Karen Dean

Home and Away
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television, Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Headquarters	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. The third season started broadcasting on 8 January 1990. Below is a compilation of characters who were introduced during 1990, all under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. In January, Rebekah Elmaloglou made her first appearance as Sophie Simpson. February marked the arrival of Craig McLachlan and Julian McMahon, portraying schoolteacher Grant Mitchell and military man Ben Lucini, respectively. March introduced Jaiman Paget Bayly in a recurring role as Murray "Mullet" Jensen. April saw the addition of Beach House owner Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) and Bridget Jackson (Paula Duncan). In May, Craig Black returned as student Paul Jensen, accompanied by police officer Jane Holland (Josephine Mitchell). July brought siblings Blake and Karen Dean (Les Hill and Belinda Jarrett) into the storyline. September featured Kate Raison as Jennifer Atkinson, a romantic interest for Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). October introduced the divorced character Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) along with his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). November included Rachael Beck portraying Grant’s sister, Kim Mitchell.

Sophie Simpson

Sophie Simpson, played by Rebekah Elmaloglou, made her debut on 23 January 1990 and continued until 1993. Elmaloglou stepped away from the series due to exhaustion caused by the demanding schedule, opting to explore other opportunities to safeguard her health. She later returned for guest spots in 2002, 2003, and 2005.

Grant Mitchell

Grant Mitchell, brought to life by Craig McLachlan, first appeared on 9 February 1990. Although McLachlan departed from the show within that year, he filmed additional footage that was broadcast in the following year. Grant’s final episode aired on 20 September 1991. McLachlan characterized Grant as a "fashionable" educator who gained popularity among students by challenging authority while maintaining a strong dedication to teaching. His portrayal earned him the "Most Popular Actor" award at the 1991 Logie Awards.

Ben Lucini

Benito "Ben" Lucini, portrayed by Julian McMahon, debuted on 27 February 1990 and remained until 1 May 1991. After undergoing four auditions, McMahon secured the role of Ben, an easygoing Italian soldier from a large family background. Initially inclined toward partying, Ben gradually matured, falling in love with the community and established character Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), eventually leaving military service to settle down. Hodgson described Ben as representing "traditional values" and "stability," traits admired by Carly that culminated in their marriage. McMahon exited Home and Away in 1991. Nonetheless, Peter Holmes of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued his acting as "wooden," likening it to an exaggerated mimicry of a "Thunderbird" character.

Mullet

Murray "Mullet" Jensen, enacted by Jaiman Paget Bayly, featured from 26 March to 18 July 1990. He was depicted as an "energetic and lively eleven-year-old," embodying an "average country boy" with a taste for adventure; his nickname stems from his enthusiasm for fishing. Mullet’s family—including mother Lorraine Jensen (Elizabeth Chance) and brother Paul Jensen (Craig Black)—struggled financially, living beneath the poverty threshold, which limited his access to typical childhood amenities. To support himself, Mullet sold fish to Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn).

Despite initial irritation at his persistence, classmate Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) became friends with Mullet. After mistakenly bringing home Alf Stewart’s pet crab "Claws," Mullet apologized to Alf (Ray Meagher) and offered assistance with fishing activities. He was hesitant to disclose his family’s financial hardships, even fabricating a story about his mother being hospitalized; Sally comforted him and invited him to attend the wedding of Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson) and Ben Lucini (Julian McMahon).

Later on, Mullet auditioned alongside Sally for a Surf Club talent night, performing "There's a Hole in My Bucket" amidst comedic blunders that the audience perceived as intentional humor. He also helped Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) with a magic trick that failed when Mullet lost character. After briefly experimenting with a pop star persona inspired by dance lessons from Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), he reverted to his original style. Mullet participated in the wedding reception, dancing with Sally before departing from the series. A decade later, he was mentioned by Steven Matheson (Adam Willits) during a discussion about Sally’s previous relationships.

Ernie Jacobs

Ernie Jacobs, brought to life by David Weatherley, was featured on the show from 16 April 1990 until 9 January 1991.

Ernie leases a beachside property to Matt Wilson (Greg Benson), Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson), and Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons). The tenants devise a plan to unsettle Ernie by fabricating a date scenario and capturing it on camera. After causing damage to the premises, Adam replaces the kitchen flooring with turf infested by fleas, which leads to a heated exchange where Ernie threatens to evict them. Ernie decides to run for council, gaining an edge when Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) withdraws due to legal troubles. Nevertheless, Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) contests the election against him, and later she teams up with Marilyn to blackmail Ernie using a compromising letter. Ultimately, Ernie sells the property to Marilyn.

Bridget Jackson

Bridget Jackson, portrayed by Paula Duncan, made her debut on 20 April 1990 with an initial five-week contract; although producers hoped to extend her role, Duncan opted for other projects. She described Bridget as "utterly dreadful," "uncultured and rough," and "a complete nightmare," which contrasted sharply with her typical characters. Duncan appreciated the opportunity to work closely with Dannii Minogue, who played her daughter Emma.

Bridget arrives following Emma’s defense against her abusive stepfather Barry Jackson. She seeks custody of Emma from her estranged sister Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn), who had been unaware of Emma's existence until then. The tension between the sisters is rooted in Ailsa having killed their abusive father. Bridget asserts she left Barry after his violent behavior came to light, but Ailsa remains doubtful. Bridget manages to convince Emma to come back home but later loses her again when Emma reveals that Bridget took Barry back, highlighting ongoing familial strife.

Paul Jensen

Paul Jensen, enacted by Craig Black, first appeared on 8 May 1990. Paul is a 17-year-old student and part-time shop assistant, son of Michael and Lorraine Jensen, and older brother to Mullet Jensen. He is characterized as warm-hearted and well-spoken with above-average intellect, as well as a self-taught musician whose skills surpass those of his father’s unsuccessful musical pursuits.

Although Lorraine opposed Paul’s musical interests—banning instruments in their home—he practiced piano secretly at school and the surf club. His instructor, Grant Mitchell, recognized Paul’s talent and encouraged him to pursue a music scholarship; however, Paul chose instead to work at Alf Stewart’s store to afford a second-hand instrument.

Initially resistant to Paul’s ambitions, Lorraine eventually supported him as he prepared for a school concert organized by Grant. During this period, Paul befriended Emma Jackson and developed romantic feelings for her, complicating her existing relationship with Adam Cameron. Upon discovering Paul’s interest in Emma, Adam challenged him to a boxing match, which was ultimately disrupted by Emma and their friends.

Additional conflict emerged when Vicki Baxter framed Emma by planting exam papers, resulting in Emma’s expulsion. Although Paul initially doubted Emma's innocence, he helped uncover the truth by persuading Vicki to confess. Subsequently, Emma accepted a job on the Gold Coast and left Summer Bay, ending their romantic involvement but preserving their friendship.

Jane Holland

Jane Holland, brought to life by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 22 June 1990. Mitchell started filming in April that year under a two-month contract. She found the role challenging, noting it required longer working hours compared to her previous role on A Country Practice. Jane is introduced as a young police constable and serves as a romantic interest for Grant Mitchell (played by Craig McLachlan). Having known McLachlan socially, Mitchell valued producer Andrew Howie's decision to cast her in a tougher character, which was a departure from her earlier portrayal of Jo Loveday. While Jane interacts with many characters, her storyline mainly revolves around Grant.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay for work, Jane soon begins dating Grant. She later arrests Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) for driving under the influence, leading to him losing his license. After a shootout at Yabbie Creek results in an officer's death, Jane survives but is emotionally shaken. She swiftly captures two men threatening Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) at the local diner. Concerned about her wellbeing, Grant advises Jane to take a break; she contemplates resigning from the force. Over the following weeks, their relationship deteriorates, culminating in Jane's decision to return to the city police department.

Blake Dean

Blake Dean, portrayed by Les Hill, debuted on 26 July 1990. Hill had previously appeared on G.P.. His casting was announced alongside Belinda Jarrett, who was cast as his sister Karen Dean. Hill found the show's production schedule demanding. According to the Home and Away Annual, Blake is depicted as an energetic and charismatic young man who embraces life fully and often acts protectively toward his sister. Hill later revealed his intention to leave the series but made guest returns during milestone events such as the fourteenth anniversary and the 4,000th episode celebrations.

Karen Dean

Karen Dean, played by Belinda Jarrett, also premiered on 26 July 1990. Jarrett, new to television acting, described joining Home and Away as a "dream come true" because of her admiration for the series. She and Les Hill were cast as siblings Karen and Blake Dean, who arrive in Summer Bay after losing their mother Margot to cancer. Initially living with their estranged uncle, they soon move in with Ailsa and Alf Stewart to fulfill their mother’s wishes. The characters were promoted as having "exciting storylines" designed to captivate viewers.

Writers David Nicholls and Kesta Desmond crafted Karen as a 15-year-old girl struggling with body image issues, possessing a kind yet shy personality, and developing romantic feelings that avoided boys her own age. Though popular among her peers at school, Karen did not resonate strongly with viewers, leading Seven Network not to renew Jarrett’s contract in 1991. Karen’s departure aired on 27 August 1991; she returned briefly in 1993 following her release from prison.

Following disputes with their uncle Alec Dean, Karen and Blake seek refuge with Ailsa Stewart. Karen pursues Steven Matheson after his breakup but is rejected due to their age difference. Complications arise when Blake begins dating Sophie Simpson, leaving Karen feeling neglected.

Karen confronts deputy principal Alan Stone over his reinstatement of corporal punishment before he is transferred away. She develops an affection for Haydn Ross, who favors Sophie instead, causing strain among friends until they reconcile. Karen takes part in an environmental protest aiming to save a historic tree planted by Alf’s grandfather.

Her involvement with Maurice "Revhead" Gibson leads her into criminal acts including robbing Alf’s store. After a car accident involving Adam Cameron and David Croft results in David’s death, Karen confesses and receives a two-year prison sentence.

Upon being paroled in 1993, Karen returns to Summer Bay where she meets her half-sister Roxanne Miller. Her persistent rebelliousness creates tension with the Stewarts and Blake’s girlfriend Finlay Roberts. After stealing money from Ailsa, Karen escapes to the city; Blake follows her despite her resistance to returning home.

Jennifer Atkinson

Jennifer Atkinson, brought to life by Kate Raison, made her debut on 12 September 1990. The announcement of Raison's casting appeared in TV Week on 4 August 1990, revealing Jennifer would join the series for an eight-week guest stint under the name Jennifer Stewart. Her storyline featured a provocative romance with Steven Matheson (Adam Willits), characterized as a "passionate affair" that would significantly impact the Bay. As Alf Stewart’s cousin, Jennifer discloses that her husband, Daniel Atkinson, is an abusive alcoholic. Steven deceives Jennifer about his age to pursue their relationship. Following jealousy and disputes involving Alan Stone (Philip Hinton), Daniel assaults Steven. Ultimately, Jennifer ends the relationship and departs from Summer Bay, urging Steven to focus on his education. Although she later sends him a Christmas card, Steven opts not to visit her.

Michael Ross

Michael Ross, portrayed by Dennis Coard, entered the show on 22 October 1990 alongside his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). He soon became an integral character in Summer Bay as the proprietor of the boat shed and a foster parent, forming a meaningful bond with Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrance). Despite facing opposition from family members and challenges stemming from Michael’s former wife Cynthia, the couple eventually married. Michael adopted Pippa’s son Christopher and also took in other foster children.

Michael’s narrative included overseeing several business interests—the boat shed, caravan park, and surf club kiosk—while managing a large family. Financial difficulties arose when Haydn, grappling with a gambling problem, embezzled funds from Michael, leaving him burdened by debt. Subsequently, Alf Stewart became a silent partner in the boat shed enterprise.

The couple endured profound sorrow when their infant son Dale succumbed to SIDS, testing but ultimately reinforcing their marriage. Michael also fostered Maya Krakajcek after she was orphaned in a plane crash; however, she eventually returned overseas to her relatives.

In 1996, producers decided to write Michael out of the show by having him die heroically during a flood rescue attempt. This event concluded Coard’s five-and-a-half-year role. Coard welcomed this definitive exit, preferring to explore other opportunities rather than risk being drawn back.

Michael’s storyline encompassed business struggles, family complexities, and community engagement, illustrating the challenges of balancing personal life with professional duties in Summer Bay.

Haydn Ross

Haydn Ross, interpreted by Andrew Hill, first appeared on 31 October 1990 and departed on 17 September 1991, with brief returns in 1994 and 1996. Hill was cast somewhat accidentally due to an agent’s mistake. In 1991, he chose to leave the series. Haydn is the son of Cynthia (Belinda Giblin) and Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) and attended private school funded by his father’s business success. His character is described as "athletic and determined like his father," while also possessing "a passion for culture and enjoying a privileged lifestyle" inherited from his mother—reflecting both ambition and sophistication.

Kim Mitchell

Kim Mitchell, portrayed by Rachael Beck, made her debut on 8 November 1990 as the sibling of the established character Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Although producers extended a one-year contract to Beck to secure Kim as a regular character, she declined to prevent being typecast.

At sixteen, Kim arrives in Summer Bay hiding a drug dependency. Despite presenting herself with "elegant clothing" and makeup, she battles addiction, justifying it as part of adolescence. She visits Grant but soon resorts to stealing money from his flatmate Matt Wilson (Greg Benson) to support her habit. When confronted by Matt and Steven Matheson (Adam Willits), Kim initially denies any substance abuse but soon escalates to pilfering from friends, including taking money from Carly Lucini's (Sharyn Hodgson) purse and forging Grant's signature on a cheque to pay dealer Eddie (Peter Williams).

Eventually, Steven informs Grant, who finds speed pills in Kim's possession and steps in. Grant organizes rehabilitation for Kim, relinquishing his role at Summer Bay High to aid her recovery. He contacts their parents but warns Kim that he will notify them should she relapse. Months later, Grant returns reporting Kim's improvement, underscoring the storyline’s emphasis on family involvement and rehabilitation.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
8 January	Robbo	Ned Manning	Shark hunter Zac Burgess (Mark Conroy) brings Robbo, a veterinarian, to Summer Bay to determine if a shark caused a fatal attack; investigation clears the shark of suspicion.
29 January	Henry Thompson	Tim Allen	Henry and Doris consider purchasing the Blaxland mansion but abandon plans after an exorcism by Emma Jackson and Celia Stewart raises fears of a haunting.
29 January	Doris Thompson	Jane Archer
2–16 February	Greta	Jodie Gilles	Marilyn Chambers’ friend; initially met with Martin Dibble’s disapproval due to her looks but later accepted; departs soon after.
9 February–1 March	Detective Hunt	Kim Knuckey	Investigates Donald Fisher for an eight-year-old murder and probes blackmail by Al Simpson; after a hostage crisis, Simpson is arrested following a confession overheard by Hunt.
27 February–8 March	Dave Porter	John Adam	Ben Lucini’s army friend on leave whose reckless actions disrupt relationships and competitions in Summer Bay.
12 March	Travis	Craig Black	Student enrolled in Grant Mitchell's Year 12 class.
30 March–3 April	Reverend Christopher Goodhope	Ron Becks	African reverend hosted by Celia Stewart during fundraising; mistakenly arrested for burglary; subsequently leaves for city residence inspiring Celia’s missionary aspirations.
6 April 1990, 21 May 2007 – 26 January 2012	Delivery Man	Steve Cox	Delivery worker at Surf Club and other locales appearing intermittently from 1990 to 2012, involved in minor storylines including delivering goods and orders.
16 April–11 September	Des Thompson	Brian Harrison	Bank manager who approves loans for Carly Morris, including financing the local boatshed purchase with Ben Lucini.
17–26 April	Melody	Suzi Dougherty	Shares accommodation with Adam Cameron and Matt Wilson; unreliable with rent payments; moves in boyfriend Bruce post-parole; both are driven out through Bruce’s fear of snakes.
18 April	Peter Butcher	Matthew Booker	Year 10 student who mocks Sophie Simpson’s illiteracy.
25–26 April	Bruce	Bill Charlton	Melody’s boyfriend recently released from prison for assault; intimidates flatmates until scared away by staged snake incident.
3 May–17 July	Minister	John Mann	Local clergyman officiating Tom Fletcher's funeral and the wedding of Carly Morris and Ben Lucini.
8 May–19 June	Lorraine Jensen	Elizabeth Chance	Mother of Paul and Murray Jensen; supports family working at a bookie; initially opposes Paul's piano pursuits but later embraces them.
15 May–27 July	Doctor Walker	Earle Cross	Local physician treating Marilyn Chambers’ chickenpox, Ben Lucini’s food poisoning, and diagnosing Bobby Simpson’s pregnancy.
21–24 May	Helen Wakefield	Shayne Foote	Childcare social worker investigating abuse allegations; facilitates reunion between estranged mother Angela Newton and daughters Tammy and Viv Newton.
21–23 May	Megan Tierney	Pamela Hawkesford	Carly Morris’ affluent school friend who disparages Summer Bay; experiences marital strain during dinner with Carly and Ben Lucini.
23 May	Julian Tierney	Cranston Brecht	Megan Tierney’s husband confronts her over excessive spending during dinner with Carly Morris and Ben Lucini.
23–25 May	Angela Newton	Annie Byron	Estranged mother of Viv and Tammy Newton; reunites with daughters and relocates to Queensland to work on a lavender farm.

References

Desmond, Kesta. Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd, 1990. ISBN 0-86227-787-6.
Desmond, Kesta; Nicholls, David. Home and Away Annual Authorised Edition. Grandreams Ltd, 1992. ISBN 0-86227-863-5.
Hopwood, Clive. Home and Away Special. World International Publishing LTD, 1990. ISBN 0-7235-6899-5.

External links