Louise Scott

Josh Webb

Josh Webb, brought to life by Erik Mitsak, made his first appearance on 7 February 1991 as the notorious "villain-in-residence" on Home and Away. Known as a "jailbird" out on bail, Josh faces ongoing challenges in turning his life around but continues to engage in criminal activities such as car theft and various illicit schemes. His street-smart attitude and quick wit enable him to repeatedly slip away from legal consequences. Despite his unlawful behavior, his innocent appearance often helps him avoid detection.

Josh frequently deceives and manipulates his mother, Gerry (portrayed by Julie Godfrey), maintaining her confidence while bending the truth to serve his own interests. He is the elder sibling of Rachel Webb (played by Beth Champion) and forms a friendship with her boyfriend Blake Dean (Les Hill). His antagonistic tendencies lead him to attack Blake and falsely accuse Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) of theft; however, Josh’s deceit is uncovered, resulting in his imprisonment.

Upon release, Josh pretends to have reformed and invites Blake and Adam on a camping trip, concealing a deadly intention to kill them. His plan is thwarted, leading to his rearrest and return to jail. Erik Mitsak departed the series in early 1992 with an off-screen exit that left his fate unresolved.

Cynthia Ross

Cynthia Ross, portrayed by Belinda Giblin, was introduced on 11 February 1991. Her casting and character background were revealed in the 29 December 1990 edition of TV Week. Cynthia arrives in Summer Bay as the mother of Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill) and the former spouse of Michael Ross (Dennis Coard). Her presence disrupts Michael’s relationship with Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrence). Haydn attempts to reconcile his parents, but when this fails, he runs away. After being located, Cynthia takes him back to the city for several weeks. Cynthia’s last appearance occurred on 6 March 1991.

Nick Parrish

Nick Parrish, played by Bruce Roberts, first appeared on 4 March 1991. Roberts secured the role just one day after completing drama school. He exited the show in 1994 to relocate to the United Kingdom with his partner, Suzanne Dando. Remarkably, Roberts received a fan letter from the UK addressed directly to his character, demonstrating his international appeal.

Sam Marshall

Sam Marshall, enacted by Ryan Clark, debuted on 3 April 1991. Clark was seven years old at casting and balanced filming three days per week with school attendance, supported by an on-set tutor. He left the series in 2000 to explore other career opportunities but returned briefly in 2005 for the milestone 4000th episode celebration. Glenn Wheeler from The Morning Show recognized Sam as part of one of Australian television’s most cherished families over ten years. The character gained particular popularity among teenage girls, with MSN describing Clark as one of Australia’s '90s teen idols.

Julie Gibson

Julie Gibson, portrayed by Naomi Watts, made her debut on 23 April 1991. Her casting was featured in TV Week, which highlighted her character’s status as a paraplegic. In preparation for the role, Watts practiced using a wheelchair before filming began, calling it a revealing experience.

Julie’s storyline revolves around her romantic involvement with Nick Parrish (Bruce Roberts), which faces opposition from her brother Revhead (Gavin Harrison) due to Nick’s occupation as a police officer. Despite Revhead’s interference, Julie and Nick end their relationship amicably but remain friends. Following their father Alec’s fatal heart attack and Nick’s breakup, Julie chooses to leave Summer Bay for university in the city, asserting her independence despite Revhead’s concerns.

Lucinda Croft

Lucinda "Lou" Croft, brought to life by Dee Smart, made her first appearance on 13 June 1991 and exited the show in 1992. Having studied drama in Sydney for three years, Smart landed this role as her acting debut and initially committed to a two-year contract, though she left after eight months. Mary Fletcher from Inside Soap praised Smart for turning Lucinda into one of Home and Away's standout characters.

David Croft

David Croft, portrayed by Guy Pearce, debuted on 19 July 1991 and concluded his role on 21 August 1991. Pearce began filming in May 1991; his character was introduced as Donald Fisher’s nephew and Lucinda Croft’s brother, with a storyline spanning six weeks.

David arrives in Summer Bay aiming to mend his fractured relationship with his sister Lucinda, following a family rift over a failed investment that led to their parents losing their home. Donald Fisher acts as a mediator during their reconciliation. David then embarks on a romance with Sophie Simpson (Rebekah Elmaloglou), despite resistance from her foster parents due to their age gap. After a brief separation, they plan to reunite, but David tragically dies instantly in a car accident caused by Karen Dean (Belinda Jarrett).

Following David’s death, Sophie discovers she is pregnant with his child and later gives birth to their daughter Tamara. She relocates to Perth to be near David’s mother Mary and names another child born in 2003 after him.

Barbara Toner of the Sydney Morning Herald criticized David’s storyline as lacking engagement despite Pearce’s film credentials. Nevertheless, Channel 5 listed the episode featuring David’s fatal crash among their favorite moments from Home and Away.

Ryan Lee

Ryan Lee, enacted by Alistair MacDougall, appeared from 22 August 1991 until 27 November 1992. After his departure, MacDougall revealed to Josephine Monroe of Inside Soap he would consider returning for a guest role if Ryan were written as an antagonist. He also stated, "If the scripts had been stronger, I might have stayed longer." An Inside Soap journalist described Ryan as a "wealthy troublemaker".

Finlay Roberts

Finlay Roberts, portrayed by Tina Thomsen, was introduced on 18 September 1991 and remained until 1994, with guest appearances in both 1996 and 1997. Thomsen relocated from Brisbane to Sydney during her teenage years specifically to take on this role. In an interview with Jenna Price of the Sydney Morning Herald, Thomsen reflected on her parents’ support: "They never pushed me — it was always me pushing myself... my parents just backed me up."

Greg Marshall

Greg Marshall, brought to life by Ross Newton, made his first appearance on 20 September 1991, remained until 1993, and returned briefly in 2000. Newton shared with Glenn Wheeler on The Morning Show that joining Home and Away was "a wonderful opportunity" during the show's early years. Wheeler referred to Greg as a member of one of Australian television's "much loved families".

Simon Fitzgerald

Simon Fitzgerald, portrayed by Richard Norton, debuted on 25 September 1991 and exited on 24 July 1992. Norton joined Home and Away following a year-long tenure on rival soap Neighbours. Brendon Williams from the Daily Mirror described Norton as "a big hit" in his role as Simon.

Irene Roberts

Irene Roberts first appeared on 29 October, initially portrayed by Jacqui Phillips before Lynne McGranger took over the role. McGranger earned a nomination for "Funniest Performance" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. The Sydney Morning Herald identifies Irene as one of the show's three enduring "legacy characters," alongside Alf and Colleen. Holy Soap cites her most memorable plotline as "Being attacked by the mad ex-wife of her former lover Ken."

Damian Roberts

Damian Roberts, played by Matt Doran, made his debut on 6 November 1991. Doran became a series regular in 1992 and continued until 1995, with guest appearances extending into 1996. Ben Hamilton portrayed a younger Damian in flashbacks aired in 1997. During one return, Damian adopted dreadlocks, signaling a departure from his previously clean-cut look. Doran gained considerable popularity through this role, amassing a loyal fan following. Critics often noted Damian’s lack of prominent romantic story arcs and frequently regarded him as an underdog.

Others

23 July–16 August | Peter Mansell, portrayed by Troy O'Hearn, is Sally Fletcher’s classmate and romantic interest. Their interactions include a birthday party kiss and competing affections with Diane Robertson. A dinner date ends poorly due to Peter's behavior. | 30 July–21 August | Constable Rogers, played by Dominic Purcell, assists Nick Parrish in law enforcement actions including apprehending Revhead and responding to a fatal car accident involving Karen Dean. | 2 August–2 October | Martin Bradley, portrayed by John Bonney, serves as principal at Summer Bay High, appointing Lois Crawford as Head Teacher. He manages staff disputes that lead to Lois’s resignation. | 9 August–2 October | Lois Crawford, played by Tina Bursill, acts as Head Teacher at Summer Bay High. Her strict approach causes friction among staff and students, culminating in her departure amid false accusations. | 11–12 September | Isabelle Britton, portrayed by Collette Roberts, is a police officer who briefly dates Nick Parrish to incite jealousy in Lucinda Croft but does not pursue a longer relationship. | 3–9 October | Sharyn McKinley, played by Liza Witt, and Annette Hodges, portrayed by Kylle Hogart, are Year 11 students whom Blake Dean and Simon Fitzgerald unsuccessfully attempt to woo. | 6–28 November | Bill Fitzgerald, portrayed by Terry Bader, is Simon Fitzgerald's father involved in business dealings with Alf and Ailsa Stewart. After fraudulent activities are exposed, he is imprisoned but later seeks reconciliation with Simon. | 14 November | The Gardiner family—Ian (Andrew S. Gilbert), Elaine (Lisabeth Kennely), and Susie (Lauren Snell)—are introduced amid domestic issues addressed by Constable Nick Parrish. Ian assaults Donald Fisher during intervention efforts. | 19 November–19 June 1992 | Ruth Winston, portrayed by Anna Phillips, is a local doctor attending Sophie Simpson through pregnancy complications resulting in the birth of her daughter Tamara. |

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
15–16 January	Jack Cody	Colin Taylor	Interested buyer of the Beach House who withdraws after uncovering maintenance issues and previous scams by Ernie Jacobs.
15–16 January	Helen Cody	Jan Adele	Jack Cody’s wife involved in negotiations concerning the Beach House sale.
16 January	Peter	Scott Kelly	Pippa Fletcher’s friend who considers purchasing a gypsy caravan but declines after inspection.
21 January	Jake Wood	Frankie Davidson	Neighbor keen on acquiring an old gypsy caravan; trade discussions lead to an unexpected exchange.
22 January	Postmaster Bagley	Ron Gaist	Distributes Higher School Certificate results confirming passes for Steven Matheson and Marilyn Chambers.
30 January–7 April 1993	Louise Scott	Elaine Hudson	Foster care department official assisting with cases including Sam Nicholls and Tracey Turner; aids Angel Brooks in securing accommodation.
4 February–28 March	Tony Clark	Rob Hunter	Real estate agent handling the sale of Stewart's store.
6 February–17 April	Rachel Webb	Beth Champion	Dates Blake Dean; relationship complicated by her brother Josh’s criminal behavior; leaves Summer Bay following misunderstandings.
8–27 February	Roy Jackson	Fredric Abbott	Local farmer leasing land to Ben and Carly Lucini.
8–14 February	Betty Jackson	Marie Armstrong	Roy Jackson’s wife encouraging Carly Lucini to manage their farm.
8 March–8 April	Gerry Webb	Julie Godfrey	Mother of Josh and Rachel Webb; disapproves of Rachel's relationship with Blake Dean; moves away after Josh is arrested.
19 March–3 May	Mark Smith	Greg Hatton	Summer Bay High swim team member briefly involved with Karen Dean.
27 March–13 May	Rodney White	Lester Morris	Principal of Yabbie Creek High engaged in rivalry with Donald Fisher; attends teacher conference featuring a notable prank.
27 March	Val White	May Howlett	Wife of Rodney White, frustrated during bridge game due to husband's distraction.
11 April–18 July	Jackie Nicholls	Erica Williams	Mother struggling to care for her son Sam Nicholls, leading to his foster placement with Bobby Simpson.
18 April	Vet	Michael Beckley	Veterinarian consulting Ben and Carly Lucini about poultry health issues.
22 April	Smart Alec no.1	Adam Garcia	Swim team member who taunts diver Haydn Ross.
30 April	Celebrant	Carmel Mullin	Officiates Michael Ross and Pippa Fletcher’s wedding at Summer Bay House.
30 April–1 May	Military Police	Leo Taylor, Timothy Sullivan	Officers who arrive during Michael and Pippa's wedding reception to arrest Ben Lucini for AWOL; charges are subsequently dropped.
8–21 May	Alec Gibson	David Baldwyn	Father of Revhead and Julie Gibson who dies from a heart attack after approving Julie’s friendship with Nick Parrish.
10–24 May	Jean Chambers	Maggie Kirkpatrick	Marilyn Chambers’ aunt whose arrival causes tension; reveals Marilyn’s biological parents’ location before departing.
22 May–21 June	Kenny Gibbs	David Field	Janitor at Summer Bay High who sells his old car to Blake Dean and Haydn Ross.
20 June–3 July	Max Riley	Bruce Venables	Mistaken by Marilyn Chambers as her biological father; leaves after her real parents arrive with proof.
20 June–3 July	Heather Riley	Lynne Porteous	Partner of Max Riley involved in Marilyn’s mistaken parentage storyline.
5 June–11 July	Margaret Lynch	Gennie Nevinson	Year 11 personal development teacher at Summer Bay High fixated on Sophie Simpson; departs amid unresolved conflicts.
5 June	Mrs Clifton	Marianne Krogdahl	Mistaken by Marilyn Chambers as her mother during biological parent search; clarifies no relation exists.
5 June	Stanley Clifton	Brett Caroll	Son of Mrs Clifton, also mistakenly identified as Marilyn’s sibling during her search for family.
7 June–10 July	Tracey Turner	Tania Martin	Foster child of Pippa Ross and Michael Ross whose conflicts with Sophie Simpson escalate leading to transfer to another home.
2–3 July	George Davidson	Doug Scroope	Marilyn Chambers’ biological father, a traveling performer exploiting her before being confronted and asked to leave.
2–3 July	Heather Davidson	Lynne Rainbow	Partner of George Davidson and Marilyn’s biological mother involved in exploitation storyline.
23 July–14 August	Diane Robertson	Hanna McLeod	Classmate competing for Peter Mansell’s attention; participates in Nippers and racing events creating rivalry with Sally Fletcher.

External links

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