Maggie Astoni

Maggie Astoni
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Maggie Astoni is a fictional persona featured in the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actress Kestie Morassi. She made her initial appearance on 21 June 2017, taking on the role of Summer Bay High’s Principal. Portrayed as a devoted mother and professional, Maggie was introduced alongside her spouse Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family represented the first traditional nuclear family to join the series in 17 years, reestablishing classic parent-child narratives. Their relocation to Summer Bay was motivated by Maggie’s desire for an improved life for her family. Morassi described the couple’s relationship as resilient, marked by ongoing "passion and electricity."

Maggie’s story arcs predominantly focused on health-related issues, starting with her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder following a robbery incident. A significant plotline revolved around her lymphoma diagnosis, which included undergoing chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, battling pneumonia, cancer progression, and coping with hair loss. This narrative concluded with Maggie achieving remission by the end of 2018. Morassi’s performance earned critical praise and two nominations for the Digital Spy Reader Awards. The character exited the show on 14 July 2020.

Casting

Morassi’s involvement was first noticed in early 2017 during filming, with official confirmation released on 4 June. Although she initially auditioned unsuccessfully for a different part, she was later invited to try out for Maggie and secured the role. To accommodate filming, Morassi moved from Melbourne to Sydney. She remarked that adapting to the fast-paced environment of a soap opera was more demanding compared to film projects but found portraying Maggie "one of the most rewarding experiences" in her career. The character’s debut episode aired on 21 June 2017.

Family

Maggie relocates to Summer Bay accompanied by her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family marked the first introduction of a nuclear family unit since the Sutherlands in 2000, ending a 17-year gap. According to Seth Adamson of TV Soap, they left urban life behind seeking tranquility in Summer Bay, with Maggie firmly believing the town promised a better future. Ben accepts employment at Summer Bay High, though their daughters initially show hesitation. The family settles into The Farmhouse after its sale by the landlord. Their arrival allowed the series to revisit parent-child relationship themes that had been absent for some time. The depiction of Maggie and Ben’s marriage emphasizes its strength and enduring passion, illustrating their bond as childhood sweethearts.

One prominent storyline addresses Coco’s battle with an eating disorder, which leads to hospitalization and secrecy that tests family bonds. Cocquerel described Coco’s initial denial and how this serious issue affected the Astoni household once revealed. During Coco’s relationship with Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich), the family remains united and supportive, underscoring their close-knit dynamic known as "the Astoni way."

Another significant plot involves Ben arranging a surprise vow renewal ceremony aimed at reinforcing their marriage after facing early challenges together. Maggie’s overprotective mother Diana Walford (Sarah Chadwick) initially disapproves of Ben but ultimately supports the event, making it memorable for Maggie. Morassi highlighted that this unexpected celebration was especially meaningful given Maggie’s aversion to surprises.

Reflecting after one year on screen, Morassi considered the Astoni family a successful addition that resonated strongly with audiences through relatable familial challenges. Their convincing chemistry on camera mirrors genuine off-screen friendships developed through shared meals and game nights.

Characterisation

Maggie’s history depicts a life of privilege alongside her mother, Diana. She chose to abandon this comfortable existence after falling in love with Ben, known locally as the "bad boy," to build a family together. Diana strongly disapproved of Maggie’s decisions. A writer from TVNZ described Maggie as possessing "a distinct edge" while being both "intelligent and compassionate." She is depicted as the Astoni family’s maternal figure and career-driven woman, deeply committed to her children yet maintaining firm and fair discipline. Initially working as a teacher, Maggie later advanced to the role of principal at Summer Bay High. Actress Morassi observed that Maggie represents many working mothers who strive to balance family responsibilities with their careers, doing their utmost despite inevitable flaws.

Maggie’s foremost concern is safeguarding her two troubled teenage children. Morassi expressed enjoyment in playing this "strong" and "fierce working mother," identifying with Maggie’s background in education and her embrace of a "sea change" lifestyle.

Posttraumatic stress disorder

The series introduced a storyline centered on Maggie experiencing Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a break-in at Summer Bay High by student Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble), which reawakened painful past memories. While working late, Maggie was terrified when Raffy shattered a window and wandered through the school. Morassi explained that Maggie’s PTSD originates from an earlier break-in at the school where she was assaulted, suffered a concussion, and the perpetrator was never apprehended. This unresolved trauma causes Maggie to feel vulnerable and anxious.

Upon learning Raffy’s role in the incident, Maggie chooses to show leniency, interpreting it as an ill-conceived prank. Nevertheless, she continues to endure PTSD symptoms such as migraines and ongoing anxiety related to the unresolved assault.

Subsequently, Ziggy confesses to being involved in the event that triggered Maggie’s PTSD. Another plotline features Mick Jennings (Kristian Schmid) assisting Maggie with a flat tire; when Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) accuses Mick of rape, Ben responds aggressively. This altercation leads Maggie and Ziggy to revisit the original break-in; while Maggie forgives Ziggy, she emphasizes that she cannot erase the memory.

Cancer

In early 2018, the show's creators introduced a Lymphoma cancer plotline for Maggie. Morassi embraced the chance to headline such a deeply emotional storyline, considering it a privilege to depict a condition impacting millions worldwide. She undertook thorough research and commended the writing team's authentic and sensitive portrayal. Additionally, Morassi became a representative for Cancer Council Australia's "Daffodil Day." Nichol, portraying Ben, found filming the poignant scenes alongside Morassi more manageable due to their close relationship, though he acknowledged the process was exhausting.

The narrative begins with Maggie collapsing and being admitted to hospital. Following medical examinations, Dr. Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) delivers the possibility of a cancer diagnosis. Maggie initially chooses to keep this information private, worried about Coco’s ongoing recovery from bulimia and Ziggy’s romantic involvement. Ben advises that concealing the truth might negatively affect Coco and emphasizes that Ziggy would want to support her mother. Early scans confirm an aggressive but early-stage cancer necessitating immediate intervention.

Maggie starts chemotherapy while concealing her difficulties from her family until she opens up to Ben, who motivates her to persevere. Subsequently, Ziggy and Coco rally around her with their support. A stem cell transplant is suggested; as Ben proves incompatible, Ziggy volunteers and matches successfully. The treatment brings harsh side effects such as hair loss, leading Maggie to consent to Ziggy shaving her head.

While hospitalized with pneumonia, Maggie undergoes further chemotherapy and writes farewell letters to her loved ones, contemplating her mortality. Morassi observed that Maggie displays a pragmatic acceptance of death while continuing to fight for survival. She later pauses treatment briefly to attend Ziggy and Brody’s wedding but collapses afterward, necessitating intensified chemotherapy.

Maggie’s mother Diana offers financial support for cancer trials in Europe, sparking family tension as Ben worries Maggie is too frail for travel. Following Dr. Tori’s guidance, Maggie declines the opportunity, causing conflict with Diana. Soon after, a new stem-cell donor is located; the transplant is successful, and Maggie enters remission.

Morassi commented that this journey profoundly shifted Maggie’s perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for life. The cancer storyline struck a chord with viewers affected by similar experiences, generating substantial social media interaction and heartfelt messages backing Maggie’s path.

Departure

On 13 July 2020, Morassi announced her departure from the series as Maggie and Ben prepare to leave Summer Bay for Italy. She expressed that she would miss being part of the show, stating, "I expected it to be wonderful and exciting, but I didn't expect to fall so deeply in love with the people I worked with." She valued that the writers left open the possibility of her character returning. After periods of separation and reconciliation, Ben and Maggie opt for a new beginning in Italy, departing following an unexpected farewell lunch organized by friends. Morassi hoped the couple would overcome their challenges and grow old together, remarking, "It's what they've always imagined for their future."

Reception

During the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards, Morassi received a nomination for "Best Actress," while Maggie's cancer storyline was up for "Best Soap Storyline." Despite this recognition, both categories ended with the lowest vote shares, garnering 1.1% and 1.3% respectively. The magazine Soaplife commended Maggie's determination throughout her fight with cancer, emphasizing her unwavering strength for the sake of her family. An Inside Soap writer praised both the character and Morassi’s acting, remarking that Maggie integrated effortlessly into Summer Bay, just as Morassi did in real life. Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap pointed out that the arrival of the close-knit Astoni family introduced valuable parent-child relationships to a series that had previously featured mostly fragmented family units. Kerry Harvey of Stuff.co.nz lauded Morassi’s performance in the cancer plotline, highlighting the positive feedback from viewers. Television presenter Larry Emdur acknowledged the broad admiration for Morassi and expressed that she deserved a Logie Award nomination despite being overlooked.

External links

• Maggie Astoni at 7plus
• Maggie Astoni at TVNZ