Maggie Smart

Home and Away
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988; 38 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. Below is a compilation of characters who were introduced in 2001, all under the leadership of then executive producer John Holmes. The show's 14th season commenced broadcasting on 15 January 2001. The first new character to appear was Alex Poulos in February. On 9 April, Sam Atwell joined the cast portraying Kane Phillips, soon followed by the arrival of Kane’s brother, Scott. June marked the debuts of Seb Miller and Flynn Saunders. In September, Stephanie Chaves-Jacobsen took on the role of doctor Charlotte Adams, with Jim Tyler introduced later that month. November brought in Daniel Collopy as Josh West, along with the births of VJ Patterson and Lily Smith.

Alex Poulos

Alexi "Alex" Poulos, played by Danny Raco, made his first appearance on 26 February 2001 and remained until 2004, returning briefly for a final episode on 19 June 2007. Raco joined early in 2001 but left the series in late 2003 to focus on directing; his last scenes aired in early 2004. His portrayal of Alex earned him a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2002 Logie Awards.

Scott Phillips

Scott Phillips, originally portrayed by Nathaniel Dean and later by Josh Rosenthal, debuted on 10 April 2001. He is depicted as the elder sibling of Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell). Scott’s storylines include criminal behavior such as harassment, kidnapping, and robbing a service station. Following a police standoff, he was incarcerated but returned two years later to settle scores with Kane over money lost in a fire. During this time, Scott attempts to abduct hostage Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) and holds Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy) at gunpoint before escaping.

In 2005, Scott resurfaces while imprisoned and influences Kane’s trial by providing false testimony under oath, significantly affecting Kane’s defense. This plot explores themes of familial strife and courtroom drama.

Flynn Saunders

Flynn Saunders, first played by Martin Dingle-Wall starting July 2001 and subsequently by Joel McIlroy, was a central figure until his death in February 2006. The episode depicting his demise received the Australian Writers' Guild Award for "Best Episode in a Television Serial" in 2006. Both actors gained Logie Award nominations for their performances, reflecting Flynn’s importance and resonance with viewers.

Flynn’s death storyline was voted the second most compelling plot in a TV Week reader survey in 2006. Additionally, McIlroy earned three nominations at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards for "Best Actor," "Best Couple," and "Best Storyline," highlighting both critical acclaim and audience engagement with this narrative.

Charlotte Adams

Charlotte Adams, portrayed by Stephanie Chaves-Jacobsen, first appeared on 10 September 2001. Characterized as "intelligent, attractive, kind-hearted, and earnest," Charlotte was a medical student aspiring to become a doctor but faced academic challenges. The character exited the series in 2002.

Jim Tyler

Jim Tyler, portrayed by Shane Porteous, made his debut on 25 September 2001. Porteous, who had also contributed as a scriptwriter for Home and Away, took on the role after it initially remained uncast. He felt at ease during filming due to the familiar studio environment and crew members.

Jim is depicted as "a wanderer with an enigmatic history" who sparked intrigue among Summer Bay residents. Brodie Hanson and Dani Sutherland discovered him sleeping on the beach. After Jim saved Brodie from a dog attack, Dani’s father, Rhys Sutherland, offered him lodging in exchange for performing various odd jobs.

Although principal Donald Fisher recognized Jim's credentials as a professor and asked him to cover classes temporarily, his outdated teaching style caused tension with students. Following a mental breakdown, Jim was admitted to hospital. It was subsequently disclosed that fifteen years earlier, he had accidentally run over his young son Dean.

Josh West

Josh West, enacted by Daniel Collopy, appeared from late 2001 until 2003 before returning in late 2005. His storyline involved efforts to construct a freeway through Summer Bay and ascending to the role of mayor before his accidental death in early 2006.

Collopy secured the role in September 2001 and relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming commitments. This marked his first regular television role, which he described as an "excellent opportunity." Network Seven described Josh as originating from an "upper-class family" and initially being "extremely relaxed."

The character’s exit was crafted around a prominent whodunit plot designed to capitalize on previous successful mystery storylines that had boosted viewership. Collopy earned a 2003 Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" and was also nominated for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards. Media outlets highlighted Josh’s on-screen romance as elevating Collopy to a leading television star, dubbing him Summer Bay’s "latest heartthrob."

VJ Patterson

Vincent "VJ" Patterson, Jr., portrayed by Felix Dean, first appeared on 30 November 2001. The character has been played by eleven different child actors, including Carlo Teodorowych, Jack Monger, Max Theoharis, with Felix Dean cast in 2007. Dean received nominations for Best Young Actor at both the 2008 and 2009 Inside Soap Awards. VJ’s name has attracted some critique, with comparisons made to an early model Holden vehicle.

Lily Smith

Lily Smith (formerly Nash) first appeared on 30 November 2001, initially portrayed by Harriet Tapley and Simone Medici. In 2003, twins Claudia and Olivia Jenkins briefly assumed the role, followed by Charlie Rose MacLennan when Lily returned in 2010. MacLennan began her portrayal from 14 October and mentioned feeling starstruck upon meeting the cast.

Lily is the daughter of Gypsy Nash and Will Smith, born during an emergency roadside birth. Will and Gypsy married before relocating to Queensland. Lily later acquires an adoptive sister named Rachel McGregor.

Upon returning to visit Irene Roberts, it is revealed that Will and Gypsy’s marriage ended due to his infidelity. Will’s unsuccessful attempts at reconciliation lead to troubling behavior that unsettles Lily. She forms a friendship with VJ Patterson (Felix Dean), who shares her birthday, and together they plan to run away but are stopped by authorities.

When Lily falls ill, Will takes her away; however, Irene convinces him to bring her back. After Will is arrested for the murder of Penn Graham, Lily returns to Gypsy’s care.

Several months later, Lily and Gypsy visit Irene while she undergoes cancer treatment. Gypsy’s boyfriend Mark Gilmour clashes with Lily and suggests boarding school; Gypsy declines this idea. Their relationship ends after Lily exposes Gypsy’s affair with Liam Murphy. Following Irene’s advice, Gypsy leaves with Lily back to Queensland.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
15 January	Reverend Wardosrski	Dean Nottie	Conducts the funeral service for Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn).
25 January–17 July 2002	Stella Patterson	Tina Bursill	Vinnie Patterson’s (Ryan Kwanten) mother who arrives ahead of his marriage to Leah Poulos (Ada Nicodemou). Initially conflicts with Leah’s father Theo (Silvio Ofria), creating friction that makes Vinnie question the wedding. Attends the nuptials, shares a kiss with Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) at the reception, and regularly looks after her grandson VJ.
1–7 February	Desiree Upton	Simone Robertson	TAFE acquaintance of Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) who kisses Gypsy to make a statement, leading to tension.
1–21 February	Hamish "Woody" Woodford	Chris Foy	Joins Summer Bay High following expulsion from another school; befriends Brodie Hanson (Susie Rugg) but misreads her signals. After a failed talent show and mounting frustrations, takes hostages in a school siege, ultimately restrained and arrested.
12–21 February	Ian Woodford	Wayne Pygram	Woody’s father who refuses to acknowledge his son’s mental health issues and verbally abuses him during the siege. Commands Shelley Sutherland (Paula Forrest) to leave his wife Louise.
15–16 February	Morrie Sanders	Peter Brownie	Uncle to Mitch McColl (Cameron Welsh); informs Mitch about an inheritance in New Zealand prompting Mitch’s permanent move.
26 February–8 March	Holly Loader	Clare Flanaghan	Ex-girlfriend of Jude Lawson (Ben Steel) who stirs trouble by accusing Noah Lawson (Beau Brady) of inappropriate behavior and causes disruptions at Leah’s wedding reception.
6 March–26 February 2009	Helen Poulos	Peta Toppano Anna-Maria Monticelli	Leah Poulos’ (Ada Nicodemou) mother and sibling; arrives with husband Theo prior to Leah’s wedding.
6–7 March	Christina Poulos	Barbara Gouskos	Comes with father Con and son Petro for Leah’s wedding.
6–7 March	Petro Poulos	Erieta Tseztsimis Andriano Cassinati
6–8 March	Con Poulos	Nicholas Papademetriou	Theo Poulos’ brother; attends Leah’s wedding and engages in disputes over business matters during the reception.
7 March	Effie	Melina Clark	Christina Poulos’ sister.
12 March–12 April	Geoff Webb	John Sheerin	Shelley Sutherland’s (Paula Forrest) father who visits with girlfriend Linda, creating strain within the family before departing.
12–23 March	Linda	Cathy Campbell	Geoff Webb’s partner who feels unwelcome and ends their relationship after returning to break up with him.
14 March–3 April	Toni Davidson	Rowan Witt	Escapes an abusive father John; taken in by Shelley Sutherland; reveals abuse history following John’s arrest.
14 March–2 April	Leo Davidson	Bill Charlton	Toni’s grandfather; initially hostile but reconciles with Toni; helps prevent John’s abduction attempt.
14 March–10 April	Andrew Moffatt	Anthony Burke	Lecturer to Gypsy Nash who threatens legal action concerning paternity claims.
29 March–20 April	Melissa Hill	Bianca Sulkowicz	Ballet class friend of Jade Sutherland (Kate Garven).
29 March	Tonya	Sharni Vinson	Peer from ballet class who bullies Jade Sutherland.
30 March–2 April	John Davidson	Sean Dennehy	Toni Davidson’s father; attempts to regain custody but is arrested after abuse revelations.
11–12 April	Avril Webb	Suzanne Dudley	Shelley Sutherland’s mother; arrives seeking reconciliation with Geoff Webb.
11–27 April	Skye Patterson	Angela Keep	Vinnie Patterson’s cousin; sparks conflict by dating Alex Poulos and kissing Noah Lawson before departing town.
10–24 May	Jill Lawson	Tracy Mann	Mother of Jude and Noah Lawson; returns estranged due to religious extremism, eventually pursues psychiatric help to mend relations with her sons.
22 May–1 June	Patrick Curl	Kip Gamblin	Gypsy Nash’s TAFE classmate who supports her pregnancy while accepting her feelings for another man.
22 May–12 June	David Barclay	Jimmy Sergeant	New student at Summer Bay High befriended by Jade Sutherland; faces bullying due to his father’s involvement in a local disaster; later transferred back to city school.
7–11 June	Richard Barclay	Terence Crawford	Father of David Barclay; intervenes after a bomb prank injures Duncan Stewart and arranges for David's safety by sending him away.
21 June–6 July	Anna Miller	Elizabeth Maywald	Seb Miller's mother; works as cleaner at Summer Bay High while squatting with her son; dies of cancer revealing Seb’s paternity connection to Alan Fisher.
23 July–16 August	Aidan Bradley	Ben Mortley	Shauna Bradley’s adoptive brother who dates Hayley Smith and exhibits controlling tendencies before being publicly humiliated by Hayley.
24 July–23 October 2002	Julius Peters	Leslie Brock	Schoolmate involved in events including a bus accident and Rock Eisteddfod audition.
3 August–10 July 2003	Simone Harris	Chelsea Yates	Briefly dates Nick Smith causing tension with Jade Sutherland; later becomes friend then rival of Jade. Appears intermittently in later story arcs.
13 August–27 September	Matt Lowe	Steve Matthews	Council inspector who identifies issues at Sarah McKay Drop-in Centre but assures its continued operation.
30 August–4 September	Robbie Jamieson	Rupert Evans	London hotel concierge accompanying visiting characters on city tour; briefly dates Hayley Smith before their long-distance relationship ends.
31 August-3 September	James Cooper	Rod Hallett	Public relations agent for UK publisher managing Donald Fisher’s book launch.
4–5 September	Heidi McIntyre	Aimee Moffatt	City music critic attending band performance; briefly involved romantically with Alex Poulos.
7 September	Gary	Ian Hodson	Jan Hanson’s former boyfriend who reconciles with her despite daughter Brodie's disapproval.
12 September–23 November	Miles Alcott	Steven Rooke	Friend of Alex Poulos who dates Brodie Hanson; dies in car crash triggering legal investigation and memorial bench dedication.
17 September–6 August 2002	Dr. Carlingford	Alan Faulkner	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital managing Charlotte Adams’ care, involved in hospital administration conflicts.
25 September–9 May 2003	Gladys Adams	Moya O'Sullivan	Grandmother of Charlotte Adams residing in retirement home where abuse is uncovered through Nick Smith's community service investigation.
1–17 October	Steve Kent	Don Hany	Charlotte Adams’ abusive boyfriend leading to breakup.
9 October–14 February 2006	Ashley Saunders	Zoe Ella	Sister of Flynn Saunders struggling with heroin addiction; rehabilitated through family support, returns home before attending Flynn's funeral years later.
9–25 October \|'Terry' \|'Keiran Darcy-Smith' \|'Drug dealer and pimp linked to Ashley Saunders; threatens Flynn Saunders and causes injury during altercation at Drop-in Centre.'
17 October–11 March 2003 \|'Maggie Smart' \|'Elizabeth & Jamie Chambers Alyssa & Brianna Dwight' \|'Daughter of Lance and Debbie Smart appearing during family visits related to Colleen Smart.'
9 November–14 February 2006 \|'John Saunders' \|'Bill Charlton' \|'Flynn Saunders’ father supporting Ashley Saunders’ recovery and attending Flynn's wedding and funeral.'
19–26 November \|'Inspector Fraser' \|'Angelean Milner' \|'Police officer investigating Miles Alcott's death following a car accident involving Alex Poulos.'
20 November–16 May 2002 \|'Lara Rogers' \|'Charde Doherty' \|'Summer Bay High student struggling with home life; tutored by Sally Fletcher leading to academic improvement.'
21–23 November \|'Billy' \|'Leon Stripp' \|'Friend of Josh West visiting for Schoolies week.'
27 November \|'Kelly Rogers' \|'Bronte Doherty' \|'Younger sister of Lara Rogers, cautious around strangers.'
28 November \|'Lindy Rogers' \|'Gabrielle Adkins' \|'Mother to Lara and Kelly Rogers.'

External links

Cast and characters on the official Australian Home and Away site
Cast and characters on the official UK Home and Away site
Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database