List of Home and Away characters introduced in 1998

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Alan Bateman
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their first appearances in 1998, introduced under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes. The series' eleventh season premiered on the Seven Network on 12 January 1998. Initial new characters included Will Smith, portrayed by Zac Drayson, followed soon after by the Nash family—consisting of parents Joel and Natalie along with their children Tom and Gypsy. In April, the storyline featured the birth of Olivia Fraser Richards. Later in September, Byron Fisher and Will's sister, Hayley, played by Bec Cartwright, were introduced. October saw guest star Scott Major portraying the armed robber Murray, while November brought the arrival of David D'Angelo.

Will Smith

Will Smith, enacted by Zac Drayson, made his debut on 13 February 1998. He remained a regular character until 2002, with guest appearances continuing through to 2005. Both actor and character returned in 2010, with Will coming back to the Bay accompanied by his daughter on 14 October. Initially, Drayson was cast as Tom Nash, but producers reassigned him to the more rugged role of Will. The character's departure came after marrying Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper), though he made sporadic returns from 2003 to 2005. Originally depicted as a "hot-headed troublemaker," Will reconnected with siblings Hayley (Rebecca Hewitt) and Nick (Chris Egan), eventually evolving into a "decent guy" before leaving Summer Bay.

Natalie Nash

Natalie Nash, brought to life by Angelica la Bozzetta, first appeared on 18 February 1998. After Debra Lawrance exited her role as Pippa Ross in 1997, the producers introduced the Nash family to take over management of the caravan park, a key location in the series. This family unit included Natalie alongside Joel Nash (David Woodley) and their children Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) and Tom Nash (Graeme Squires). La Bozzetta departed from the role late in 1998 to focus on personal commitments, with Antoinette Byron stepping in during 1999. The UK’s Channel 5 praised the episode that featured the Nash family’s return to Summer Bay as one of the series’ finest moments over its 25-year history.

Joel Nash

Joel Nash, portrayed by David Woodley, first appeared on-screen on 18 February 1998 and remained until his exit on 11 October 2000. Prior to acting, Woodley served as a federal police officer based in Melbourne. He had also made a guest appearance on the show in 1996.

Gypsy Nash

Gypsy Nash, played by Kimberley Cooper, debuted alongside her family on 18 February 1998 and departed in 2002, returning briefly in September 2011 with her daughter Lily. Created as part of the new household replacing Pippa Ross’s family, the Nashes arrived from Hong Kong seeking a fresh start. Cooper reprised her role in 2011, promising an impactful comeback. At the 41st Logie Awards, she earned "Most Popular New Female Talent," becoming that award’s first-ever winner. Gypsy’s kidnapping storyline received a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards, and Cooper later secured "Best Aussie Actress." The soap opera website Holy Soap listed Gypsy among the "Sexiest Home and Away girls ever," emphasizing her notable plotlines involving abduction and motherhood with Will Smith.

Tom Nash

Tom Nash, brought to life by Graeme Squires, made his debut on 18 February 1998. Initially, Zac Drayson was cast for the role, but producers later reassigned him to portray the more rugged Will Smith, resulting in Squires taking on the character of Tom. Squires regarded his time on Home and Away as a pivotal career moment and departed the series after two years, with his final appearance airing on 16 May 2000. He made a brief comeback for the show's milestone 3,000th episode special in 2001.

Tom was depicted as an athletic and attractive "ladies' man," typifying a sports enthusiast who played cricket in summer and rugby during winter. Squires identified some traits shared with Tom, such as creativity and an affinity for outdoor activities, though he described himself as more reserved and less sociable. His performance earned him a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 1999 Logie Awards.

The character received positive remarks from critics; Robin Oliver of The Sydney Morning Herald referred to Tom and his sister Gypsy as "good-looking children," while Steven Murphy of Inside Soap emphasized Tom's romance with Terri as one of the series’ most captivating love stories. Claire Brand and Annette Dasey labeled him "the darling of Summer Bay," and Tina Baker from Soaplife described him as "tasty Tom."

Olivia Fraser Richards

Olivia Fraser Richards first appeared on 20 April 1998 as the daughter of Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). In 2005, Ivy Latimer assumed the role. Following Chloe's death, Olivia departed Summer Bay alongside her uncle James (Michael Piccirilli). The character returned in October 2015, this time portrayed by Raechelle Banno. Olivia came back seeking support from her mother’s former foster carer Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) due to difficulties at her school in London. Upon arrival, Olivia engaged in flirtation with VJ Patterson (Matt Little), with Banno commenting that "She’s very forward... she just puts herself out there."

Hayley Smith

Hayley Smith was played by Rebecca Cartwright from September 1998 until September 2005, after which Ella Scott Lynch briefly took over until November 2005. Cartwright exited the show for personal reasons. Described by The Sun-Herald as one of Australian drama’s most beloved characters, Cartwright won the 2005 Logie Award for Most Popular Actress and received a nomination for a Gold Logie. The Sun-Herald portrayed Hayley as a "trouble-prone," artistic young widow who had overcome issues with graffiti.

Byron Fisher

Byron Fisher, portrayed by several child actors over time, first appeared on 16 September 1998 as a figment of his mother Marilyn’s (Emily Symons) dream during her pregnancy. Born on 16 February 1999, Byron was played by Brittany Jones and Joel Sanders-Aguius. Nathanial Davey later portrayed an 11-year-old Byron appearing in a vision.

Byron is the son of Marilyn and Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), receiving the middle name Vincent after Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten) rushed Marilyn to hospital. Marilyn initially experienced post-natal depression, which caused her to distance herself from both Byron and Donald. After she returned, she developed a close bond with Byron following the departure of their nanny, Ellen Porter (Anne Grigg). The family’s peace was shattered when Byron was diagnosed with cancer; to finance his treatment overseas, Donald sold a Streeton painting, which was eventually returned by the buyer Simon Broadhurst (Morgan O'Neill). Before Donald could join Marilyn abroad, he learned that Byron had passed away. Donald attended Byron’s funeral in America but came back alone after Marilyn left once again. Later, he authored Letter to Byron, illustrated by Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).

Byron reappeared as an 11-year-old in Marilyn’s dream during episodes when she began having visions of the late Amber Copeland (Mitzi Ruhlman), who introduced Byron.

Channel 5 selected Byron’s birth episode as one of their "Best Ever" episodes.

Murray

Murray, played by Scott Major, made his first appearance on 20 October 1998. A television reviewer from The Advertiser described Murray as "a dangerous and armed young man" who shoots Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) after being turned down for employment. Channel 5 singled out his robbery of the Bayside Diner as one of the show's most memorable episodes.

Upon arriving at the diner, Murray orders breakfast but admits he lacks funds. When Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) tries to contact the police, he takes her hostage at gunpoint. Her spouse Alf (Ray Meagher) steps in, yet Murray escapes after stealing money from the cash register. Soon after, officers Joel Nash and Terri Garner enter, causing Murray to panic and shoot Sally Fletcher in the leg before fleeing the scene.

Murray then hides inside a cave, holding Sam Marshall, Hayley Smith, Will, and Gypsy Nash captive. Despite their attempts to break free, Murray retains control until Will successfully negotiates his surrender. Joel and Constable Barry Dennis subsequently arrest him. Later, Murray appears as a figment in Ailsa’s subconscious during a diner scene.

David D'Angelo

David D'Angelo (also known as Robert Perez) debuted on 9 November 1998, initially portrayed by Valentino Arico, followed by Ross Pennissi (as Mr. X), and finally Tony Poli until the character's departure on 13 October 1999.

David’s plot revolves around seeking revenge against Joel Nash (David Woodley), who had imprisoned him in Hong Kong for 15 years. He deceives Joel’s daughter Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) by pretending to be her tutor before abducting her. Cooper described working with Poli as intense but supportive, appreciating his assistance despite the character’s dark role.

Using the alias Robert Perez, David arrives in Summer Bay and secretly records conversations involving Gypsy and her family. He begins dating Gypsy and moves into the Caravan Park. Advertising himself as a Maths tutor, he is hired by Joel and Natalie to support Gypsy’s studies. David sends a tape exposing family conflicts to Natalie, arousing suspicion from Joel’s brother Travis and his wife Rebecca. He kidnaps Gypsy, keeping her captive for three weeks while sending cryptic messages to the Nashes. Subsequently, David takes Joel hostage, assumes his identity, drains his bank account, and sets fire to the Nashes’ home where Natalie, Tom, and Gypsy are trapped. During the fire, David holds Natalie hostage but is eventually captured by Joel.

Several months later, David escapes custody to retrieve stolen money buried in the bush but discovers it has been taken by Duncan Stewart and Gazza Boyd. He threatens Duncan and his mother Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn), takes Duncan hostage, and attempts to flee with accomplice Lauren Healy (Merridy Eastman). Joel pursues him; after a chase ending near a cliff edge, Joel rescues David from falling. David falsely accuses Joel but is returned to prison.

Rachel Browne of The Sun-Herald named David’s vendetta among the best Australian TV cliffhangers of 1998. Prior to 1999, she referred to him as a "Hooded Psycho driven by revenge." His abduction of Gypsy and stalking of the Nash family earned a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
19–20 January	Gordon Macleay	Danny Adcock	An unlawful arms trader discovered drifting by Travis Nash (Nic Testoni); hospitalized due to illness.
22 January	George Baker	James Hagan	Attorney advising Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) to resolve a $10,000 settlement with Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) outside of court.
23 January–2 February	Sludge	Steve Pate	Sam's (Ryan Clark) companion and student participant in Rod Sutton's (Nick Atkinson) ram-raid crew.
22 January	Warren Hickson	Andrew Marshall	Childcare Services official advising Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrence) on foster care alternatives during her exit.
30 January	Christine McKenzie	Linda Newton	Conservative politician campaigning for immigrant deportation, igniting local protests.
2 February–30 October 2000	Barry Dennis	Mark Shaw	Local police officer regularly involved in law enforcement activities alongside Joel Nash (David Woodley).
3 February	Darren	Jordon Askill	Percussionist trying out for the band formed by Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) and Aaron Welles (Ritchie Gudgeon).
25–27 February	Carol Williams	Diana Davidson	Neighbor creating discord between Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright).
10–11 March	Ralph Marchant	Nicholas Garsden	Tour leader whose group's outing ends in a boat accident caused by Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten).
18 March–24 April	Jason Duncan	Paul Kelman	Bonza Burger manager whose extramarital affair leads to marital collapse; employs Vinnie Patterson who attempts to be dismissed; eventually departs Summer Bay.
18–25 March	Tamara Duncan	Sarah Aubrey	Jason Duncan's pregnant spouse who leaves him upon discovering his infidelity.
26 March	Chris Brown	Luke Jacobz	Soccer player at Summer Bay High deliberately injured by Will Smith (Zac Drayson) driven by jealousy.
30 March	Geoffrey Burns	Ben Price	Encounters Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert) in Africa and brings her to Ironbridge for malaria treatment.
	Bill Burns	Michael Carter	Geoffrey’s father; briefly shows interest in Irene Roberts; later invites her for an extended stay.
	Waitress	Lorraine Brown	Serves Bill Burns and Irene Roberts at a local café.
	George	Richard Clohessy	Geoffrey Burns' colleague who invites him on a trip following reconciliation with Steven Matheson.
31 March–2 April	Pam Edmonson	Rebecca O'Dare	Competitor at surf carnival who wins the under-18 girls' race; meets Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark).
3–6 April	George Berry	Rhiannon Mason	Foster child temporarily placed with Travis and Rebecca Nash; exhibits difficult behavior leading to relocation.
8 April–28 May	Bruce "Chook" Fowler	Shannon Cooper	Sam Marshall’s friend involved in a prank and drug purchase causing disciplinary proceedings that are later rescinded.
9–21 April	Sugar O'Donnell	Brooke Gissing	Dates Tom Nash despite disapproval from her mother; ends relationship after leaving him for band frontman Ben.
9–17 April	Candy O'Donnell	Bianca Gissing	Sugar’s twin sister interested in Aaron Welles, contributing to school conflicts.
15–24 April	Nigel Whittaker	Stephen Holford	Interior designer commissioned by Ailsa Stewart to refurbish the Bayside Diner.
17 April	Ben	Tony Gibson	Band lead vocalist chosen by Sugar O'Donnell over Tom Nash.
20–21 April	Dr Matthew	Alan Lock	Physician delivering newborn Olivia Fraser Richards, daughter of Lachlan Fraser and Chloe Richards.
22 April	Christina	Marina Finlay	Editor of Cheeky Magazine awarding Joey Rainbow a $1000 prize for his essay titled "The Girl of the 90s".
	Isabella	Kylie Watson
22–23 April	Policeman	Reg Cribb	Officer who pulls over Kylie Burton for speeding; Kylie uses the alias Rebecca Nash while evading authorities.
1–20 May	Harry MacKintosh	Sam O'Dell	Year 12 student dealing drugs to Lillian Reynolds; intimidates Gypsy Nash and Will Smith, resulting in a planned fight interrupted by Natalie Nash.
12 May–5 June	Leila	Michelle Fondacaro	Iranian Year 11 student courted alternately by Aaron Welles and Tom Nash; ultimately chooses neither suitor.
20–25 May	Professor Dunstan	David Nettheim	Neurosurgeon performing brain surgery on Lachlan Fraser; initially optimistic but Lachlan falls into coma requiring further treatment.
22 May–18 February 2000	Emily O'Kane	Rochelle Eardley	Friend of Rachel McGregor.
22 May–12 June	Mardi O'Kane	Kelly Cawley	Mother of Emily O'Kane; briefly dates Jesse McGregor before ending relationship due to his feelings for Rachel's mother Kylie Burton.
19 June–22 October	Daria Ellis	Tamra Williams	Surfer and Sam Marshall’s girlfriend facing epilepsy and family challenges before their breakup when Sam leaves her for Hayley Smith.
19 June–4 September	Sean Ellis	Mark Gerber	Daria's father who opens a surf shop and dates Sally Fletcher despite community resistance; relationship ends after estranged wife Tanya Ellis returns; Sean later leaves Summer Bay.
24 June–17 March 2003	John Wilson	Bryan Wiseman	Northern Districts Hospital doctor appearing intermittently over five years.
1 July	Mark Hollis	Matt Juarez	Kidnapper involved in abducting Rachel McGregor from Yabbie Creek mall alongside Jason and Mrs. Hollis.
Jason	Shaun Losesby
Mrs Hollis	Felicity Soper
"9 July–14 August"|		"Brendan Cowell"|
"13–29 July"|
"15–30 July"|
"16–27 July"|
"20 July–6 August"|		"Ivar Kants"|
"23 July 1998 – 26 October 2003"|
"13 August"|
"20 August–3 September"|
"24 August–3 September"|		"Antonia Murphy"|
"21–30 September"|		"Belinda Giblin"|
"22 September–29 October"|
"24 September–13 October"|		"Bryan Marshall"|
"25 November"|

External links

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