with sarcasm. After rescuing Duncan Stewart from bullies, Edward participates in go-kart trials with local teens, achieving the fastest lap time. Their new principal, Judith Ackroyd—who is also Edward's mother—interrupts the event.

Donald Fisher recognizes Edward’s surname and recalls his late father, Edward Sr., who died from Huntington's disease. Edward is conscious that he may have inherited this condition. He quickly bonds with Peta Janossi and Mitch McColl, assisting Peta in organizing a memorial service for her grandmother, which arouses suspicion from Colleen Smart about occult practices.

Edward’s friendship with Duncan causes friction with Duncan’s parents, Alf and Ailsa Stewart. His candid remarks about illness and mortality lead to conflict until Donald reveals Edward’s diagnosis. Motivated by the disease’s prognosis, Edward seeks adrenaline-filled experiences that concern those around him. Following a breakup and reconciliation with Peta, they enroll in self-defense classes due to harassment concerns. As Huntington's symptoms manifest—such as muscle spasms and temporary paralysis—Edward pursues an intense relationship with Peta; they privately "marry" and cohabit despite objections from Joel Nash. Additionally, they clash over attempts to matchmake their guardians.

Upon reaching adulthood at 18, Edward tests positive for Huntington's but initially minimizes its impact until an emotional breakdown occurs. Judith provides him with a video message recorded by his father before passing away, aiding Edward in accepting his condition. He removes his gothic makeup and requests access to his trust fund to travel with Peta. Judith arranges accommodations with her sister in Rome for them. Prior to leaving, Edward grows fatigued and anxious about Peta’s commitment; she reassures him. They depart after an emotional farewell. The following year, Will visits them and confirms that Edward’s condition has worsened.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–3 March	Dr. Noble	Mariette Rups-Donnelly	Serves as psychiatrist to Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction, and later provides guidance to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) during his struggle with schizophrenia.
14–25 January	Mr Gilkey	Ben Ager	A driver exhibiting road rage who confronts Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a collision, demanding compensation which she refuses.
14 January–21 May	Troy	Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz	A Year 12 peer and cricket teammate of Tom Nash (Graeme Squires).
18–19 January	Rhonda	Samantha Braniff	Utilized by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli) as bait in the kidnapping of Joel Nash (David Woodley).
21 January–10 February	Brian Matthews	Scott Swalwell	Companion of Sam Marshall and Hayley Smith, involved in graffiti vandalism; dies after falling from a building.
3–12 February	Geraldine Peterson	Anna Lee	Member of The Wednesday Club who falsely claims success in charity work, leading to conflict with Rebecca Nash.
5 February	Mo Matthews	Pat Sands	Father of Brian Matthews; discovers Brian and Sam tagging a tower.
8–18 February	Kaia Stokes	Blazey Best	Provides support to Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but departs as his hallucinations worsen.
19 February–6 October	Bob Playford	Tony Morgan	Real estate agent hired by Diana Fraser to develop the caravan park; locals eventually purchase it to prevent redevelopment.
4–23 March	Brooke Taylor	Bridie Carter	Sister to Mara Taylor; attracted to Travis Nash due to his resemblance to her late fiancé.
4–5 March	Mara Taylor	Ann Burbrook	Brooke’s sister; expresses interest in Joel Nash, unaware he is married.
10–17 March	Denise Hennessy	Lauren Clair	Former cellmate of Kylie Burton who assumes an alias to approach Jesse McGregor; revealed as an escapee and subsequently flees.
11 March	Eleanor Mace	Deborah Piper	Candidates interviewed for Byron Fisher's nanny role by Donald Fisher.
	Patsy Little	Jillian O'Dowd
	Skye	Karren Lewis

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context

Nicole Nabout | Nurse harboring feelings for James Fraser who anonymously sends a birthday balloon before they begin a relationship and leave Summer Bay together. | - !scope=row|"2 November 1999 –31 January 2000"

"Mick Dwyer"

"John Brumpton"

Former criminal associate coercing Jesse McGregor into stolen car dealings culminating in an accident and Mick's arrest.

- !scope=row|"3 November 1999 –27 March 2000"

"Rosemary Myers"

Anita Bochnik | Student competing against Gypsy Nash for school captaincy, later protests Edward Dunglass's newsletter.

- !scope=row|"4–9 November"

"Christian"

John Atkinson | Hitman hired to assassinate Harry Reynolds who takes Shauna Bradley hostage before being subdued and arrested.

- !scope=row|"24 November 1999 –2 February 2000"

Alison

Jenny Apostolou

Harry Reynolds’ ex-fiancée from America arriving amid his breakup with Shauna Bradley but departs when he chooses Shauna over her.

External links

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