Jump to content

Marco Astoni

From Alfawiki
Home and Away characters introduced in 2020
Company typeTelevision characters
IndustryEntertainment
Founded2020
Area served
Australia

Gemma Parata

Gemma Parata, played by Bree Peters, made her first appearance on 27 January 2020. The casting announcement came in November 2019, with character information later published in TV Week. Peters characterized Gemma as a strong matriarch surrounded by male family members, highlighting the significance of family bonds. The character exited the series on 8 July 2020, leaving to New Zealand to scatter the ashes of her late husband Mikaere.

Gemma is introduced as the mother of Nikau Parata and sister-in-law to Tane Parata, facing financial difficulties and residing with her family in a motel. She takes a position at the Pier Diner and moves into Marilyn Chambers’ residence following an eviction. Tensions arise with Marilyn’s spouse John Palmer due to Ari Parata’s criminal history and the circumstances surrounding Mikaere’s death during a robbery.

Throughout her storyline, Gemma supports Nikau through various personal struggles, including dealing with Bella Nixon’s aggressive response to his romantic interest. When Tane arrives, he secures a house for the family, and Gemma transitions to working at Salt after reduced hours at the Diner. She forms a friendship with Ben Astoni that briefly hints at romance before she makes clear she is not ready to move past Mikaere.

After a series of incidents involving the Parata family, Gemma chooses to return to New Zealand to scatter Mikaere’s ashes. Although her sons are detained at passport control, she departs alone and decides to stay permanently, later inviting Nikau to join her.

Nikau Parata

Nikau Parata, portrayed by Kawakawa Fox-Reo, first appeared on 28 January 2020. His casting was revealed alongside Rob Kipa-Williams (Ari Parata) in November 2019. Despite being accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Fox-Reo opted to join the show instead. He experienced homesickness after moving to Sydney for filming. Along with Kipa-Williams and Ethan Browne (Tane Parata), Fox-Reo contributed to ensuring an authentic portrayal of the new Māori family on screen. He sought to incorporate elements of his own upbringing and cultural humor into Nikau’s character.

Fox-Reo described Nikau as "impulsive," confident in his interactions with women, and deeply connected to his mother Gemma Parata (Bree Peters). The character’s early storylines involve a relationship with Jade Lennox (Mia Morrissey), which leads to conflict with Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich). Later, Nikau develops a romantic connection with Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), sharing a kiss despite opposition from Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor).

On 30 November 2022, reports confirmed Fox-Reo had completed filming his final scenes and would be departing the show. Fans had speculated about his exit following changes in his appearance and overseas travel. Nikau’s departure was broadcast on 2 March 2023, concluding with him leaving for New York accompanied by Bella.

Tane Parata

Tane Parata, brought to life by Ethan Browne, made his first appearance on 10 February 2020, marking Browne's debut on television. Tane is introduced as the sibling of Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams) and a member of the show's freshly introduced Māori family, which also includes Nikau Parata (Kawakawa Fox-Reo). The actors worked closely with the writing team to guarantee cultural accuracy. Tane is depicted as a playful and spirited character who holds a strong devotion to his family. The milestone 8000th episode aired on 27 March 2023, featuring Tane's wedding to Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis). Following the exit of his immediate family from the storyline, producers expanded the Parata family by adding his cousin Kahu Parata (Jordi Webber) in April 2023. In 2022, Ethan Browne earned a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards.

Marco Astoni

Marco Astoni, portrayed by Tim Walter, entered the series on 12 March 2020. Walter had previously appeared in the show in 2008 as Aaron Copeland. Marco is revealed as the brother of established character Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol), enriching Ben's backstory. Marco has harbored feelings for Ben’s wife, Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi), stemming from a secret liaison they shared 22 years earlier, which significantly disrupts family dynamics.

The producers describe Marco as "self-assured" and "persuasive." He manages the family business, which has been negatively impacted by poor decisions, resulting in financial difficulties. Upon arriving in Summer Bay, he presents himself as seeking reconciliation with Ben through a collaborative business venture; however, his presence unsettles Maggie. Despite initial resistance, Ben consents to invest after Marco pressures Maggie with threats to disclose their past affair.

The affair raises doubts about Ziggy Astoni's (Sophie Dillman) paternity, leading to a test that confirms Ben as her father. Maggie expresses remorse over keeping the secret, while Marco admits he still harbors feelings for her. Marco's efforts to mend his relationship with Ben fail as Ben rejects him completely. Under pressure from Maggie to leave or face exposure of his financial troubles, Marco ultimately departs Summer Bay after acknowledging Ben’s role as the rightful husband and father.

Evan Slater

Evan Slater, played by Cameron Daddo, first appeared on 14 May 2020. Daddo's casting was revealed in November 2019 with an initial two-month contract. He described joining Home and Away as an important opportunity during an uncertain period in his acting career.

Evan is introduced as the estranged father of regular character Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) and emerges as a potential romantic interest for Ryder’s aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). Initially, Ryder approaches Evan with suspicion while grandfather Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) remains cautious of him. The storyline uncovers Evan's previous relationship with Ryder’s mother Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and highlights his inability to commit despite intentions to settle down, which generates tension following his arrival in Summer Bay.

Amber Simmons

Amber Simmons, portrayed by Maddy Jevic, made her debut on 23 July 2020. Jevic, who had previously gained recognition for her role in Wentworth, found Amber to be a uniquely compelling character. Amber works as a home carer employed to assist John Palmer (Shane Withington), who needs help following a stroke. She is characterized as "loyal, funny and tough," and shares ties with established characters Willow Harris, Dean Thompson, and Colby Thorne through their mutual Mangrove River origins.[1]

Amber's narrative centers on her demanding dynamic with John Palmer as she encourages his rehabilitation while asserting her authority despite his reluctance. Her history with Dean Thompson reemerges, and tensions develop with Colby Thorne due to the involvement of her brother Jai’s fatal car accident linked to Colby. Ultimately, Amber reconciles with Willow and Dean, leading to a romantic relationship with Tane Parata (Ethan Browne). Both Amber and her son Jai Simmons departed the show in May 2021.[2]

Owen Davidson

Owen Davidson, enacted by Cameron Daddo, first appeared on 24 August 2020. Owen is the long-lost twin brother of Evan Slater, also portrayed by Daddo. Reflecting on playing dual roles in Home and Away, Daddo mentioned he had intervals between filming each character to develop Owen’s background and expressed excitement upon receiving the part. Owen also becomes romantically involved with Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker). His final appearance was broadcast on 12 November 2020.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Owen is recognized by Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) because of his striking resemblance to Evan. They encourage him to remain and explore his family roots. He learns that he and Evan are twins separated at birth and adopted into different families. Owen forms bonds with Ryder and Roo Stewart, who shares her own connection to Evan. After asking Roo out, their relationship quickly develops despite some initial hesitation.

Ryder cautions Owen about potentially hurting Roo. During a family dinner, Alf questions Owen thoroughly, who later reveals it is his birthday—a time for reflecting on Evan. Roo arranges a combined birthday celebration for both twins. Eventually, Owen decides to leave Summer Bay after realizing Roo has been hurt emotionally and invites her to visit Evan’s gravesite with him.

Weeks later, Roo returns alone after mistakenly calling Owen by Evan’s name during an intimate moment before abruptly departing. Familial pressures cause Roo to distance herself from Owen, leading to frustration and a temporary estrangement. Although they try to mend their relationship, they ultimately part ways, with Owen leaving Summer Bay.

Taylor Rosetta

Taylor Rosetta, played by Annabelle Stephenson, was introduced on 26 August 2020. The casting announcement was made on 1 August 2020. Stephenson originally auditioned for the role in 2019 while residing in Italy but secured the part after relocating back to Australia and moving to Sydney for filming. She described the set environment as relaxed and portrayed Taylor as "a friendly yet fiercely independent woman."

Taylor is married to Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), who returns to Summer Bay after an extended absence. Their backstory reveals Taylor fell for Angelo during her physiotherapy studies, drawn by his dedication and charm. Feeling neglected by Angelo’s focus elsewhere, Taylor begins an affair with his suspect Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin). Stephenson highlighted the strong on-screen chemistry with Franklin, emphasizing themes of love, betrayal, and intricate storylines intertwined with a murder investigation.

In Summer Bay, Taylor supports Angelo through his homicide inquiry but grows distant as he becomes increasingly absorbed in work. She forms a friendship with Colby, who offers comfort after overhearing tension between her and Angelo. Following canceled plans with Angelo, Taylor visits Colby, leading to a kiss and subsequently a secret affair while Angelo pursues leads out of town. When Taylor realizes that others—including Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts (actress)), Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), and Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor)—are aware of the affair, she attempts to end it.

Christian Green

Christian Green, brought to life by Ditch Davey, made his first appearance on 16 September 2020. Announced on 19 June 2020, Davey considered the role a fortunate opportunity amid difficult circumstances. Christian is introduced as a neurosurgeon called upon to manage a critical health issue at Northern Districts Hospital, specifically consulting on Justin Morgan's spinal tumour. His personality is marked by arrogance that unsettles his coworkers, yet beneath this exterior lies a more approachable and witty nature. Christian develops a romantic relationship with fellow physician Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). In September 2021, it was revealed that both Davey and McNamee would depart the series as their characters wed and move to London.

Kieran Baldivis

Kieran Baldivis, portrayed by Rick Donald, debuted on 26 November 2020. Having previously appeared as a guest on Home and Away in 2011, Donald was enthusiastic about rejoining the cast, highlighting convenience and enthusiasm for the character. Kieran is the long-absent son of Martha Stewart (Belinda Giblin) and is depicted as deeply troubled, grappling with alcoholism and anger management issues.

Kieran arrives in Summer Bay with hopes of mending his relationship with Martha, which creates friction within her family, particularly with her husband Alf and half-sister Roo. Through persistent effort, he gains employment at the local gym and endeavors to restore family bonds despite his personal battles. His difficulties culminate in a kidnapping episode that leads to his arrest.

Following his release under a good behaviour bond, Kieran returns sober and commits to maintaining his recovery with support from community members. Although Alf initially resists reconciliation, Roo helps facilitate communication between them. Kieran moves in with Irene Roberts and Jasmine Delaney, who aid him in his rehabilitation process. Despite facing setbacks such as strained interactions with Jasmine and Alf’s ongoing mistrust, Kieran remains dedicated to overcoming his challenges.

Ultimately, recognizing persistent family conflicts, Kieran opts to leave Summer Bay. Martha arranges for him to oversee her property in Merimbula and secures employment for him at a bakery. His departure is marked by a cautious reconciliation with Alf, suggesting potential for future stability.

Lewis Hayes

Lewis Hayes, enacted by Luke Arnold, first appeared on 30 November 2020. Arnold's involvement was confirmed in early November 2020. He described Lewis as being driven by vengeance and introduced as a romantic interest for Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost). Both characters are nurses, and Arnold consulted practicing nurses to authentically portray Lewis’s role. Lewis and Jasmine share a past relationship; he later found love again but tragically lost his partner Anna in a car accident. He arrives in Summer Bay intent on confronting surgeon Christian Green (Ditch Davey), whom he holds responsible for Anna’s death, while reigniting feelings for Jasmine that complicate matters.

While working as an agency nurse at Graydon Prison, Lewis reconnects with Jasmine and invites her out for coffee. Their time together reveals Jasmine’s history with her late husband. After Lewis revives Colby Thorne following an assault, he accompanies him to the hospital where Christian provides treatment. Lewis teams up with Jasmine to facilitate a visit from Colby’s sister despite prison restrictions. Later transferring to Northern Districts Hospital to work alongside Jasmine, Lewis keeps a close watch on Christian’s professional conduct due to mistrust stemming from Anna’s fatal accident.

Lewis attains the position of nursing unit manager and confesses his affection for Jasmine. At Christian and Tori’s engagement celebration, Lewis intervenes when Christian attempts surgery while intoxicated. Following a patient’s death, Christian demands Lewis’s termination; however, Tori supports Lewis's position. Lewis openly confronts Christian about Anna’s death; Christian offers an apology but denies culpability. Their rivalry escalates after Lewis tries to undermine Christian by endangering patients to implicate him, resulting in investigations and Christian’s suspension—later overturned.

Lewis intensifies hostilities by reporting Christian for assault and provoking confrontations. Despite Jasmine urging him to pursue counseling, Lewis instead assaults Christian—taking him hostage and administering a fatal injection in an effort to force a confession regarding Anna’s death. Christian survives due to Tori’s timely intervention. When confronted by Jasmine over his actions, Lewis breaks down emotionally and ultimately surrenders to authorities. He pleads guilty to three patient murders and the attempted murder of Christian, concluding his storyline with remorse and acceptance of responsibility.

Others

Date(s) Role Performer Context
27 January Hostage Taker #3 Emanuele Battaglia Members of the Ouroboros gang detaining hostages within the hospital emergency area. One individual inspects the stairwell and discovers a phone emitting a prerecorded message before Dean Thompson incapacitates and disarms him.
Hostage Taker #4 Rik-Mei Karena
27 January– Ambulance Officer/
Paramedic Charlie 		Kathryn Schuback Responsible for transporting injured parties to Northern Districts Hospital, including Robbo, Colby Thorne, Ben Astoni, and John Palmer. Initially credited as Ambulance Officer, later as Paramedic Charlie.
27 January– Freya Bozic Francisca Braithwaite Nurse at Northern Districts Hospital, engaged in the care and observation of principal characters such as Robbo, Colby Thorne, Evan Slater, and Christian Green. Also participates in social interactions with staff.
3 February AFP Chaplain Winston Cooper Officiates at Robbo's funeral service.
Terence Salisbury Howard Stone Father of Lance Salisbury, attends Robbo's funeral, sharing anecdotes from their AFP history.
5 February Journalist Deborah An Conducts an interview with Marilyn Chambers regarding Ari Parata's courageous actions during the hospital siege.
11–19 February Patricia Hendersen Sharni McDermott Counsellor assisting Bella Nixon with issues related to trauma and overdose; suggests alternative support options due to Bella's trust difficulties but maintains ongoing sessions.
18–19 February Jason James Biasetto Mackenzie Booth's ex-boyfriend who pressures her over misappropriated funds, escalating to extortion threats. Constable Colby Thorne warns him about potential legal repercussions.
26–27 February Douglas Adam Booth Takes Leah Patterson hostage, coercing her to end her relationship with Justin Morgan. Following abuse, Leah escapes; Douglas is apprehended and later sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
27 April Danny Bryden White-Tuohey Challenges Nikau Parata and Bella Nixon to a game of pool for table rights; ultimately loses the wager.
Gavin Steve Carroll Customer at Pier Diner who expresses dissatisfaction with his order and departs following an exchange with Leah Patterson.
28 April Ingrid Stone Amy Kersey Victims Services representative assisting Leah Patterson in preparing an impact statement concerning her abuse by Douglas Maynard.
30 April Steve Cramer Cain Employee at Bridge Farm Equine Centre providing therapeutic services; interacts with Bella Nixon, Colby Thorne, and Willow Harris during their visit.
30 April Annabelle Monique Riley Woman discovered sleeping in #Tane Parata's bed, awakened by his ringing phone.
6 May 2020,
15 July 2021 		Ultra Sound Technician Elizabeth McLean Conducts ultrasound examinations for Jasmine Delaney and subsequently for Mia Anderson, verifying pregnancy details. 7 May Cindy Sarah Halloran Woman who spends the night with #Tane Parata; leaves as Nikau Parata and Ryder Jackson arrive.
24 June Melissa Kelly Zacharias Identifies nurse Jasmine Delaney from an online group; spends time with her stepdaughter Grace Morgan and son Tyler; agrees to maintain Jasmine's confidentiality.
Baby Tyler Aurora Williams Melissa's child, present during the encounter with Jasmine Delaney.
8 July Anna Davies Lou Pollard Passport control officer who denies entry to Ari Parata's family due to a security alert, advising them to seek legal advice.
11 August– Sergeant Cooper John Atkinson Police sergeant involved in significant investigations including locating Ross Nixon's body and issuing arrest warrants linked to Kieran Baldivis.
13 August Counsellor Peta Beth Champion Therapist supporting Jasmine Delaney with attachment challenges involving her stepdaughter Grace Morgan; promotes forgiveness concerning her late husband Robbo.
20 August Dale the Camp Manager Bryce Youngman Campsite manager providing local insights to Mackenzie Booth, Ari Parata, and Tane Parata; facilitates information on vehicle sale for Nikau Parata and Bella Nixon.
24 August 2020 – 22 February 2022 Jai Simmons River Jarvis Son of Amber Simmons and Dean Thompson; features prominently in narratives involving custody battles, family relations, school attendance, and parental dynamics. 26 August Ambulance Officer #2 Jennine Kelly Responds alongside colleague Ambo Ken to an emergency involving Justin Morgan exposed to hydrofluoric acid. 16 September 2020 – 11 March 2021 Leon Will McNeill Enforcer connected to Tane Parata's debts; engages in violent incidents at Salt restaurant; involved in blackmailing the Parata family; ultimately arrested after clashes with River Boys gang members. 24 September 2020,
11 August 2021 		Dr Stevens|} Wadih Dona Anaesthesiologist managing critical care for Justin Morgan and monitoring Nikau Parata’s brain hemorrhage; credited on-screen as Dr Kevin Stephens. 13–22 October Francesca Simmons Joanne Hunt Amber Simmons’ mother; participates in disputes over custody of Jai Simmons; questions Dean Thompson’s fitness as guardian due to his past conduct. 2 November 2020 – 17 March 2021 } Jack Finsterer Debt collector enforcing payments from Tane Parata; orchestrates blackmail and kidnappings targeting the Parata family; violent confrontations lead to police involvement. 16–17 November } Neveen Hanna Legal representative for Colby Thorne during his murder trial; advises on plea options amid evidentiary challenges.
} Tracy Mann Oversees Colby Thorne’s trial, accepts guilty plea, and imposes a sentence of 25 years.
} Ray Chong Nee Prosecutor presenting pivotal evidence during Colby Thorne’s murder trial.
16 November } Peter Cook Court official responsible for maintaining order throughout Colby Thorne’s trial proceedings.
'25 November 2020–'
3 March 2022 		} Shameer Birges Correctional officer at Graydon Prison overseeing Colby Thorne’s visits, managing security incidents, hospital escorts, and visitor access.
26 November } Bernie Van Tiel Provides assistance to Dean Thompson following a pub altercation; offers shelter which is declined.
} Kara Sheehan Purchases a beer for Dean Thompson.
26 November 2020,
10 February 2021 		} Travis McCurry Member of River Boy gang involved in territorial disputes with Dean Thompson.
30 November 2020–
11 February 2021 		} Shaun Anthony Robinson Prison inmate who reveals Colby Thorne’s police identity leading to violent altercations culminating in Joe’s fatal stabbing by Colby.


External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Groves
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Chase
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Marco_Astoni&oldid=62013"