List of Home and Away characters introduced in 2003

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
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 initial appearances in 2003, introduced by series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's sixteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. This year marked the arrival of The Hunters family: Scott (played by Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), and his younger siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), with their debuts spread throughout January, April, and November. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, and in November, Maggie Kirkpatrick returned to portray Viv "The Guv" Standish.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, brought to life by Kip Gamblin, made his first appearance on 23 January 2003 and exited the series on 25 November 2005. For this role, Gamblin was honored with the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Award. Linda Barnier from the Newcastle Herald described Scott as a "beefcake," highlighting his introduction riding a horse named Jacko as reminiscent of a classic Man from Snowy River scene.

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, previously Sutherland), portrayed by Clarissa House, debuted on 17 April 2003 and departed on 30 January 2007. The official show website presents Beth as an "open-minded" individual with strong principles and integrity, paired with a "delightful sense of humour." Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued the episode featuring Beth’s wedding to Rhys, suggesting it primarily appealed to "die hard fans" due to its "unengaging" storyline accompanied by "painful" music, acting, and dialogue.

Kit Hunter

Kit Hunter, played by Amy Mizzi, first appeared on 25 April 2003. She remained a regular cast member until February 2004 and continued to make recurring appearances until 3 July 2007. Though Isabel Lucas initially auditioned for this role, Mizzi was ultimately selected. Her portrayal earned her a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Award ceremony.

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, enacted by Isabel Lucas, debuted on 31 July 2003 and left the show on 10 October 2006. Talent scout Sharron Meissner discovered Lucas, who originally auditioned for Kit Hunter but was instead cast in the newly created role of Tasha by Series Producer Julie McGuaran. This casting required her to move from Melbourne to Sydney for filming purposes. At the 2004 Logie Awards, she won Most Popular New Female Talent. Media outlets referred to Tasha as a "Blonde Princess" before her wedding plotline unfolded. The character’s storyline involving a cult-like group drew criticism from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who condemned the show's depiction of religion as exaggerated and misleading.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, portrayed by Maggie Kirkpatrick, appeared between 11 November 2003 and 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick had previously guest-starred in the series in 1991 and was reintroduced as part of Dani Sutherland's narrative involving incarceration for attempted murder. Scenes were filmed at the historic Maitland Gaol.

Before this role, Kirkpatrick gained fame for playing Joan "The Freak" Ferguson, a prison officer on the soap Prisoner: Cell Block H. She described Viv as a "tough," intelligent former magistrate who was unjustly imprisoned after uncovering a pedophile ring tied to judges and politicians. Kirkpatrick expressed interest in reprising this character.

Viv makes her entrance when Dani is jailed for hitting Kane with her car. Initially menacing Dani, Viv eventually grows protective of her, affectionately calling her "princess." When Dani faces accusations relating to an escape attempt, Viv coerces those responsible to shield Dani, helping secure her release. Later, Viv confesses to orchestrating an attack on Dani's stalker Felix Walters, which results in an extension of her sentence.

Several months later, Viv’s deteriorating heart condition is revealed during a visit from Dani’s father. Viv has been working on an autobiography she wishes Dani to publish; after it is destroyed in a fire, Dani assists in reconstructing it and campaigns for Viv’s early release with support from Morag Bellingham. Morag recognizes Viv as having had a teenage relationship with her brother, Alf Stewart, who once proposed but was left behind. Alf reconnects emotionally with Viv during her day release. Viv discloses that she had been pregnant with Alf's child but placed the baby for adoption with local couple the Dalbys. Alf forgives her before she peacefully passes away in his arms. It is later revealed their son was Owen Dalby, who died from a heart attack during an altercation with his son Ric.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, played by Jason Smith, made his first appearance on 25 November 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Chris Hemsworth originally auditioned for the role of Robbie but was subsequently cast as Kim Hyde. Smith embraced the character, describing Robbie as "vibrant," and appreciated joining a well-established series. His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2005 Logie Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	Claire oversees the Drop-in centre while Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy) is on holiday. A misinterpretation of a diabetic emergency leads to a child welfare investigation and her subsequent exit.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	As editor of the Northern District University campus paper, Anna briefly dates Noah Lawson (Beau Brady), causing friction with Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) before their relationship ends.
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts brain tumor surgery on Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) following his collapse.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	Attends TAFE alongside Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and engages in a challenging romantic relationship with her; she later dates Paris Burnett (Rhett Giles).
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Coastal news journalist involved in significant storylines including Dani Sutherland's internship and revealing the Caravan Park's heritage status.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	Education department official influencing principal appointments at Summer Bay High, initially favoring Angie Russell over Sally Fletcher.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	Former acquaintance of Dylan Russell, manipulated by Angie Russell to give false testimony affecting legal proceedings; later institutionalized after a breakdown.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Scott Hunter’s college wife whose arrival complicates his relationship with Dani Sutherland; she eventually accepts their separation.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	Colleen Smart’s long-lost daughter who reconnects and briefly dates Alf Stewart before moving on.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating Angie Russell's murder, leading to the arrest of suspect Dylan Russell.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Angie Russell’s mother, providing support to her grandson amid family upheaval following Angie's death.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	Drug addict under Noah Lawson’s care who succumbs to an overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Player on the local girls’ soccer team coached by Alex Poulos.
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Leah Patterson’s eldest brother involved in family disputes and events such as Alex Poulos’ birthday and Leah’s wedding; father of Theo Poulos.
23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Child of Sophie Simpson and Blake Dean; born during Sally Fletcher’s hen night and named after David Croft.
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer participating in arrests and investigations involving Alf Stewart, Jesse McGregor, and Dani Sutherland.
11 July 2003 – 10 September 2004	Andrew Hilton	James Camden	Student enrolled at Summer Bay High.
11 July–17 November	Eloise Lennox	Suzanne McEachern	Enrolls at Summer Bay High; befriends Max Sutherland who fulfills her last wishes before she dies from leukemia.
11 July–3 October	Mr. Lennox	Christopher Burken	Eloise Lennox’s father who supports her during school functions.
6 August–15 October	Ross McLuhan	Angelo D'Angelo	Communications lecturer at Northern District University who pursues Dani Sutherland despite being married; departs after rejection.
5 September 2003 – 30 June 2004	Norman Shadbolt	David Whitford	Bookshop proprietor dating Colleen Smart; engagement ends due to misunderstanding involving his Alzheimer’s-affected mother.
11 September 2003 – 10 August 2005	Gary Rogers	Leigh Martin	Summer Bay High P&C president opposing certain students and advocating stricter policies; removed in favor of Beth Hunter.
19 September–21 October	Toby Clark	Richard Kessell	Cleaner at Summer Bay High who briefly dates Jade Sutherland; relationship ends after family secrets are revealed.
24 September 2003 – 22 November 2012	Gloria Clayton	Maria Matteo	Nurse at Northern Districts hospital frequently appearing in emergency situations including treatment of Kane Phillips.
24 September	Mrs Lennox	Bernadette Cogin	Eloise Lennox’s mother attending school events alongside her husband.
2–15 October	Baz Fulsome	Stuart Fenton	Drug dealer supplying steroids at the surf club gym; implicated in framing Jesse McGregor but eventually confesses involvement.
8 October 2003 – 3 May 2004	The Dean	Philip Holder	Dean of Northern District University involved in plagiarism inquiries and disciplinary measures affecting students including Noah Lawson and Dani Sutherland.
9 October	Jack Hunter	Ian Lind	Beth Hunter’s late husband and father to five children; appears as a vision during family visit to his grave.
13 October	Matt Owen	David Francis	Drifter who steals Noah Lawson's motorcycle and Seb Miller’s wallet before dying in an accident that initially causes confusion about Seb's fate.
21 October	Mr. Clark Mrs. Clark, Jimmy Clark, Toby's Sister	Andrew Hunter Trudi-Ann Tierney Will Blackney Amy Blackney	Family members estranged from Toby Clark appearing during Jade and Kirsty Sutherland's visit to their home.
	22 October 2003–11 June 2004	David Callahan	Felix Williamson Nicholas Cassim	Shelley Sutherland’s fiancé representing Dani Sutherland legally; relationship ends due to concerns over scars from Shelley’s kidney donation surgery.
	29–31 October	Mr. Robertson	Danny Adcock	Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland’s trial who secures a guilty verdict through rigorous cross-examination.