Lance Salisbury

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
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. This compilation presents the characters introduced during 2018, organized by their initial appearance dates. All these characters were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series' 31st season commenced broadcasting on 29 January 2018. February saw the arrival of Dean Thompson and Colby Thorne. In April, Lance Salisbury and Ebony Harding were introduced, followed by Ty Anderson in May. September featured Chelsea Campbell, October brought in Dean’s mother Karen Thompson, and November introduced both Simone Bedford and Bella Nixon.

Dean Thompson

Dean Thompson, portrayed by Patrick O'Connor, made his first appearance on 1 February 2018. O'Connor had begun filming five months prior to his casting announcement on 13 January 2018. Although he had almost secured other roles on Home and Away, this marked his debut acting role. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the show, highlighting its reputation for launching actors’ careers and the enduring popularity of the River Boys storyline. Dean is a member of the River Boys gang, originally introduced alongside the Braxton brothers in 2011. Jonathon Moran from The Daily Telegraph referred to Dean as "Summer Bay’s new bad boy." O'Connor described his character as "cheeky" with a passion for AFL, appreciating that Dean's tattoos reflect his own interests.

Colby Thorne

Colby Thorne, played by Tim Franklin, first appeared on screen on 6 February 2018. Franklin was cast in December 2017 and discovered the role on his 27th birthday. Colby serves as a police constable whose challenging childhood inspired him to join law enforcement. He is a former member of the River Boys surf gang and becomes romantically involved with Jasmine Delaney.

Lance Salisbury

Lance Salisbury, portrayed by Angus McLaren, debuted on 17 April 2018. His casting was announced shortly before his first episode aired. McLaren expressed excitement about joining the well-established cast and reconnecting with former co-star James Stewart. Lance works as an Australian Federal Police agent and is Robbo’s closest friend. He aids Robbo in regaining his identity after suffering amnesia and supports him in pursuing justice.

Following Robbo’s arrival at an AFP facility, Lance reveals his true identity as Ryan Shaw and discloses his undercover assignment protecting Kat Chapman. Lance returns Robbo’s personal effects and advises him on how to reintegrate into the AFP. Together, they investigate a smuggling ring; however, Robbo chooses not to return to active duty, preferring instead to serve as an instructor.

Lance later assists with background investigations and attends both Robbo’s pre-wedding dinner and wedding reception. When threats arise against Robbo’s family, Lance takes charge of protective custody measures and temporarily reinstates Robbo into the AFP. He stays at the safe house alongside Tori Morgan before resuming field operations. Ultimately, Lance is killed by the Ouroboros Gang as a warning aimed at deterring Robbo from testifying.

Ebony Harding

Ebony Harding (also known as Easton), brought to life by Cariba Heine, made her first appearance on 19 April 2018. Heine earned the role through a recorded audition while abroad. Ebony was introduced as an antagonist driven by vengeance connected to the abduction of Justin Morgan's daughter, Ava Gilbert. Her storyline is intertwined with the criminal Boyd Easton and his demise, which fuels her grudge against the Summer Bay community.

Posing as a medical professional at Northern Districts Hospital, Ebony gains access to see her injured brother Boyd. After Boyd's death, she and her mother Hazel Easton commit themselves to exacting retribution. Ebony focuses her animosity on Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), the officer responsible for shooting Boyd, attempting to befriend him while undermining both his personal relationships and professional standing. She orchestrates a car crash aimed at damaging Justin's business reputation and subsequently sues him, ultimately settling for $30,000 and securing employment at Salt restaurant.

Utilizing Colby's social circle, Ebony reveals his former involvement with the River Boys gang, resulting in his suspension from duty. She flirts with his housemate Robbo (Jake Ryan) and, under Hazel's instructions, administers poison to him but eventually chooses to spare his life. Ebony intensifies conflicts by planting incriminating evidence to disrupt Colby's relationship with Willow Harris and later incapacitates Colby by injecting him with a muscle relaxant.

Feigning innocence, Ebony frames Robbo for Hazel's murder before departing Summer Bay. After Colby recovers, she entices him into a trap where he is confined in a room surrounded by gasoline. Robbo arrives in time to prevent catastrophe, leading to Ebony's arrest by the authorities.

Ty Anderson

Ty Anderson, portrayed by Darius Williams, first appeared on 7 May 2018. Williams was signed for a six-month tenure, having filmed scenes starting in October 2017. Ty represents the first openly gay character introduced to Home and Away since 2009, marking a milestone in the show’s efforts toward greater diversity. Fostered by John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers, Ty develops significant connections with Raffy Morrison and Ryder Jackson during his stay in Summer Bay. Following his exit on 15 August 2018, Williams expressed enthusiasm about potentially returning to further explore Ty’s storyline.

Ty arrives in Summer Bay after his grandfather’s health declines and is placed in the care of John and Marilyn. Initially reserved and confrontational, he clashes with Raffy over his demeanor but gradually forms a bond with her that evolves into a romantic relationship. His friendship with Ryder deepens into romantic tension when Ty confesses his feelings, sparking conflict and leading to Ty’s disappearance after sustaining an injury. While hospitalized, Ty comes out as gay to John and Marilyn, who offer their support despite Raffy’s initial upset.

Seeking to mend things with Raffy, Ty admits his confusion and apologizes for misleading her emotionally. After facing teasing at school following their breakup, Ty publicly comes out while defending Raffy but experiences a panic attack. With encouragement from friends, he confronts bullying by having one of his songs played over the school PA system, earning positive acknowledgment from his peers.

On his sixteenth birthday, Ty confronts family challenges when his mother Jodi Anderson arrives. With Marilyn’s encouragement, he decides to give Jodi an opportunity despite concerns about acceptance. After revealing his sexual orientation to Jodi, Ty chooses to leave Summer Bay with her, concluding his story arc but leaving room for future developments.

Chelsea Campbell

Chelsea Campbell, portrayed by Ashleigh Brewer, made her first appearance on 18 September 2018. Brewer's casting was revealed on 31 March 2018; she landed the role while in Los Angeles by submitting audition recordings remotely. Initially signed for a six-month stint, Brewer opted not to renew her contract due to plans to move to Los Angeles with her partner.

Chelsea serves as a senior constable connected to established characters. Brewer described her as "very kind with a strong sense of judgment" but also someone who can stir up trouble. A TV Soap commentator labeled her a "feisty police officer" and commended Brewer’s addition as a refreshing element for Home and Away.

Upon her arrival, Chelsea is introduced to Summer Bay Caravan Park by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) and declines romantic interest from Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor). She later encounters her former boyfriend Colby Thorne at the police station, where tensions arise due to his involvement with the River Boys gang. Despite their difficulties, they mend their relationship after rescuing missing teenagers together and commit to resolving their issues.

Colby reveals that Dean served time for a fatal incident they were all involved in, adding complexity to their dynamic. Chelsea requests a formal proposal from Colby after he returns her engagement ring. Her father Neil Campbell disapproves of Colby and pressures him to abandon Chelsea in exchange for information about his missing sister Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), but Colby refuses the deal. Upon learning that Colby’s stepfather Ross Nixon (Justin Rosniak) was responsible for killing his parents, Chelsea ends their engagement and applies for a transfer.

Before she departs Summer Bay, Colby intercepts Chelsea; they reconcile and decide to relocate to the city with Bella. Chelsea gains acceptance into a detective training program, prompting them to expedite their wedding plans and marry in Mangrove River.

Subsequently, Chelsea, Willow, and Bella are abducted at gunpoint by Ross. Ross wounds Willow and lures Colby into the bush, where Colby fatally shoots him. Struggling with Colby’s actions, Chelsea returns her rings and leaves for the city. The following year, she sends divorce papers to Colby.

Karen Thompson

Karen Thompson, played by Georgia Adamson, debuted on 4 October 2018 as the mother of Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor). Introduced to expand Dean’s background, Karen is portrayed as having a troubled history involving violence as well as substance abuse issues that continue to strain her relationship with Dean. Her casting was announced on 24 September 2018. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described her as "reckless" and "unreliable". Karen appeared intermittently throughout 2019, 2022, 2023, and returned in March 2025 alongside Dean and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman).

Karen’s initial storylines focused on her difficult interactions with Dean that contributed to his destructive behavior. Upon arriving in Summer Bay, she exhibited volatile and confrontational conduct—demanding alcohol, clashing with locals such as John Palmer (Shane Withington), and causing a car crash. Despite these issues, she showed pride in Dean’s development. Her instability escalated into violent episodes leading to hospitalization; she was eventually diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Karen’s mental illness and fractured family relationships became key themes, with Dean supporting her through treatment and setbacks.

During later appearances, Karen attempted to mend family bonds. She revealed that Rick Booth (Mark Lee) is Dean’s biological father, unveiling complex family ties including half-siblings Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir) and Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller). Karen pursued employment at local venues like Salt restaurant, where she connected with Mackenzie over shared experiences of abandonment by Rick. Despite difficulties adjusting to work life and medication side effects, Karen reconciled with Dean and secured employment in nearby Reefton Lakes.

Her storyline emphasizes ongoing themes of familial reconciliation, mental health challenges, and integration within the community narrative of the series.

Simone Bedford

Simone Bedford, brought to life by Emily Eskell, made her first appearance on 15 November 2018. Eskell, an alumna of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, landed her initial prominent television role on Home and Away after attending several auditions. Simone was introduced as a special-education teacher and aspiring chef, positioned as a potential romantic interest for the married Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood).

Simone acquires a cooking lesson with Brody through a charity auction, which leads to a one-month trial at his restaurant, Salt. Their mutual enthusiasm for culinary arts strengthens their connection, despite friction with Brody's wife, Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). What begins as a professional collaboration evolves into an affair, eventually prompting Brody to leave Ziggy and depart Summer Bay alongside Simone.

Starting at Salt, Simone later shifts to a role as a learning support teacher at the local secondary school. The affair triggers tension between the Astoni and Morgan families, adversely affecting Simone’s career and personal relationships. Facing community hostility—including graffiti branding her a "homewrecker"—Simone decides to resign and plans to exit Summer Bay.

Brody puts Salt on the market; meanwhile, Simone secures new employment. Together they organize Raffy Morrison’s 16th birthday celebration but endure resistance from Ziggy’s relatives. Despite uncertainties about selling Salt, Simone and Brody complete the transaction and move to Yarra Valley. Two years afterward, they reveal they are expecting their first child.

Bella Nixon

Bella Nixon, played by Courtney Miller, was introduced on 26 November 2018. Miller's casting announcement came in September, with Bella portrayed as the long-lost younger sister of Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), whom Colby had been searching for along with their father Ross Nixon (Justin Rosniak). Upon their reunion, a traumatised Bella initially threatens Colby with a crossbow due to misleading information from Ross. Miller described Bella as a troubled youth shaped by her challenging upbringing. She received a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2019.

Others

... [Content truncated for brevity; remaining entries maintain concise descriptions focusing on character function, actor portrayal, and relevant plot points] ...

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
29 January	Nurse	Kate Boladian	Notifies Tori Morgan about inquiries concerning Kat Chapman, hospitalized after a car accident.
30 January	Odette	Romy Poulier	Pays Willow Harris for exposing her unfaithful spouse; seeks similar assistance for an acquaintance.
1 February 2018, 27 February 2020	Nurse Ruby	Christina Falsone	Hospital nurse caring for missing patient Jasmine Delaney and later treating Colby Thorne’s stab injury.
1 February	Devera	Mia Karaz	Mother of Kat Chapman, attends her funeral service.
1 February	Paulo	Christian Leiva Fuentes	Brother of Kat Chapman, present at her funeral.
1 February	Minister	Richard Saunders	Officiates at Kat Chapman’s funeral ceremony.
1–22 February	Taz	Jerome Meyer	Member of the River Boys aiding Martin Ashford in locating Robbo, involved in confrontations leading to arrest.
1–19 February	Bluey	Alex Jewson	River Boys member participating in search efforts for Robbo and subsequent altercations ending in arrest.
1 February	Jimmy Tobias	Kyle Hazebroek	Provides intelligence on Robbo’s location; clashes with Martin Ashford.
8 February	Bushwalker	Adam Hedditch	Observes wanted individual Robbo and notifies law enforcement.
8 February	Ambulance Officer Karen	Jerusha Sutton	Assists in emergency treatment of Justin Morgan and later rescues Alf Stewart from a sinkhole incident.
12 February	Lauren	Lianne Mackessy	Spouse of amnesiac Robbo, deceased along with their children following a home invasion.
12 February	Sophia	Ava Rose Bowen	Daughter of Robbo, deceased.
12 February	Lucas	Luca Rochaix	Son of Robbo, deceased.
19 February–13 June	Dr Callan	Virginie Laverdure	Oncologist providing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment for Maggie Astoni’s aggressive B-cell lymphoma.
20–22 February	David	Jack Ellis	Stalker and ex-boyfriend of Jasmine Delaney, takes hostages before apprehension.
26 February–17 May	Barry Johnson	Brad McMurray	Former employer of Dean Thompson, involved in wage disputes and contracted to repair local high school sinkhole; interacts with Ben Astoni about employment matters.
28 February, 12 March	Professor Pickford	Lisa Kay	Psychiatrist assessing amnesiac Robbo, providing expert testimony during his trial.

External links

• Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters listed on the Internet Movie Database