Lijuan Johnson
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section outlines the characters introduced in 2010, all under the direction of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 23rd season commenced on 25 January 2010. Two days later, Mitzi Ruhlman made her debut as Rabbit. In February, Mink Carpenter and Elijah Johnson were introduced, followed by the arrival of Justin Jefferies in March. Mink's mother, Jill, appeared in May. From June, Christian Clark and Rhiannon Fish began their roles as Penn Graham and April Scott, respectively. April’s sister, Bianca, was added to the cast in July, with Paolo Rosetta joining in August. September saw the introduction of Mitzy Fraser, Vittorio Seca, and Daria Hennessy.
Rabbit
Amber "Rabbit" Copeland, played by Mitzi Ruhlman, made her first appearance on 27 January 2010. This role marked Ruhlman’s television debut. Rabbit was created to reintroduce "a bit of fun" into Miles Copeland’s (Josh Quong Tart) life. Tart described Rabbit as bringing a magical element to Miles's storyline, blending psychological themes and mental health issues while maintaining appeal for younger viewers through her spirited and playful personality.
Rabbit manifests to a hungover Miles, informing him she intends to stay for some time. She shares premonitions involving fire and danger, which later prove true when arsonists set fire to a local café. Rabbit warns Miles that sleeping could be fatal; after dozing off at school, he narrowly escapes death from a falling ceiling fan. A series of graffiti incidents occur throughout Summer Bay, featuring writing resembling Amber’s style. Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) experiences unsettling dreams featuring Rabbit, who reveals visions of Marilyn’s deceased son Byron Fisher and cautions Marilyn about an approaching death.
Marilyn deduces Rabbit’s true identity as Amber after observing Miles creating graffiti; he admits Rabbit is his daughter who perished with her mother Louise during the Boxing Day Tsunami. Miles has been haunted by visions of her for months. Following a psychiatric evaluation, he is prescribed medication that causes Rabbit to vanish; however, she reappears when he discontinues treatment. Struggling to control his hallucinations results in Miles being suspended from school.
During a school trip, Rabbit predicts imminent danger; she and Miles discover several children unconscious due to a gas leak. Miles rescues them by forcefully opening a door. Eventually, Rabbit leaves after Miles envisions Louise; she assures him Louise will care for her before disappearing into the ocean.
A Daily Record journalist commended Rabbit for introducing an intriguing element to Home and Away, remarking that the show had been "fantastic" since her entrance. The episode depicting Miles relinquishing his visions earned the Australian Writers' Guild Award for "Best Episode in a Television Serial" in 2010, credited to writer Sam Meikle.
Mink Carpenter
Mink Smith (formerly known as Carpenter), played by Matylda Buczko, made her first appearance on 1 February 2010. Buczko and fellow actor Luke Mitchell, who portrayed Romeo Smith, shared the same agent and moved to Sydney to advance their acting careers. While Mitchell quickly landed his role, Buczko initially auditioned unsuccessfully for a gothic character before being cast as Mink, a professional surfer and Romeo’s sister. To authentically depict a pro surfer, she underwent physical training and took surfing lessons. Buczko returned for a brief stint in November 2011.
Mink is introduced as a skilled surfer who has just been released from juvenile detention for an unspecified offense. Buczko described her character as both spirited and vulnerable, with a complicated past involving separation from her brother Romeo. The media characterized Mink as a "mysterious" and "stroppy surf chick," combining sass and streetwise toughness beneath a hardened surface. After a year away, she unexpectedly reappears seeking financial assistance from Romeo.
Upon arriving in Summer Bay to find Romeo, it is revealed that Mink accepted responsibility for killing their abusive stepfather to protect their mother, Jill Carpenter. Xavier Austin offers her shelter with his family; however, Mink steals money from Hugo Austin but returns it after Romeo intervenes. She briefly dates Xavier but is hurt when he discloses her past to others. On her return, she borrows $2,000 from Romeo and competes in a surfing contest but performs poorly due to struggles with Ménière's disease, which ultimately ends her competitive surfing career. Although offered the chance to stay, Mink leaves a note for Romeo before departing once more.
Elijah Johnson
Elijah Johnson, portrayed by Jay Laga'aia, first appeared on 11 February 2010 as a local minister and potential romantic interest for established character Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou). Laga'aia’s casting was announced in November 2009. He exited the series in 2010 but returned after co-star Nicodemou advocated for his character’s revival. Laga'aia described Elijah as an unconventional clergyman who is often mistaken for a rugby player because of his informal style of dress. By February 2012, Laga'aia had completed filming his scenes on the show. In an Inside Soap reader poll identifying favorite television clergymen, Elijah received nine percent of the votes, ranking lowest among the candidates.
Justin Jefferies
Justin Jefferies, played by Matthew Walker, debuted on 19 March 2010 as the elder brother of established character Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance). His initial scenes were filmed alongside Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), with Walker expressing excitement about working with Symons, whom he regarded as an icon.
Due to Walker’s strong portrayal, producers considered offering him a recurring contract to further develop Justin’s storyline.
Justin arrives after being discovered bloodied and confused by Marilyn, who takes him to the hospital. He recalls being involved in a car accident but has limited memory beyond that. When visiting Aden, he encourages him to enlist in the army; however, Aden declines due to their grandfather Stan’s abusive behavior. It is revealed that Justin was responsible for their father Larry’s death in the accident. Although Justin wants to report it, Aden convinces him to conceal the body. Eventually, Justin admits the truth; Aden moves Larry’s body and reports finding him deceased alone. The brothers face conspiracy charges but are successfully defended by Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances). After the case is dismissed, they leave for the city without notifying anyone.
Jill Carpenter
Jill Carpenter, brought to life by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 14 May 2010. Mitchell, who had previously featured in the show in 1990, was cast as Jill, a "high functioning alcoholic" and mother to Romeo Smith. Following the death of her abusive husband, Jill came into a substantial life insurance sum, which she frequently spent on alcohol. Her arrival in Summer Bay is motivated by a desire to rebuild her relationship with Romeo, although her drinking habits create strain and discomfort.
To accurately portray Jill’s struggles, Mitchell conducted research into alcoholism. The narrative explores the complicated dynamics between Jill and Romeo, emphasizing how her addiction affects both family ties and community interactions. After being rejected by John Palmer, Jill falls back into heavier drinking. This prompts Romeo to seek assistance from Irene Roberts, who has personal experience with addiction. Despite encouragement from John and Irene, Jill finds it difficult to stay sober, eventually leading Romeo to distance himself and encourage her to confront the repercussions of her actions.
Jill’s arrival unsettles various relationships within Summer Bay, including disputes involving Gina Austin and her son Xavier. Though she commits to attending an AA Meeting for Romeo’s sake, Jill unexpectedly departs the bay the following day, leaving several conflicts unresolved.
Penn Graham
Penn Tiberius Graham, portrayed by Christian Clark, entered the series on 14 June 2010. Clark’s casting was announced on 7 June 2010, describing Penn as "a mysterious stranger who immediately captures attention." After accepting the role, Clark abandoned plans to relocate to Los Angeles and praised Penn as "the ultimate embodiment of cool," expressing excitement about portraying him.
Penn’s connection to Summer Bay is through his father. Characterized by an "irresistible sexual magnetism" and a rebellious streak, he conceals much about his past and relationships, making him an enigmatic figure who disrupts the community. Clark compared Penn’s distinctive charisma to icons like James Dean and Steve McQueen, emphasizing his tendency to act and speak without restraint.
Prior to Penn’s arrival, it was revealed he would become involved with Nicole Franklin (Tessa James). Clark noted their instant chemistry and Nicole’s vulnerability as factors that intrigued Penn. In October 2010, Penn became central to a mystery after vanishing under suspicious circumstances following several altercations in Summer Bay; blood was discovered in his hotel room and multiple locals were considered suspects.
Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Penn quickly starts dating Nicole. Tensions escalate when Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) reports seeing Penn kiss another woman. Penn further stirs trouble by framing Colleen Smart for theft and creating discord regarding Nicole’s relationships. His actions eventually lead to eviction from the Caravan Park.
After apologizing to Nicole, Penn hides a syringe in the sand that injures her hand, necessitating hospital tests and treatment. He admits to planting the needle but does not clarify if it was contaminated; Nicole ends their relationship as a result. Subsequently, Penn is assaulted and hospitalized; Alf Stewart is initially suspected but cleared when Penn identifies his attackers.
It is later disclosed that Penn is the son of Tulip O'Hare, linked to Alf Stewart’s past affair that culminated tragically with Tulip's suicide. Penn holds Alf responsible for her death and taunts him before disappearing; blood is found at the scene but no body.
Weeks later, Penn’s corpse washes ashore. Alf is arrested due to prior threats but is released after six weeks. Will Smith confesses to stabbing Penn in self-defense with assistance from Daria Hennessy. Will is subsequently arrested. Nicole later gives birth to Penn’s son, George.
Penn’s storyline was notable for his turbulent relationship with Nicole and his shadowy, antagonistic role within Summer Bay. His murder investigation was recognized as a major plot arc and featured among Channel 5’s "Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments of 2011."
April Scott
April Scott, brought to life by Rhiannon Fish, made her first appearance on 15 June 2010. Fish began shooting soon after securing the role, with April depicted as "worldly, intelligent and quick witted." The character embodies a spirited and passionate nature, maintaining a lively yet supportive bond with her elder sister, Bianca (Lisa Gormley).
Bianca Scott
Bianca Scott, portrayed by Lisa Gormley, debuted on 9 July 2010. Gormley was cast shortly after completing her studies at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Created as April's sister, Bianca is portrayed as confident, fiery, and outspoken, though she conceals a gentler side. She arrives in Summer Bay to heal from a broken heart and eventually forms a romantic connection with Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead). Gormley's performance earned her a long-list nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2011 Logie Awards.
Paulie Rosetta
Paolo "Paulie" Rosetta, played by Ryan Johnson, first appeared on 24 August 2010. His introduction was announced shortly before his arrival. Paulie is the younger sibling of Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz) and surprises Angelo by showing up in Summer Bay. Their relationship is strained due to a fire Paulie caused at their parents' restaurant, an incident for which Angelo took the blame and was subsequently excluded from the family business. Although Paulie inherited the restaurant, he struggles to manage it effectively.
Johnson described Paulie as a "starry-eyed dreamer" whose impulsive decisions frequently land him in trouble, necessitating Angelo's intervention. Angelo remains cautious about Paulie’s motives, especially after Paulie tries to flirt with his girlfriend, Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Paulie's visit reveals deeper problems: he owes $30,000 to loan sharks and seeks Angelo’s assistance.
Upon arrival, locals Irene Roberts and Colleen Smart mistakenly believe Paulie is a food critic. He confides his debt to Angelo, who steps in despite his own financial difficulties. Charlie initially offers an illegal loan but later withdraws it, prompting Angelo to suggest negotiating with the loan sharks. Facing threats of arson against Angelo’s restaurant, the brothers place bets at the races—winning at first but losing subsequent wagers after Paulie's further gambling.
When Angelo learns Paulie used their parents' business as collateral, he confronts him. Charlie explains that Angelo wants Paulie to take responsibility for both the fire and his debts. Their parents offer to clear Paulie's loans. Despite ongoing tensions, the brothers reconcile, with Angelo driving Paulie back to the city.
Mitzy Fraser
Mitzy Fraser, portrayed by Helen Dallimore, arrived on 3 September 2010. Mitzy is a psychic who becomes friends with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) during Marilyn’s fight with cancer and grief over her son. She comes to Summer Bay following a vision about Marilyn’s impending death, providing spiritual support despite skepticism from Marilyn’s partner, Sid Walker (Robert Mammone). Dallimore described Mitzy as a solitary figure ostracized for her psychic gifts, finding acceptance in Marilyn.
Mitzy later suffers a fatal stroke amid disputes over her questionable predictions. On her deathbed, she tells Marilyn she fabricated the date of Marilyn’s death but tells Sid otherwise. Reviewer Yvette Chegwidden described Mitzy as "kooky."
Her storyline involves foretelling Marilyn’s imminent death—a prediction Sid dismisses. She offers cryptic counsel to Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) and confronts Dexter Walker (Charles Cottier) about his feelings for Marilyn, even kissing him to establish boundaries. After revealing she has lung cancer followed by an inoperable brain tumor, Sid accuses her of deceiving Marilyn and withdraws as her physician. Mitzy admits privately to others that she invented Marilyn’s death date prediction; however, Marilyn overhears only part of this admission, causing tension before Mitzy’s stroke. On her deathbed, Mitzy vacillates between confessing and denying fabricating the prediction before passing away.
Vittorio Seca
Prince Vittorio Seca, played by Richard Brancatisano, made his first appearance on 17 September 2010. Brancatisano had previously taken on minor roles in Home and Away. Vittorio is an Italian royal and the former fiancé of Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley), who betrayed her while in Italy, prompting her return to Australia. His arrival in Summer Bay is driven by a desire to seek forgiveness and rekindle his relationship with Bianca, leading to a complicated love triangle involving her and Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead). Vittorio proposes marriage to Bianca, who initially agrees but ultimately leaves him at the altar after realizing her true feelings for Liam. His reaction turns hostile, but Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) intervenes before Vittorio departs from the Bay.
Daria Hennessy
Daria Hennessy, portrayed by Samantha Tolj, first appeared on 30 September 2010. She was initially introduced under the alias Shandi Ayres, with her real identity as Daria revealed later. Tolj described Daria as straightforward, warm-hearted, and a carefree hippie living moment-to-moment. Upon arriving in Summer Bay searching for her father, she quickly attracts attention from local men such as Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz). Daria engages in a brief relationship with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), characterized as an eccentric pairing due to their mutual free-spirited nature.
Daria is also a con artist who impersonates her friend Shandi. After her van breaks down, she flirts with Angelo and later deceives John Palmer (Shane Withington) into believing she is his long-lost daughter. She dates Will Smith (Zac Drayson), which causes friction with his daughter Lily. Eventually, Daria leaves Summer Bay but is subsequently arrested for fraud by Charlie Buckton and Angelo. During interrogation related to Penn Graham's murder, it comes to light that Penn had assaulted Daria; Will then stabbed Penn, and together they disposed of his body at sea.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 January | Priest | Gary Woods | Conducts the funeral service for Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). |
| 1 February | Drunks | Dean Jeffrey | A group of racist drunks assault Hazem Kassir (Ben Kermode) and his friends before setting fire to the pier diner. |
| Joshua Griffin | |||
| 3 February | Patrick Grady | Gary Woods | Reports on the aftermath of the Australia Day riots outside the Pier Diner; his editor, Kristina Cantar (Mel Grob), requests a more polished segment including an interview with Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). |
| Kristina Cantar | Mel Grob | ||
| 18 February | Nira Kassir | Lenita Vangellis | Mother of Hazem Kassir; invites Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) and her son to stay with her, expressing gratitude towards John Palmer (Shane Withington) for his assistance. |
| 8 March–15 April | Britt Hobart | Diana Glenn | Fashion teacher who plagiarizes Nicole Franklin's (Tessa James) swimwear designs; threatens legal action that results in student protests and ultimately her resignation. |
| 25 March–13 April | Michael Patton | Jack Campbell | Counselor to Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson); prescribes medication to Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart) during episodes of hallucination. |
| 21 April–22 June 2011 | Bishop Pitt | Danny Adcock | Elijah Johnson’s superior; initially disapproves of Elijah's relationship with Leah Patterson-Baker but later retracts opposition. |
| 5 May | Louise Copeland | Uncredited | Deceased wife of Miles Copeland who died during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami; appears in a vision to Miles. |
| 27 May–4 June | Killer | Mirko Grillini | Criminal seeking vengeance against Hugo Austin; kidnaps family members and attempts drowning, ultimately subdued and killed by police after confrontation. |
| 4–9 June | Gordon Eaves | Lewis Fitz-Gerald | Senior detective investigating Killer; involved in violent incidents including shooting Hugo Austin and subsequent arrest. |
| 4–29 June | Lijuan Johnson | Mémé Thorne | Elijah Johnson’s adoptive mother; evaluates Leah Patterson-Baker's compatibility through traditional means before giving approval. |
| 5–29 June | Song Johnson | Jon-Claire Lee | Adoptive father of Elijah Johnson. |
| 30 June | Gordon Stewart | Ray Meagher | Father of principal characters; appears in flashback revealing an affair that resulted in Colleen Smart's conception. |
| Debra Stewart | Madison Hopkins | Alf Stewart’s younger sister appearing in flashback scenes. | |
| Clown | Troy Carlson | Performer at Alf Stewart’s fifth birthday party flashback; entertains with a ventriloquist dummy that frightens young Alf. |
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|
| Hayley Doven | Bonnie Sveen | Guest at caravan park persuaded by Penn Graham to withdraw theft charges against Colleen Smart; dies during childbirth comforted by Sid Walker posing as her husband. |
| David Stone | Hamish Briggs | Hayley Doven’s husband; informed by Sid Walker about Hayley's death during labor. |
| Councillor Leary | Victor Kline | Local council member who approves John Palmer’s proposal for water bottles, reallocating funds from the Highway to Summer Bay project. |
| Tulip O'Hare | Kimberly Hews | Penn Graham’s mother seen in flashbacks; engaged in an affair with Alf Stewart following his wife's death, ending tragically with her suicide. |
| Emmanuelle | Fifi Box | Host of Fashions in the Field competition where Nicole Franklin and Charlie Buckton compete; impressed by Charlie's quick response to a pickpocket incident. |
| Adrian Hall | Phoebe Tonkin | Employee at pet store who briefly dates Dexter Walker before ending their relationship; later agrees to remain friends. |
| Alexander Pitt | Marcus Jacometti | Ruby Buckton’s driving instructor who flirts but declines dating a student; apologizes after being confronted by Charlie Buckton. |
| Detective Graves | Eryn-Jean Norvill | Investigates Penn Graham’s disappearance and murder; has a brief romantic involvement with Dexter Walker while gathering information. |
| Nina Bailey | Clare Bowen | New girlfriend of Liam Murphy who leaves after realizing he still harbors feelings for Bianca Scott. |
| Joanna Scott | Tara Morice | Mother of Bianca and April Scott; blames April for Bianca ending her engagement and takes April back to Europe. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official United Kingdom Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database