Luc Ashford
Riley Hawkins | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Surgeon |
| Years active | 2017 |
| Known for | Character on Home and Away |
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, portrayed by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. Interestingly, O'Kane's roommate Rob Mills also tried out for this character. Riley is introduced as a surgeon at Northern Districts Hospital and the former partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). He reconnects with Tori after seven years when he performs surgery on Justin Morgan (James Stewart). Riley's reappearance stirs friction with fellow doctor Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who harbors jealousy over their shared past.
On his initial day, Riley operates on Justin and learns about Tori’s family being placed under witness protection. He shows a desire to revive his relationship with Tori, apologizing for previous betrayals. Although he flirts with others, Riley remains focused on Tori, inviting her to relocate to the city with him; she refuses, choosing to stay with her family. Later, Riley attempts to have Nate dismissed by fabricating medical records, which leads to Tori ending their relationship upon discovering the deception. Following a confrontation involving Justin, Riley resigns from his position and departs from town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, played by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. At the time, Nolan was based in Los Angeles but traveled to Sydney for an audition that resulted in a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as "somewhat enigmatic" with a sorrowful history, which motivated her decision to relocate for the role.
Within the storyline, Scarlett becomes involved with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who struggles with drug addiction. After an initial carjacking event, Scarlett supports Brody in reconnecting with his family and offers him shelter. She disapproves of Justin Morgan’s (James Stewart) methods regarding Brody’s rehabilitation and later takes a job at Alf Stewart’s bait shop after losing her home due to Brody’s relapse and theft.
Scarlett’s estranged spouse hires a private detective to locate her, demanding $8,000 to keep her whereabouts confidential. With assistance from Alf and Brody’s family, she manages to pay the amount. Scarlett forms a close bond with Justin’s daughter and reveals she had a son named Max who passed away a year earlier—this tragedy profoundly impacts her relationships.
Her connection with Justin develops despite obstacles, including a near-drowning episode that triggers memories of Max’s death. Scarlett supports Brody legally during his court proceedings, balancing roles as both bait shop assistant and legal advocate. The arrival of Caleb Snow (Josh McConville), her husband, further complicates matters as he brings reminders of Max and seeks reconciliation.
Following an explosion at a bush cabin that injures Scarlett and heightens tensions between Justin and Caleb, Scarlett realizes that continuing her relationship with Justin is unrealistic. Ultimately, she opts to leave the Bay alongside Caleb, concluding her storyline by choosing family reunion over new romantic involvement.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, portrayed by Sophie Dillman, was introduced on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben (Rohan Nichol) and Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi). The Astoni family marked the first complete nuclear family introduced in the soap since the Sutherlands in 2000. Ziggy is depicted as a "rebellious teenager" and "wild child," positioned as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, made his debut on 20 June 2017. To be nearer to the filming site at Palm Beach, Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly. Ben arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy. The Astoni family’s introduction was a deliberate effort to rejuvenate the show’s central cast by reintroducing a traditional family unit after almost twenty years. Nichol characterized Ben as devoted and profoundly affectionate toward his wife, representing a warm and relatable figure.
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was announced early in 2017, with further character information revealed in June. She commented on adapting to the rapid filming pace of the series compared to her previous film work. Maggie relocates to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astonis represent the first nuclear family introduced in 17 years, following the Sutherlands’ arrival in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, portrayed by Anna Cocquerel, entered the series on 21 June 2017 as the youngest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The arrival of the Astonis marked the return of a traditional family unit after a 17-year gap. Coco was identified as a potential romantic interest for VJ Patterson.
In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming schedule to focus on completing Year 12, balancing academic responsibilities with her acting role.
Coco’s narrative involves suspension due to cyberbullying, prompting her family’s move to Summer Bay. There, she forms a friendship with Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) and attracts attention from VJ Patterson, who asks her out after Raffy pretends Coco is tutoring her. At Summer Bay High, Coco encounters bullying and struggles with binge eating and bulimia, resulting in hospitalization and eventual openness with loved ones about her condition.
She supports her mother Maggie through a cancer diagnosis and navigates a complicated romantic life involving Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) among others. Coco serves as maid of honour at sister Ziggy’s wedding and later opts to attend boarding school in Cairns despite initial opposition from Maggie.
Several months later, Coco returns for Raffy’s birthday celebration, confronts Brody Morgan over infidelity, reconciles with friends, discusses her relationship with Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor), before returning to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), played by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. Prior to his debut, Ryan lost 13 kg aiming to fill the "heart-throb" vacancy left by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a "bad boy" handyman, an AFP Federal Agent, and gym proprietor. The character was written out during the opening episodes of season 33 in January 2020. Ryan stated his departure was due to feeling his "time had come," appreciating the compelling story arcs he experienced.
Initially found amnesiac under the name John Doe, Robbo was discovered hiding on a boat and subsequently hospitalized for post-traumatic amnesia treatment. Nurses dubbed him "Robbo," and he took up maintenance work at Alf Stewart’s Caravan Park. Despite memory loss, his skills hinted at a law enforcement background. He developed a romantic connection with Constable Kat Chapman.
As Robbo sought to uncover his past, clues led him to a woman named Rose; discovering her body caused him to temporarily halt his search. His history caught up when Dennis Novak, an ex-criminal associate, targeted both Robbo and Kat. After killing Novak in self-defense, Robbo became a prime suspect but was eventually exonerated.
During his trial, Australian Federal Police unexpectedly revealed Robbo’s true identity: Ryan Shaw, an AFP officer who lost memory while undercover investigating his family’s murderers. His identity had been erased from records for operational security. Returning to Summer Bay with AFP backing, Robbo chose not to rejoin the force and instead acquired the local gym.
Robbo formed a relationship with Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost), which evolved from friendship into romance. He consented to father a child through IVF with Tori Morgan; following Tori’s miscarriage, he proposed to Jasmine. Conflict arose when Jasmine discovered Tori had secretly used an embryo to conceive again. Robbo ended his engagement and briefly left Summer Bay but returned for Tori’s ultrasound appointment. The couple reconciled and married but were soon relocated by the AFP for safety reasons.
Robbo underwent hypnotherapy aimed at recovering memories linked to Dylan Carter’s case. Despite successful surgery after a car accident, he suffered a fatal hemorrhage and died; later appearing in Jasmine’s dream.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Cast in June 2017, Santariga was spotted filming scenes with Matt Little and Anna Cocquerel at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Introduced as a high school student who bullies Cocquerel’s character, Coco Astoni, Jennifer later evolves into a romantic interest for Hunter King (Scott Lee), drawing considerable attention within Summer Bay High.
Jennifer's narrative centers on her antagonism toward Coco, including mocking her with an embarrassing nickname and tampering with her locker. Following physical altercations and suspensions involving Coco and Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble), Jennifer manipulates Coco’s eating disorder to secure a date with VJ Patterson (Matt Little), causing tension between Coco and Raffy. Additionally, Jennifer encourages Raffy to overindulge in alcohol during a fashion launch event.
During Summer Bay’s Glow Day obstacle course, Jennifer sustains an injury and flirts with Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger), sharing a kiss before Mason distances himself due to his emotional struggles. She offers support to Hunter King after his breakup and eventually begins dating him despite objections from Olivia Fraser Richards. After attending a university party where her father Nick confronts Hunter about his drinking habits, Jennifer runs away and moves into Hunter’s Summer Bay House. Following an intervention led by Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Jennifer is expelled from the house, resulting in her breakup with Hunter and a brief period of homelessness before returning to live with her father.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Initially doubtful about her audition outcome, she was cast and described Beth’s storyline as emotionally impactful. Apps depicted Beth as “cheeky,” “complex,” and “quirky,” emphasizing her desire to uplift those around her. Introduced as a love interest for Mason Morgan (Pledger), Apps noted that Beth recognizes parts of herself in Mason and aims to offer him support.
Beth’s initial scenes take place at the hospital where she overhears Mason expressing frustration over his paralysis. Disguised in nursing attire, she encourages Mason to use his wheelchair, fostering moments that deepen their bond. It is later disclosed that Beth is a patient undergoing treatment for cardiomyopathy while awaiting a heart transplant. She initially conceals her condition to avoid sympathy but agrees to develop an honest friendship with Mason. Beth inspires Mason to forgive his brother Brody Morgan (Heywood) for causing his accident. Together, they share bucket list experiences such as getting tattoos and visiting a casino. During one outing, Beth faints due to her illness and is rushed back to the hospital.
Mason meets Beth’s parents, Alan Ellis (McDonough) and Jackie Ellis (Coopes), but Alan warns Mason to keep his distance from Beth, leading to conflict between father and daughter. As Beth’s condition worsens, she requires a stent and is prioritized on the transplant list. When feeling better, Mason takes her out for lunch and presents her with a promise ring. Tragically, Beth suffers a fatal arrhythmia and passes away at the hospital. After her funeral, Mason experiences a vision of Beth encouraging him to move on.
Beth Ellis’s storyline highlights themes of love and resilience amid serious health challenges, adding profound emotional layers to the series while engaging viewers through compelling character growth.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, brought to life by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast soon after completing his studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his debut in acting. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His early plotlines include breaking into the Surf Club and attempting to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, before disclosing his familial connections. His hesitation to provide his mother's contact details raises questions about his circumstances.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, first appeared on 14 November 2017. Prior to securing this role, Roberts auditioned for other parts and participated in a chemistry test with James Stewart, who plays Justin Morgan. Willow is depicted as a resilient, self-reliant, and devoted woman who stirs up trouble and mischief in Summer Bay. Roberts describes her character as a "bad girl" driven by the desire to protect those she cares about through tough decisions. Soon after her arrival, Willow enters into a romantic relationship with Justin Morgan.
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, debuted on 18 December 2017. Frost's casting was revealed on 17 July 2017, following an invitation to audition while she was appearing on Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite facing strong competition, she secured the role during her second audition. Frost described this role as her first acting job and expressed enthusiasm about joining a show she had watched growing up.
Her casting prompted some criticism from fellow actors who viewed it as a publicity move. Jasmine's storyline begins with a car accident that results in the death of Kat Chapman, played by Pia Miller. Frost portrays Jasmine as "somewhat guarded" with an "anxious energy," concealing secrets and carrying a "dark past."
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived after Mick raped Billie. Billie allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is Luc's father until their wedding day. Luc is born shortly after escaping a bushfire. VJ and Billie name her after Billie's deceased brother. Mick kidnaps Luc but later returns her. After Billie succumbs to terminal cancer holding Luc, VJ and Leah entrust Irene Roberts with Luc’s care. Custody disputes arise between Ash and Mick, complicated by Patrick Stanwood's PTSD and Luc’s medical issues such as bowel torsion and septicaemia. Ultimately, Mick withdraws from involvement; VJ relocates with Luc to Cyprus. | ||||
| Nick Cain | Constable Corelli aids Kat Chapman in an arson investigation and later discovers CCTV footage featuring Robbo and Dylan Carter. | |||
| Gail Knight | Provides nursing support to Billie Ashford for her newborn daughter. | |||
| Rob Baird | Transports characters including John Palmer and Zac MacGuire to hospital during emergencies. | |||
| Luke McKenzie | Patrick, believed dead brother of Billie and Ashford, returns suffering from PTSD which affects custody matters concerning Luc. He develops a bond with Luc following intervention and agrees to seek treatment. | |||
| Felicity McKay | University student involved in drug distribution; briefly employed at Salt restaurant; has a short-lived relationship with Brody Morgan before dismissal due to drug use; subsequently attends rehabilitation. | |||
| 7 March | Byron | Benjamin Winckle | Encourages Olivia Fraser Richards to participate in social activities; experiences conflict with Hunter King over Olivia. | |
| 9 March | Local Woman | Meagan Caratti | Confronts John Palmer regarding fires he caused; defended by his wife Marilyn. | |
| Local Man | James Caitlin | |||
| 13 March–18 April | Jess Kearney | Jess Bush | Meets Olivia for study sessions; involved in social events connected to Olivia’s birthday. | |
| 21 March | Cal Whitman | Craig Scott | Resident displaced by bushfire caused by John Palmer; appreciates John's apology. | |
| 22 March, 6 December | Terry Diamond | Rob Flanagan | Renowned restaurant critic who reviews Salt; initially clashes but later praises chef Brody Morgan. | |
| Donna Fields | Melissa Bonne | Musician visiting Phoebe Nicholson; discusses career decisions; invites Phoebe on a US tour. | ||
| 29 March–29 August | Lachlan Piers | Warwick Allsopp | John Palmer's legal counsel; advises on defense strategies; later informs Ben Astoni about planning application delays due to heritage status. | |
| James Mayvers | Tim Ross | Roo Stewart's boyfriend from Hawaii; involved in pregnancy storyline; requests termination which Roo refuses before miscarriage occurs. | ||
| 3 April–30 August | William Zannis | Caleb Alloway | Drug dealer linked to Brody Morgan’s addiction and criminal activities; involved in kidnapping and violent incidents leading to arrest. | |
| 10 April | Court Officer | Alistair Bates | ||
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