Leo Simms

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	1988 (1988)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Television drama series
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 2005, brought into the series by then producer Julie McGuaran. The show’s 18th season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The year commenced with the arrival of Emily Perry portraying Eve Jacobsen. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast as Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner, respectively. April marked the debut of Doug Scroope as Graham Walters. Holly Brisley appeared in June playing Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother. August introduced Todd Lasance as Aden Jefferies, alongside the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November saw James Mitchell join as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen—also known by the alias Zoe McCallister—was portrayed by Emily Perry, making her first appearance on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting was revealed in TV Week toward the end of 2004; prior to this role, she had appeared on the show as an extra. She described playing nurse Zoe as her most significant opportunity to date and found it highly enjoyable.

Eve is employed at a psychiatric hospital where she becomes entangled with patient Sarah Lewis (Luisa Hastings-Edge). After a tragic sequence involving Sarah, Eve embarks on a vengeful path against Summer Bay. She kills nurse Zoe McCallister and assumes her identity, deliberately sets fires including one that results in pilot Benny Barron’s (Colin Borgonon) death, falsely accuses Marc Edwards (Christopher Hobbs), and targets prominent residents such as Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie).

Her vendetta intensifies through bomb threats and abductions, culminating in clashes with Detective Peter Baker (Nicholas Bishop). Believed to have perished in an explosion, Eve later reappears under the pseudonym "Maxine Trood," orchestrating further terror acts including a fake bomb threat at Peter’s apartment complex.

Eve’s final scheme disrupts the wedding of Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) and Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), where she takes hostages alongside accomplice Tracey Thompson (Sarah Enright). A gas explosion ultimately kills both women instantly.

The storyline involving Eve as the Summer Bay Stalker received nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 and 2007 Inside Soap Awards. It garnered significant media attention for its impact on audiences and became a notable topic within Australian television circles. Additionally, Eve was featured in Digital Spy’s 2012 Serial Killer Poll for her memorable contribution to the show’s dramatic narratives.

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, played by Isaac Gorman, first appeared on 16 March 2005 and departed in 2007, though he made guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Gorman had previously been seen on the series in 2002 as Riley Edwards.

Ryan arrives ahead of his father Dan’s wedding to Leah Patterson. Initially courteous toward Leah, Ryan soon reveals his resentment by causing disruptions such as destroying Leah’s wedding dress and burning invitations after discovering his mother Amanda Vale had been excluded from preparations. His behavior escalates when Leah’s son VJ suffers a minor burn from ashes, provoking anger from both Dan and Leah. After running away, Ryan is located by his uncle Peter, apologizes, replaces the invitations, and returns to Amanda in America. He later reappears as a ring bearer at Dan and Leah’s wedding.

Following Amanda’s negative influence, Dan arranges for Ryan to live with him and Leah; however, after conflicts arise, Amanda takes Ryan back to Los Angeles. Several months later, they return to Summer Bay accompanied by Amanda’s long-lost daughter—and Ryan’s half-sister—Belle Taylor. Ryan supports Amanda and Peter’s engagement but eventually moves back with Dan and Leah amid their marital difficulties. When Dan accepts employment in America, Ryan initially resists relocating but ultimately joins Amanda and Peter there. After Dan dies in an abseiling accident, Amanda and Ryan attend his memorial service. Ryan expresses concerns about fitting into Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance. He also returns for Belle’s wedding and later her funeral following her cancer diagnosis.

For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.

Cassie Turner

Cassie Turner, played by Sharni Vinson, made her debut on 18 March 2005 and exited the series on 2 April 2008. Vinson had appeared previously in guest roles during 2001 and 2003, portraying different characters. In 2004, she auditioned for the role of Martha MacKenzie but was ultimately cast as Cassie Turner instead. In July 2007, rumors surfaced that Vinson intended to leave the show to explore career prospects in Los Angeles. By November, it was officially confirmed that she had departed Home and Away to relocate to LA with her partner, although the series did not comment publicly since Cassie's storyline continued into 2008.

Cassie was depicted as "headstrong and fiercely independent," with an ability to learn from her errors and influence those around her. For this portrayal, Vinson earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards. Media outlets described Cassie as a "sexy soap siren," and Vinson’s exit was regarded as disappointing news among the show's male viewership.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, enacted by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and departed following the character's death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter’s eighteenth birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth. He confesses that his emotional distance is rooted in trauma from his Vietnam War experiences. After selling his farm, he aims to rebuild family connections. Graham becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, who is notably younger and previously linked to his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite familial objections, Graham marries Amanda.

Amanda’s manipulative tendencies become apparent as she avoids intimacy and frequently leaves her son Ryan in Graham’s care. Upon uncovering Amanda’s affair with Josh West and his illicit Project 56 scheme, Graham enlists Morag Bellingham to help expose Josh. During a confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack. Although Amanda calls emergency services, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over life support; Robbie makes the decision to end Graham’s life by turning off the machine.

Amanda inherits Graham’s estate and hosts a wake that is largely ignored in favor of the Hunter family gathering. She later returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. Robbie admits to turning off the life support, faces trial, is found guilty but avoids incarceration.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, portrayed by Marcus Jacometti, first appeared on 9 May 2005 and left on 17 June 2005.

This role marked Jacometti’s acting debut after completing Year 12, committing to a twenty-episode arc. He traveled from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney for filming sessions. Jacometti described the experience as both thrilling and intimidating, mentioning early difficulties adjusting to urban life and sudden public recognition. He commended his fellow actors for their encouragement and characterized Diesel as someone who "falls for unsuitable people, stirs up trouble, then departs," noting some shared traits.

Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High School where principal Barry Hyde introduces him to Sally Fletcher. His unconventional appearance leads to bullying by Jason Pappa and associates who target him due to a rose tattoo, assuming he is homosexual. To dispel rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but confides in Cassie Turner that he has no genuine romantic feelings for Matilda. The harassment from Jason escalates into physical assaults.

After revealing he is homeless because of issues with his foster family, Sally offers Diesel a place to stay with her and husband Flynn Saunders, who is hesitant about the arrangement. Tensions develop between Diesel and Flynn. When Diesel mentions it is his mother’s birthday, Sally agrees to dine out with him despite Flynn's reservations. Eventually, Diesel moves out when Flynn arranges accommodation at a hostel.

Diesel spreads false rumors about an affair with Sally and kisses her during a tutoring session witnessed by Dan Baker. Sally rejects him; Diesel then accuses her of sexual harassment which results in her suspension. Attempts by Ric Dalby and Cassie to mediate are unsuccessful. Diesel demands Sally admit she loves him in return for dropping the complaint.

He intensifies the situation by stealing Sally’s locket and fabricating emails supporting his accusations. Investigator Carl Summons discovers a photo of Diesel inside Sally’s locket leading to her suspension. Barry threatens Diesel with consequences if he does not confess the truth. Upon returning home one day, Sally finds Diesel holding her baby daughter Pippa hostage, threatening harm unless Sally admits love for him. Flynn intervenes during Diesel’s attempt to escape with Pippa, resulting in Diesel’s arrest.

Diesel admits to fabricating allegations against Sally and framing her. During a visit from Sally in custody, he reveals she reminds him of his mother; she acknowledges his pain but condemns his unhealthy obsession. Diesel apologizes before being taken into psychiatric care.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, played by Holly Brisley, made her first appearance on 30 June 2005 and departed in 2007, with brief comebacks in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as the quintessential attention seeker who uses manipulation to get what she wants. Her real pregnancy was integrated into the plot during her 2009 return. For this portrayal, Brisley received a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, portrayed by Todd Lasance, was introduced on 4 August 2005 initially as a recurring figure connected to Cassie Turner’s storylines. After auditioning for a different role, Lasance was cast as Aden and became a regular by 2007. He described Aden as "a total bad-arse" and avoided shaping the character into a typical "good guy." In August 2009, Lasance signed with an agency in Los Angeles to explore international prospects but continued on the show until filming his final scenes in January 2010. His performance earned him a "Best Bad Boy" nomination at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and he won "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, followed by another nomination in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, played by Paul O'Brien, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and exited on 28 November 2008. O'Brien garnered several award nominations for this role, including winning a Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent" in 2006. He was also nominated for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O’Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon received a nomination for "Best Storyline" for Jack and Martha’s wedding. In 2008, he earned nods for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and "Best Couple" alongside Gordon. Furthermore, at the first-ever Digital Spy Soap Awards, O’Brien was nominated for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, enacted by Jon Sivewright, appeared from 5 August 2005 until 11 August 2010. By the time of his departure, Sivewright was tied as the second longest-serving male cast member. His exit came shortly after co-star Amy Mathews left, with producers deciding it was appropriate to conclude his storyline. Tony’s narratives often revolved around dealing with profound personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife, girlfriend, and child. He is portrayed as a committed family man who blends kindness and understanding with optimism. Key storylines include reversing his vasectomy to conceive children with his on-screen spouse Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, played by Rhys Wakefield, debuted on 5 August 2005 and left on 14 February 2008. Wakefield was nominated for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards for this role. Critics described Lucas as a moody young man with a notably sulky attitude. In 2007, both Home and Away and the Seven Network were reprimanded by the ACMA for broadcasting provocative scenes during episodes rated G, specifically episode 4358 (21 February 2007), which depicted Lucas and Belle deciding to engage in sexual activity. ACMA concluded that the program had been incorrectly classified as G due to explicit verbal and visual content concerning teenage sexuality.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005.

Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." This group aimed for Michael to impregnate Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas), convinced she was destined to bear his offspring. Initially, Michael complied but eventually resisted, resulting in both him and Tasha being rescued by authorities and subsequently incarcerated.

Following his release on parole, Michael returned using his original name, revealing he had been adopted and subjected to Mumma Rose’s brainwashing. His inability to father children cleared him of accusations related to Tasha’s alleged assault. Despite facing suspicion from the community—exemplified by Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon)’s animosity—Michael found employment on Bruce Campbell’s farm (Chris Haywood). A tense scenario trapping Martha and Michael inside a mineshaft sparked a complicated romantic involvement, complicated further by Martha’s unresolved feelings for her former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)).

Michael’s jealousy eventually led to a confrontation with Jack, yet Martha consented to leave town with Michael. In the end, Michael chose to leave alone, acknowledging he could not rival Jack’s significance in Martha’s life.

Mumma Rose

Mumma Rose (birth name Florence White), played by Linden Wilkinson, first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously featured in the show as Katherine Walker in 1996.

As leader of The Believers cult, Mumma Rose manipulates her son, Jonah Abraham (James Mitchell), to draw Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into their fold. Despite doubts from Tasha's friends and boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Mumma Rose orchestrates events to isolate Tasha, including pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha's phone to delay assistance.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) attempts to reveal Mumma Rose's scheme for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah's child, she is abducted. Mumma Rose denies all claims during police inquiries. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to join the cult intending to rescue Tasha but fails to collect proof.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to enable impregnation without their awareness. After a thwarted escape attempt, she organizes a purification ritual involving fire. Tasha turns the cult members against Mumma Rose, who escapes before law enforcement arrives.

Months later, Mumma Rose returns and kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) to force a caesarean section for Tasha's baby. Following a police tip-off, she is arrested but manages to flee with aid from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), abducts Tasha’s newborn daughter Ella Hunter, and plans a fiery cleansing ritual. Charity ultimately contacts police, resulting in a hostage crisis where Mumma Rose is subdued and committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

A writer from the Daily Record described Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg serves as a physician at Northern Districts hospital, providing treatment to principal characters such as Leah Patterson and Sally Fletcher for critical health issues.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus, the estranged father of Kane Phillips, has a history marked by abuse and financial troubles. His illegal actions result in Kane being falsely implicated when Gus leaves stolen money and a firearm in Kane's vehicle.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Arriving after the bushfire, Marc reconnects with Josie Russell and extorts $20,000 from her concerning her past. His demise following an assault by Eve Jacobsen propels further narrative developments.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	As hospital administrator, Anna oversees the surgical team, including suspending Flynn Saunders after critical procedures and later reinstating him.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	An associate of Gus Phillips involved in criminal activities, Greg pressures Gus to repay debts and provides courtroom testimony that affects Kane Phillips' trial.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	A constable stationed at Yabbie Creek Police Station, Lara arrests Kane Phillips and collaborates with Jack Holden on various cases. She appoints Charlie Buckton as her replacement during maternity leave.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Pilot of a charter flight that crashes, resulting in his death and impacting several main characters aboard.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Journalist who utilizes an online dating platform to investigate the Summer Bay Stalker through Colleen Smart.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Lisa's secret marriage complicates her affair with Scott Hunter; she eventually departs the town alone after disclosing the truth.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	Local celebrant who officiates numerous significant weddings and funerals in Summer Bay, including those involving Dan Baker & Leah Patterson and Heath Braxton & Bianca Scott.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station engaged in law enforcement duties within the community.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Visits Summer Bay to check on his wife Lisa, unaware of her affair with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Grandmother to Cassie Turner who arrives to revive a beauty contest but suffers a fatal stroke amid local conflicts.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Physician at Northern Districts hospital involved in major medical storylines; dies in a car accident before disclosing vital paternity details.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Brief romantic interest of Robbie Hunter used to incite jealousy in Tasha Andrews.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Senior Detective heading the Summer Bay Stalker case; maintains a complicated relationship with Peter Baker before relocating to the city.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Manager of a local storage facility linked to the discovery of bomb-making materials during the stalker investigation.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Arrives following Joy Foxton's stroke; revealed as an abuser affecting several family members leading to legal consequences.
25 April	'Pauline Bennett'	'Beth Armstrong'	'Cassie Turner's aunt; arrives with children Carla and Liam after Joy Foxton’s passing. Family abuse issues involving Ben Foxton emerge.'
	'Carla Bennett'	'Ashleigh Johnson'	' '
	'Liam Bennett'	'Uncredited'	' '
3 May	'Zoe McCallister'	'Uncredited'	'Nurse whose murder by Eve Jacobsen leads to identity theft and significant plot developments.'
9 May–7 June	'Jason Pappa'	'Joshua Biagi'	'Student involved in bullying Diesel Williams; his testimony influences school-related investigations.'
20–23 May	'Jim Wallace'	'Harold Hopkins'	'Retired police officer who provides crucial information about Josie Russell’s past but dies under suspicious circumstances.'
1–13 June	'Callan Sherman'	'Kain O'Keeffe'	'Ric Dalby's friend with a criminal record; involved in drug incidents and conflicts that lead to his exit.'
7–16 June	'Carl Summons'	'John O'Hare'	'School inspector investigating complaints against Sally Fletcher; findings result in police involvement.'
9–10 June	'Mystery Man'	'Lleyton Hewitt'	'Brief appearance attempting to attract Hayley Lawson.'
10–14 June	'Terry Rawlings'	'Laurence Coy'	'Suspect in Matilda Hunter’s disappearance; apprehended after she escapes captivity.'
16 June–5 July	'Noelene Baker'	'Kris McQuade'	'Mother of Peter and Dan Baker; involved in wedding-related tensions highlighting cultural differences.'
24 June–14 July	'Troy Peters'	'Christian Willis'	'Former boyfriend stalking Chloe Richards; implicated but ultimately cleared concerning her death.'
4–5 July	'Kevin Baker'	'Andy Anderson'	'Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with his son and supports family events.'
22–23 July	'Judith Lane'	'Jane Fullerton Smith'	'Mediator in custody dispute involving Olivia Richards.'
22–23 July	'Michael Maleto'	'Antony Grey'	'Attorney assisting with Olivia Richards’ custody proceedings.'
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	'Kevin Green'	'Scott Hall-Watson'	'Physician attending significant medical cases including Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness and hospital emergencies.'
9–24 August	'Tom Anderson'	'Don Halbert'	'Former partner of Kerry Hyde; visited by Kim Hyde during personal search efforts.'
10 August	'Harry Chambers'	'Rodney Dobsen'	"Arrives accusing Jack Holden of responsibility for his daughter's death, leading to community confrontation."
12–25 August	'Leo Simms'	"Johann Walravan"	"Burglar connected to Amanda Vale’s financial issues; dies accidentally following confrontation."
15–23 August	"Lorraine Robertson"	"Gael Ballantyne"	"Barry Hyde’s sister who deceives Kim Hyde regarding family secrets related to Kerry’s death."
23 August	"Brian Robertson"	"Paul Coolahan"	"Unaware husband of Lorraine Robertson encountered by Kim Hyde and Tasha Andrews."
2 September–1 November	"Corey Henderson"	"Adam Saunders"	"Probationary constable involved in poisoning Irene Roberts; arrested after exposure for multiple offenses."
9–13 September	Gabriel Egan	"Older brother of Aden Jefferies; assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration."
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006	Josef Ber	"Hospital colleague diagnosing Flynn Saunders’ terminal melanoma; present at key medical events including Flynn's funeral."
27 September	Gary Baxter	"Local mayor framed by Josh West to manipulate electoral outcomes."
29 September	Uncredited	"Wife of Darren McGrath appearing in social scenes at Noah's bar."
13 October–25 November	Leah Etkind	"Employee at a nudist camp who influences Kim Hyde into drug use resulting in overdose."
19 October–8 November	Zachary Garred	"Intern at Northern Districts hospital unknowingly involved in paternity test deception orchestrated by Amanda Vale."
25 October–25 November	Multiple actors	"Newborn son of Hayley Lawson central to a paternity dispute resolved through medical testing."
28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006	Terry Serio	"Bookmaker entwined with Dan Baker’s gambling debts leading to kidnapping and hostage situations."
28–29 October	Alan Dukes	"Firearms dealer facilitating illegal gun purchase by Martha MacKenzie, contributing to subsequent injuries."
9–22 November	Paul Caesar	"Associate of Dudley Shepherd enforcing debt collection from Dan Baker under threat."
11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012	Charlie Hopkins	"Physician at Northern Districts hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ retirement due to cancer."
11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006	Charlotte Gregg	"Member of The Believers cult involved in key storylines including kidnapping and care of newborn Ella Hunter."