List of Home and Away characters introduced in 2013

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
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 that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters who were introduced in 2013, arranged according to their initial appearances. All these roles were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 26th season commenced on 21 January 2013. The year opened with the arrival of Zac MacGuire, followed closely by Courtney Freeman, Maddy Osborne, Spencer Harrington, and Rosie Prichard within the same month. In April, Chris Harrington and Ricky Sharpe made their debuts. August introduced viewers to Josh, Andy Barrett, and Hannah Wilson. From September onwards, Zac's relatives—Ethan, Evelyn, and Oscar MacGuire—along with Nate Cooper were added to the cast. The month of October saw the inclusion of Jade Montgomery and Matt Page, while Phoebe Nicholson was introduced in November.

Zac MacGuire

Zac MacGuire, played by Charlie Clausen, made his first appearance on 22 January 2013. This role represented a significant comeback for Clausen, who expressed excitement about joining the cast of Home and Away. Zac works as an education officer within the prison system and becomes involved when he breaks up a fight involving Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). He has been assigned by Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack) to keep an eye on Casey. Clausen characterized Zac as "a good guy," noting that his own experiences with incarceration have influenced his professional choices.

Courtney Freeman

Courtney Freeman, portrayed by Joshua Brennan, first appeared on 22 January 2013. Introduced as an inmate at Crestview Correctional Centre, he serves as a prominent antagonist to Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes), who is imprisoned after a botched robbery attempt. Brennan described Courtney as embodying the traits of a "typical prison bully." He pressures Casey into participating in drug trafficking; when Casey refuses, he suffers violent retaliation.

Courtney manipulates existing rivalries between the Braxton and Sharpe families by compelling Jamie Sharpe (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) to intimidate Casey. Following a series of attacks that culminate with Courtney stabbing Casey using a shiv, Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) brokers an agreement securing Casey’s release and Jamie’s transfer in return for their testimony against Courtney.

Maddy Osborne

Madeline "Maddy" Osborne, portrayed by Kassandra Clementi, debuted on 24 January 2013. Announced earlier that month, Clementi joined Home and Away as a teenage runaway arriving in Summer Bay alongside Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley).

Maddy's arrival was part of the show's deliberate effort to develop engaging storylines. Clementi described her character as "energetic and very loving," possessing a maturity beyond her 16 years, making Maddy both relatable to younger viewers and a valuable addition to the series’ narrative scope.

Spencer Harrington

Spencer Harrington, played by Andrew Morley, made his first appearance on 24 January 2013. Introduced by Lucy Addario, Spencer remained a regular cast member until his exit on 23 April 2015. Morley departed from the series in late 2014 to explore acting roles in the United States.

Spencer arrived in Summer Bay as a runaway teenager alongside Maddy Osborne (Kassandra Clementi). Initially, they stayed at the local high school before moving into Roo Stewart's (Georgie Parker) residence, all while concealing a secret about their history. Their storyline was closely tied to the show's emphasis on themes of foster care. Spencer is portrayed as confident, charismatic, loyal, and self-sacrificing, frequently prioritizing others over himself.

Upon reaching Summer Bay, Spencer worked off a debt at the bait shop and confided in Roo that he was an orphan. After facing several hardships—including Maddy’s illness and periods of homelessness—they came to rely on Roo’s support. The arrival of Spencer’s brother Chris Harrington (Johnny Ruffo) introduced new complications to their relationships. Eventually, Spencer and Maddy ended their romantic relationship.

Spencer later became involved with Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman), which stirred jealousy in Maddy. Their rapid closeness heightened existing tensions. Chris’s return to Summer Bay further complicated dynamics as he sought to reconnect with Sasha's sister Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), placing Spencer amid family disputes.

Rosie Prichard

Rosie Prichard, brought to life by Teri Haddy, first appeared on 30 January 2013. Cast soon after relocating to Sydney, Haddy was six years older than her character, who was sixteen years old. Rosie is described as "sweet but awkward" and somewhat socially isolated. Although she had always resided in Summer Bay, this marked her first on-screen appearance.

Rosie looks up to Sasha Bezmel, and they develop a friendship following a joint science project and an incident where Rosie nearly drowned at the pier. Excited by an invitation to a toga party, Rosie anticipates meeting Sasha's ex-boyfriend Casey Braxton, whom she mistakenly believes is showing romantic interest in her. Rosie hides her family circumstances—her mother left during her childhood, and her father divides his time between her and another family—resulting in her living alone and paying a peer to pretend to be her sister.

After making new friends among local teens, Rosie starts dating Alexander Mullens, who later sexually assaults her during a date. Initially blaming herself for the attack, Rosie opens up to Sasha and Roo Stewart before reporting Mullens to authorities. She attends self-defence lessons with Zac MacGuire and forms a bond with Bella Lugrano, another survivor of Mullens's abuse. When Mullens's associate Lachlan Stone threatens Rosie with evidence that could incriminate Mullens, she seeks police protection. Mullens is ultimately taken into custody.

While working at the Diner, Rosie discovers she is expecting a child. Despite facing bullying from Holly Chapman regarding her pregnancy and relationship with Zac, Rosie decides to keep the baby. She temporarily leaves school for safety reasons but returns before eventually moving away from Summer Bay to live with her father in the city.

Chris Harrington

Chris Harrington, brought to life by Johnny Ruffo, made his first appearance on 1 April 2013. The announcement of both the character and Ruffo's casting occurred on 19 October 2012. After inquiring with his agent about acting opportunities, Ruffo secured the role following two auditions, marking his debut in acting. This opportunity led him to relocate from Perth to Sydney for filming purposes.

Originally, Ruffo was signed for approximately sixteen episodes starting in September, but his contract was subsequently extended. He conveyed excitement about becoming part of Home and Away and commended the friendly atmosphere among the cast and crew. Chris is depicted as the elder sibling of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley). His narrative arc centers on visiting Spencer in Summer Bay with the aim of encouraging him to mend family ties.

Ricky Sharpe

Erica "Ricky" Sharpe, portrayed by Bonnie Sveen, debuted on 2 April 2013. Sveen had previously appeared in a guest role in 2010. She expressed excitement about securing a regular part, highlighting its personal importance and her family’s connection to the series. Ricky is the younger sister of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes). She arrives in Summer Bay to attend Heath Braxton’s (Dan Ewing) engagement celebration and becomes romantically involved with his older brother Brax (Stephen Peacocke), a longtime acquaintance since their youth. In 2014, Sveen received the Most Popular New Talent Logie Award for her portrayal.

Josh Barrett

Joshua "Josh" Barrett, enacted by Jackson Gallagher, first appeared on-screen on 27 August 2013. Gallagher admitted feeling awed working alongside veteran actor Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). Josh was introduced together with his brother Andy (Tai Hara) through online webisodes that delved into their backstories. On 14 May 2016, Gallagher announced his departure from Home and Away, with Josh’s exit storyline involving a confession to shooting Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz).

Andy Barrett

Andrew "Andy" Barrett, portrayed by Tai Hara, made his debut on 28 August 2013. His casting was revealed by The Daily Telegraph on 3 August 2013. Hara described joining Home and Away as an honour. Andy was introduced alongside his younger brother Josh (Jackson Gallagher) via online webisodes that explored their histories. The Barrett siblings initially appeared as adversaries to the Braxton family, with Andy holding key secrets related to their strained relationship.

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson, played by Cassie Howarth, first appeared on-screen on 29 August 2013. Her introduction was announced in late August 2013. Hannah is portrayed as a resilient and determined "free spirit" who passionately protects her family but harbors a fear of isolation. She arrives in Summer Bay seeking assistance from Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) regarding their niece and nephew's involvement with a cult led by Zac's brother, Ethan (Matt Minto). Howarth described this plotline as demanding and noted it represented a challenging shift for Hannah’s character.

Ethan MacGuire

Ethan MacGuire, portrayed by Matt Minto, made his debut on 2 September 2013. Although Minto originally auditioned for a different character, he was ultimately cast as Ethan and began filming in April 2013. Ethan is the distant brother of Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) and father to teenage twins Evelyn (Philippa Northeast) and Oscar (Jake Speer). After the passing of his wife, Ethan relocated his children to a spiritual retreat that functions as a cult, led by Murray Granger (Christopher Stollery).

At first, Ethan portrays the retreat as a beneficial place but is later exposed as authoritarian and resistant to outside interference. Zac collaborates with Hannah Wilson to rescue the twins from the cult, encountering considerable obstacles due to Ethan’s dominance. Following Murray’s arrest for assaulting Spencer Harrington, Ethan takes over leadership of the cult and intensifies tensions by abducting Oscar, Evelyn, and Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway) during a music festival. The captives are held inside a shipping container until an explosion severely injures Ethan. Despite Hannah’s efforts to save him, Ethan suffers cardiac arrest and passes away on 27 January 2014.

Evelyn MacGuire

Evelyn "Evie" MacGuire, played by Philippa Northeast, first appeared on 3 September 2013. She is the niece of established character Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) and twin sister to Oscar MacGuire (Jake Speer). The twins were introduced when Zac visits them after discovering their father, Ethan (Matt Minto), had involved them in a cult. Evelyn embraced life within the camp, contrasting with her brother’s unease. Northeast described Evelyn as someone who deeply values family, influenced by early loss and her father’s difficulties, sharing a strong connection with Oscar. She portrayed Evelyn as kind-hearted yet assertive, especially when her opinions are ignored.

Oscar MacGuire

Oscar MacGuire, interpreted by Jake Speer, also debuted on 3 September 2013. Speer secured the role after auditioning in early 2013 and expressed excitement about joining the cast. Oscar is Zac’s nephew and Evelyn’s twin brother. Alongside their father Ethan, the twins were central figures in a cult-related storyline. Oscar struggled with his father’s decision to place them in the cult environment, striving to preserve his sense of self and endure the situation.

Nate Cooper

Nathaniel "Nate" Cooper, brought to life by Kyle Pryor, first appeared on 26 September 2013. Pryor originally auditioned for a different part but impressed producers enough to be cast as Nate instead. He began filming several months prior to his casting announcement and kept his involvement confidential during that period. Nate is a medical doctor who joins Northern Districts Hospital with ambitions to progress toward specialization and further career advancement.

Jade Montgomery

Jade Montgomery, portrayed by Tasma Walton, made her first appearance on 16 October 2013. Walton’s casting was revealed on 27 July 2013; she had previously appeared in Home and Away as Rachel Watson back in 1995. Walton accepted this role as it coincided with a film premiere at the Sydney Film Festival. Jade's storyline lasted for several months, concluding in early 2014.

Montgomery serves as headmistress of Mangrove River High School. After an arson attack devastates her school, she arrives in Summer Bay to negotiate a merger with Summer Bay High. Displeased that Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley) remains head during this process, Montgomery questions Bianca’s leadership abilities and openly criticizes Bianca's husband, Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing), who attended Mangrove River herself. She also displays bias against Mangrove River students such as Matt Page (Alec Snow), prompting Bianca to take disciplinary action against her.

In retaliation, Montgomery defaces Bianca’s office and falsely accuses Matt of causing the damage. Growing suspicions among staff members including Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) lead to an investigation that results in Montgomery’s suspension. Seeking vengeance, she plants an explosive device inside Bianca's laptop bag; the resulting blast at Northern Districts Hospital claims the life of Ethan Macguire (Matt Minto). Upon realizing the gravity of her actions, Montgomery panics while Heath uncovers her culpability, leading to her arrest.

Matt Page

Matthew "Matt" Page, brought to life by Alec Snow, made his first appearance on 21 October 2013. Snow secured the role following an audition earlier that year and initially signed a short-term contract of three months, which was later extended to three years. He characterized Matt as a "troubled youth" struggling to find his identity and frequently provoking others in the Bay.

Phoebe Nicholson

Phoebe Nicholson, depicted by Isabella Giovinazzo, was introduced on 26 November 2013. After relocating to Sydney mid-2013, Giovinazzo landed her debut acting position portraying this role. Phoebe is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter who arrives in Summer Bay upon learning that her former partner Kyle Braxton is organizing a music festival. She is portrayed as intelligent, attractive, lively, and somewhat eccentric.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
5 February	Gavin Wheeler	Ande Cunningham	Gavin, a social worker, visits Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott concerning their custody bid for Heath’s daughter Darcy Callahan. He questions Heath regarding his criminal background and reports his findings to superiors. (Credited as Gavin MacIntosh but referred to as Gavin Wheeler.)
8 February–29 July 2014	Connie Callahan	Celia Ireland	Connie, grandmother to Darcy, obtains full custody after contacting the Department of Community Services. Initially restricting Darcy’s contact with Heath, she later permits Darcy to reside with Heath and Bianca in the city.
12 February	Eugene Broad	Sonny Vrobao	Eugene is a drug dealer attempting a transaction with Darryl Braxton. A gunman interrupts the deal, leading to a violent confrontation involving Heath Braxton and Adam Sharpe before Eugene flees.
13–15 February	Nelson Gregory	Anthony Gee	Nelson, Tamara Kingsley’s ex-boyfriend, arrives intending to take her away. Kyle Braxton intervenes resulting in Nelson’s arrest for involvement in her brother’s death.
13–21 February	Dr Padley	Nicholas Brown	Dr Padley provides counseling to Sid Walker during what appears to be a breakdown; Sid subsequently discharges himself.
15 February–6 October 2014	Nina Bailey	Emmy Dougall	Nina dates Jett James; their relationship faces obstacles due to boarding school attendance and parental interference. They run away but are convinced to return. Nina later accompanies Jett as his date at John and Marilyn’s wedding.
15 February–15 March	Tilda Hogan	Gigi Perry	Tilda bullies Jett James at school but stops after he stands up for himself with friends’ support.
15 February	Olivia Fraser	Tiahn Green	Olivia attends the Summer Bay disco where Jett James struggles to recall her name; she joins a dance group with Jett.
18–19 February, 16 April 2015 – 31 May 2016	Tanya Osborne	Kathryn Hartman	Tanya, mother of Maddy Osborne, encourages her daughter’s return home. Upon learning of Maddy’s cancer diagnosis, Tanya supports her through treatment and rehabilitation before driving her to the city.
22–25 February	Sheldon Atkinson	Laurence Coy	Sheldon becomes involved in Celia Stewart’s gambling problems; despite plans to seek assistance together, Sheldon departs Summer Bay alone after a financial disagreement.
28 February–1 March	Ian Harrington	Matt Dale	Ian reveals himself as Spencer Harrington’s father and seeks custody. Spencer declines but later assists Ian following an accident.
13 March	'Weight Lifter'	'Paul Davies'	'Gym patrons receiving training from Heath Braxton on his initial day working there.'
	'Treadmill Guy'	'Rob Harys'
14 March	'Aron Dawkin'	'Nicholas Cooper'	'University lecturer addressing students including Dexter Walker on the importance of class preparation.'
14 March	'Maureen Hogan'	'Melanie De Ferranti'	'Maureen defends her daughter Tilda against bullying claims at school, blaming Jett James instead.'
21 March	'Brett Smith'	'Oliver Edwin'	'University peer of April Scott who misinterprets a study invitation as a date and quickly leaves upon Dexter Walker's arrival.'
21 March	'Robin Sutton'	'Phillipe Klaus'	'Counselor assisting Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott during custody negotiations; initial resistance gives way to cooperation.'
25 March–25 April	'Steph Green'	'Zara Michales'	'Nurse Steph forms a relationship with Dexter Walker complicated by falsified patient records leading to her dismissal and subsequent retaliation.'
25 March	'Jake Twomey'	'Laurence Brewer'	'University lecturer who impresses April Scott with his views on doctor-patient communication and shares lunch with her.'
25 March	'Mr Andrews'	'Colin Huxley'	'Hospital patient whose condition prompts Dexter Walker to call nurse Steph Green.'
26 March–25 April	'Alexander Mullens'	'Louis McIntosh'	'Mullens befriends Rosie Prichard before sexually assaulting her and others; police investigate with limited initial evidence.'
26 March–9 May	'Lachlan Stone'	'Michael Windeyer'	'Associate of Mullens who ultimately provides evidence against him regarding sexual assaults.'
4 April–24 September	'Constable Taylor'	'Amy Scott-Smith'	'Police officer managing statements related to Mullens’ assaults and ensuing legal proceedings.'
24 April	'Priest'	'Bruce Glen'	'Officiates Gina Palmer’s funeral service.'
25 April	'Mr Thompson'	'Trevor Michel'	'Diabetic patient under nurse Steph Green’s care; highlights issues related to falsified medical records.'
30 April–1 May	'Bella Lugarno'	'Hayley Mitchelhill-Miller'	'Friend of Rosie Prichard who also reports sexual assault by Mullens.'
8 May	'Caleb Van Huessen'	'Miles Jovanoski'	'Courier involved in a covert gun exchange monitored by Ricky Sharpe.'
27 May–17 July	'Holly Chapman'	'Sacha Vivian-Riding'	"Jealous of Zac MacGuire's attention towards Rosie Prichard, Holly bullies Rosie and falsely accuses Zac of harassment causing significant drama."
30 May–3 June	"Henchman 1"	"James Willing"	"One of Adam Sharpe's henchmen engaged in surveillance and kidnapping activities."
	"Henchman 2"	"Mark Norton"
3 June	"Joey Beresford"	"Cain Thompson"	"Associate of Adam Sharpe guarding Tamara Kingsley and Ricky Sharpe; dismissed after Ricky rebuffs his advances."
4 June	"Henchman 3"	"Dusan Durdevic"	"Adam Sharpe's henchman involved in capturing Ricky Sharpe during hostage situation."
4 June	"Mr Silver"	"Robin Queree"	"Hospital patient treated by Sid Walker and April Scott highlighting patient care."
7 June	"Kerry Doyle"	"Clodagh Crowe"	"Foster carer distressed by Rosie Prichard's pregnancy resulting from sexual assault; supports Rosie during hospital visits."
17 June	"Nurse 1"	"Isabel Goudie"	"Northern District Hospital nurse assisting with treatment of Darryl Braxton's gunshot wound."
25 June	"Andrea Marlowe"	"Ellen Bailey"	"Journalist covering protests aimed at reinstating Bianca Scott as principal; adjusts viewpoint following community feedback."
25 June	"Photographer"	"Andy Trieu"	"Works alongside journalist Andrea Marlowe covering the protest."
8 July–29 August	"Nurse Liz"	"Kelly Robinson"	"Hospital nurse providing care for patients including April Scott and Maddy Osborne."
9 July	"Intern"	"Irmgard Wessels"	"Hospital staff member assisting with treatment of April Scott's allergic reaction."
10–11 July	"Joanne Kingsley"	"Pippa Grandison"	"Tamara Kingsley's parents visit Summer Bay seeking reconciliation; Tamara opts to confront issues locally."
	"Patrick Kingsley"	"Jason Montgomery"
18–22 July	"Jerri Landale"	"Fely Irvine"	"Process server delivering subpoenas to Darryl Braxton and Casey Braxton."
23 July	"Peyton Tedd"	"Paige Houden"	"Resident at caravan park who flirts with Casey Braxton leading to private encounter."
25 July	"Franco Chilvers"	"Drayton Morley"	"Bianca Scott's supervisor at principal's event; mistakenly assumes Zac MacGuire is Bianca's fiancé."
30 July–9 October	"David Morrell"	"Charlton Hill"	"Lawyer representing Ricky Sharpe and later Darryl Braxton during sentencing hearings."
1 August–26 September	"Peta Bradley"	"Nadia Townsend"	"Physician at Northern Districts Hospital treating Casey Braxton and mentoring medical student April Scott."
12 August	"Hotel Maitre d'"	"Nick Mitchell"	Refuses reservation for Kyle Braxton's party at Melbourne restaurant."
13 August–20 March 2014	Jess Lockwood	Georgia Chara	Melbourne barmaid who has one-night stand with Heath Braxton; later reveals pregnancy and terminal illness before passing away.		-	"13 August Paris Wells ""Paris Wells"}} "Herself"	Performs at Melbourne nightclub visited by Kyle Braxton and brothers.		-	"10 September–29 October Murray Granger ""Murray Granger"}} Christopher Stollery|| Leader of Sanctuary Lodge cult; conflicts arise when members attempt escape; arrested after incriminating evidence surfaces.		-	"16 September Physio 1 ""Physio 1"}} Brett Clancy|| Northern District Hospital physiotherapist treating Casey Braxton.		-	"17 September Physio 2 ""Physio 2"}} Bronwyn Chilvers|| Northern District Hospital physiotherapist assisting Casey Braxton.		-	"19 September–17 October Robyn Sullivan ""Robyn Sullivan"}} Alexandra Park|| Romantically pursues Chris Harrington; has one-night stand with Kyle Braxton.		-	"30 September–9 October Debbie Barrett ""Debbie Barrett"}} Olivia Pigeot|| Mother of Andy and Josh Barrett; involved in protecting Andy from police; arrested following shooting incident injuring Josh.		-	"2 October Johnny Barrett ""Johnny Barrett"}} Stephen Anderton|| Father of Josh Barrett and stepfather of Andy Barrett; killed during altercation involving Darryl Braxton.		-	"14 October Freya Lund ""Freya Lund"}} Ellie Gall|| Cult member under Murray Granger; warns Evelyn MacGuire about discovery weekends.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
• Spencer Harrington profile on the Official Australian Home and Away website