List of Home and Away characters introduced in 2024
Valerie Beaumont
Valerie Beaumont, played by Courtney Clarke, made her first appearance on 29 January 2024. Announced on 15 January 2024, Clarke's involvement was a brief guest role closely connected to Leah Patterson's narrative. Valerie is presented as Leah's closest friend and former roommate from a mental health facility, offering support as Leah adjusts back to life in Summer Bay. Clarke emphasized Valerie's "traumatic" and intriguing history, which she thoroughly researched, and pointed out Valerie’s distinctive "dark" persona, showcased through her red hair and bold fashion choices.
The core of Valerie’s character revolves around her bond with Leah, with Clarke highlighting Valerie’s compassionate demeanor despite stirring "a few unexpected ripples" within the community. Additionally, Valerie enters into a romantic relationship with Theo Poulos, which ultimately contributes to his descent into drug addiction influenced by her. The plot concludes with Valerie departing Summer Bay following a police drug possession charge after her stash is discovered in Theo’s vehicle.
Stevie Marlow
Stevie Marlow, portrayed by Catherine Văn-Davies, was introduced on 29 February 2024 as a film actress alongside series regular Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright), who becomes her bodyguard after losing his position in law enforcement. Stevie also becomes romantically involved with Remi Carter (Adam Rowland). Văn-Davies described the dynamic between Stevie and Cash as "an ideal odd couple," while noting Remi represented a "better match," allowing Stevie to express herself beyond the controlled image shaped by her stalker.
Stevie’s storyline features a complex "love square" when Remi's former partner, Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin), begins dating Stevie’s director and ex-boyfriend, Nelson Giles (Mahesh Jadu). In a promotional crossover with Sunrise, host Matt Shirvington interviewed Stevie about her film All Our Tomorrows, marking a positive step forward in her career despite ongoing stalking issues. Văn-Davies remarked this moment signified progress towards the safety and freedom Stevie desires, though her self-assurance remains delicate.
Her narrative arc ends on 28 May 2024 when she is tragically shot by her stalker Sidney Wickham (Joshua McElroy). This dramatic development was reportedly part of a series of intense storylines involving Cash. Critics highlighted Stevie’s strong presence and notable influence on Remi and Nelson, speculating whether she intended to dominate their attention.
From a business perspective, Stevie hires Cash for security following the murder of her former co-star by the same stalker targeting her. Despite initial disagreements, Cash accepts the role and invites Stevie to live with him for protection. While shooting in Summer Bay, she dates Remi but later dismisses Cash, feeling secure enough to attend promotional appearances independently. However, Sidney attacks during one such event; Cash intervenes and Sidney is apprehended for stalking. Stevie relocates her film production to Summer Bay where Nelson dates Bree. After Sidney's release from custody, he shoots Stevie on set; despite urgent medical care from Bree and Levi Fowler (Tristan Gorey), she succumbs to her injuries.
Rory Templeton
Rory Templeton, portrayed by Joshua Orpin, made his debut on 27 June 2024. Orpin's casting was revealed in March 2024, with additional character information confirmed by June. Having gained experience working internationally, Orpin viewed this role as an ideal chance to re-engage with Australian television and adapt to its fast-paced production style, which he felt enhanced his craft. Introduced as a fresh "bad boy" figure and new member of the River Boys surf gang, Rory arrives in Summer Bay causing disruption while gradually unveiling complex dimensions. He supports Mali Hudson amid gang tensions and develops a romantic connection with Felicity Newman. Rory's storyline concludes dramatically when he is arrested for the murder of a police officer on 31 July 2024, marking Orpin’s departure from the show.
Perri Hayes
Perri Hayes, brought to life by Cantona Stewart, first appeared on 10 July 2024. Stewart’s casting was announced concurrently in July, introducing Perri as a "troubled adolescent" who joins Tane Parata’s youth program designed to assist at-risk young people. Characterized as a "street-smart yet vulnerable and self-assured kid," Perri’s narrative delves into issues of cultural identity and mentorship, reflecting Stewart’s own Māori background and experiences growing up distanced from traditional culture. Tane serves as a mentor figure for Perri, who maintains cultural connections through her mother but lacks direct cultural immersion.
Abigail Fowler
Abigail "Abby" Fowler, played by Hailey Pinto, arrived on-screen on 8 August 2024 as the fourth addition to the Fowler family introduced since 2022. Pinto secured this role early in 2024 shortly after signing with an acting agency; it represents her first significant acting opportunity. Abigail makes her entrance during the engagement celebration of her sister Eden and Cash Newman, bringing considerable drama with her lively yet troubled demeanor. Pinto conducted thorough research to authentically embody Abigail, whose personal challenges become apparent to those around her. For this portrayal, Pinto earned a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2025.
Claudia Salini
Claudia Salini, portrayed by Rachael Carpani, first appeared on 29 August 2024. Carpani was attracted to this role due to the involvement of script executive Louise Bowes, renowned for her work on McLeod's Daughters, a series in which Carpani previously starred. Claudia is introduced as a pragmatic businesswoman who becomes involved with the Morgan family following a car accident linked to faulty brakes allegedly connected to Justin Morgan and Theo Poulos. Motivated by her injury and frustration rather than personal vendetta, Claudia intends to pursue legal action against Justin for negligence.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leader of the SES coordinating efforts to locate Eden Fowler at Crystal Gorge; oversees teams and analyzes evidence during the search. | |||
| Nurse responsible for managing Remi Carter’s recovery process and extubation; facilitates his transfer from intensive care per medical directives. | |||
| Social media influencer performing court-ordered community service; initially struggles with compliance but gradually earns respect through dedication. | |||
| Spouse of Levi Fowler; interacts with Eden Fowler discussing family arrangements prior to Eden’s return to Summer Bay. | |||
| Infant discovered by Tane Parata; temporarily placed in foster care before mother Sonia Rickard regains custody; storyline involves family reunification. | |||
| Mother of Poppy Rickard who reclaims her daughter after initial abandonment and hospital custody complications. | |||
| Police constable engaged in investigations including hospital searches and arrests related to local disputes. | |||
| Senior police officer managing inquiries into Poppy Rickard’s case; handles media relations and leads key investigations. | |||
| Film director collaborating with Stevie Marlow; develops a relationship with Bree Cameron; leaves following Stevie’s death, inviting Bree to join him overseas. | |||
| Stalker responsible for threatening Stevie Marlow and ultimately shooting him; apprehended after violent incidents in Summer Bay. | |||
| 5 June–2 July | Brother of Mali Hudson involved in theft from the Allen family resulting in a violent hostage situation; hospitalized after assault; later exits Summer Bay. | ||
| 10 June–9 July | Fraudulent patient who deceives Irene Roberts and associates; orchestrates kidnapping to silence accusers; arrested exposing local vulnerabilities. | ||
| 20–27 June | rowspan="3" | Claire Lovering | Participates in retaliation against Iluka Hudson’s theft; involved in home invasion leading to violent clashes and arrests involving Mali Hudson and the Allens gang. |