Martha MacKenzie

Martha MacKenzie
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Martha MacKenzie (also known as Stewart and Holden) is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, broadcast on Channel Seven. The character is portrayed by Jodi Gordon. Martha made her debut on 8 September 1988, initially portrayed by Burcin Kapkin. The role was revived in 2005 with Gordon, a model who underwent acting training prior to auditioning. Gordon earned a Logie Award for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2006 and garnered various nominations for her portrayal. Martha’s return episode aired on 30 March 2005.

Martha’s personality was depicted as amiable, spirited, and lively. Starting off as a tomboy enthusiastic about sports, she gradually transformed into a fashionable woman. Significant story arcs following her 2005 comeback included surviving a helicopter accident, enduring an abortion and miscarriage, confronting alcoholism, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and coping with widowhood after her spouse was fatally shot. A contentious storyline featured Martha working as a pole dancer, which attracted criticism from the broadcasting authority. During Gordon’s time in the role, personal controversies prompted speculation regarding her continuation on the series. In January 2010, it was confirmed that Gordon would exit the show, with Martha’s final appearance on 9 June 2010.

Casting

The character of Martha was first brought to life by Burcin Kapkin in 1988. In 2005, the role was assumed by model Jodi Gordon, who had taken acting classes before successfully auditioning. Although initially inexperienced in acting, Gordon was given two months to prepare before filming commenced. She described securing the role as a "fluke."

In March 2007, Gordon was temporarily written out following the passing of her partner, Chris Burkhardt, due to cancer. Script adjustments were made by the writers to accommodate her absence.

In 2009, Gordon became the focus of media scrutiny owing to personal life issues. Despite rumors about her potential departure, Channel Seven publicly supported her and maintained her contract for an additional two years. Cast colleagues and fans also expressed their backing during this challenging period.

In January 2010, Gordon announced her intention to leave the series and requested an early release from her contract. Producers encouraged her to stay given the character’s popularity. Reflecting on her five-year tenure with Channel Seven and Home and Away, Gordon spoke positively about the experience. She completed filming her final scenes in late February. Ray Meagher, who portrays Martha’s grandfather Alf Stewart, endorsed her decision but lamented the lack of family connections for Martha’s character on screen.

Characterisation

Channel Seven described Martha as "friendly, straightforward, and full of zest for life," while Jetstar magazine referred to her as "a spirited new member of the Stewart family." Gordon characterized Martha as "consistently feisty," always standing up for what she believes in and maintaining clear goals. She observed that Martha frequently makes poor romantic decisions due to uncertainty about what she truly desires. Gordon portrayed Martha as "troubled" yet possessing a warm nature—essentially a "fun-loving, easy-going girl next door." She enjoys depicting Martha’s wild and playful side, often involving loud expressions and mischief that seem inseparable from the character. Regarding appearance, RTÉ noted that Martha transitioned from a self-proclaimed tomboy passionate about sports into a stylish woman with keen fashion sense, sporting everything from shorts and strappy tops to summer dresses.

Connection with Jack Holden

Martha’s narrative primarily centered on her fluctuating relationship with Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien), encompassing marriage, divorce, remarriage, and eventually widowhood. Prior to their initial wedding, Holy Soap identified them as one of the "most cherished couples." Nevertheless, their marriage was brief and ended in separation. After Martha’s abortion, Jack provided emotional support, and she shared a kiss with him despite his involvement with Sam Tolhurst (Jessica Chapnik). O'Brien mentioned that although Jack had moved forward, he still retained feelings for Martha. Martha was heartbroken when Jack intended to marry Sam, an emotion revealed when she was discovered trying on Sam’s wedding gown, indicating unresolved emotions. Gordon remarked that despite their desire to be together, Jack and Martha were never fully aligned in mindset. Both actors concurred that their initial breakup occurred during a challenging period for Jack when he needed Martha the most.

Even after their on-screen split, the pair cultivated a passionate online fanbase advocating for their reunion. Gordon expressed support for the couple, hoping they would unite but acknowledged complications due to timing and maturity, as both were involved with others at the time. She imagined a joyful conclusion for them beyond the series, calling them "the ultimate couple." Gordon also acknowledged that during Martha’s hardships, being together was too difficult but believed Jack would play a crucial role in her eventual happiness. The Daily Telegraph highlighted this dynamic as a typical soap opera device—separating and reuniting characters while leaving room for future reconciliation, akin to other iconic soap pairings.

Ultimately, Jack and Martha reunited on-screen after he assisted her through challenging moments. Gordon felt their bond was strongest during Martha’s battle with breast cancer, underscoring her dedication to safeguarding their happiness.

Decline and Pole Dancing

A major plotline for Martha involved her hidden life as a pole dancer coupled with a descent into alcoholism, triggered by her abortion and failed romances with Jack, Ash Nader (Ben Geurens), and her manipulative new partner Cameron "Cam" Reynolds (Ashley Lyons). This storyline commenced following Ash’s revelation of his double life in the 2006 cliffhanger episode. Gordon described Martha as innocent and eager to trust Cam despite his detrimental influence. Their relationship deteriorated after Martha terminated Ash’s pregnancy, pushing her toward a party-centric lifestyle. Gordon observed the show’s tendency to evolve characters from disheveled individuals into glamorous personas.

Martha’s downward trajectory was intensified by Cam’s manipulation, exploiting her vulnerability through his affluence and authority. O'Brien (Jack) commented on Martha’s efforts to reinvent herself during this period. Gordon clarified that Martha engaged in pole dancing rather than stripping; she undertook lessons sponsored by Channel Seven and found performing before cast members physically challenging and intimidating. She regarded this plot as crucial for Martha’s character growth, necessitating hitting rock bottom to facilitate self-discovery.

After Martha’s situation became public knowledge, her friends attempted interventions. Kate Ritchie, portraying Sally Fletcher, noted Martha’s resistance to guidance and how Sally alongside Alf ultimately supported her. Ritchie likened Martha’s pole dancing struggles to real-life challenges many individuals face. She also mentioned that Sally’s interference occasionally worsened the situation, emphasizing the importance of allowing events to unfold naturally. Gordon highlighted how during this phase Martha distanced herself from friends and family, resulting in isolation despite their efforts.

The pole dancing scenes stirred controversy in Australia when the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) categorized them as sexually explicit content inappropriate for a G-rated program and advised parental supervision. Channel Seven defended the scenes by explaining that most episodes are rated PG but they provide viewer advisories when content is more suited for mature audiences. Two years later, Gordon revealed that filming had led her to visit strip clubs more frequently due to her experience during production.

Pregnancy and breast cancer

In 2008, Martha encountered a second pregnancy amid doubts about the child's paternity, which she kept hidden from Jack. Gordon revealed that both Martha and Roman consented to let Jack believe he was the father, as Roman preferred to remain uninvolved. After a miscarriage scare, Roman demanded a DNA test, which Martha secretly agreed to, fearing it might jeopardize her relationship with Jack. Gordon described their bond as strong yet delicate due to Martha’s concealment, characterizing Roman as "Martha’s worst nightmare."

At the same time, Martha received a breast cancer diagnosis, a plotline introduced roughly a year following the death of Gordon’s partner from acute myeloid leukemia. Drawing on her own experiences, Gordon welcomed the role as an "incredible opportunity." Home and Away producer Cameron Welsh made sure she was comfortable with the storyline, which Gordon regarded as her most demanding to date.

Gordon collaborated closely with writers to ensure the medical details were accurate. Before filming commenced, they carefully planned Martha’s arc, including discovering a lump, choosing to continue her pregnancy despite medical warnings, and undergoing cancer treatments. Gordon later described this period as "extremely challenging."

Backstory

Ruth Stewart became pregnant by Brett Macklin and gave birth to Martha but placed her for adoption with the MacKenzie family. Raised on their farm until her adoptive parents passed away, Martha inherited the farm and her brothers. She later sought out her birth parents; although Brett rejected her, she developed a connection with Ruth and lived with her in New York. Eventually, Martha returned to Australia to reside with relatives Alf and Morag.

2005–10

Remaining in Summer Bay with Alf, Martha grew close to her cousin Ric Dalby. She had a brief romance with Jesse McGregor before starting a relationship with Jack Holden, which ended after an accident left Jack deaf and blaming her. Subsequently, Martha dated Jack’s friend Corey Henderson, who became violent and was jailed after poisoning Irene Roberts and holding Martha captive.

Martha formed a friendship with Tasha Andrews, who was involved in a cult and assaulted; later, Martha was kidnapped by Jonah Abraham, who was imprisoned for his actions. Reuniting with Jack, Martha became engaged and married him. Their wedding reception was disrupted by an explosion causing serious injuries; Martha survived a helicopter crash that followed but eventually their marriage ended.

She briefly dated Ash, Jack’s former friend, but ended it upon discovering he was married. After becoming pregnant, Martha chose abortion and began heavy drinking. She then dated Cam Reynolds while working as a pole dancer at his club until Jack intervened when Cam set fire to the venue. Although Martha and Jack remained friends, they finalized their divorce; Jack’s new relationship deeply hurt her.

Martha reconnected with Jonah (now Michael), leading to a contentious relationship. After Jack was shot and fell into a coma, Martha cared for him; despite mutual feelings, Jack stayed with Sam Tolhurst. Martha left town with Michael but returned to halt Jack and Sam’s wedding without success. Following Sam’s suicide and clearance of murder suspicions, Martha grew close again to Jack but also saw Roman. After reconciling with Jack and planning remarriage, she discovered she was pregnant by Roman. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she opted to keep the pregnancy against medical advice; she later lost the baby but entered remission.

Mourning Jack’s accidental shooting death, Martha took in his cousins Xavier and Hugo Austin. She began dating Hugo until he abruptly ended their relationship; later she was kidnapped by Hugo’s ex-wife but rescued by Angelo Rosetta. Martha assisted in capturing criminal Derrick Quaid.

Upon learning of Hugo’s involvement in people smuggling, Martha cut ties with him. Believing Hugo dead, she later discovered he was under witness protection. When criminals targeted Hugo’s family, Martha, Xavier, and Gina Austin were held hostage but escaped thanks to Hugo and Tony Holden.

Detective Gordon Eaves arrived in Summer Bay; Hugo identified him as a corrupt officer tied to the smuggling ring. During a confrontation at Martha’s farm, Eaves shot Hugo but fled after being apprehended by Angelo Rosetta and others. Angelo released Hugo and Martha during transport so they could stage an escape; they fled Summer Bay using Angelo’s police vehicle, leaving family and friends behind.

Reception

Gordon earned numerous award nominations for her role as Martha, securing a Logie Award in 2006 for "Most Popular New Female Talent." She was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actress" in 2009 and received multiple nominations at the Inside Soap Awards from 2006 to 2009, including categories such as "Best Newcomer," "Sexiest Female," and "Best Couple" alongside co-star Paul O'Brien. Additionally, Gordon was recognized at the Digital Spy Soap Awards and nominated for the 2009 Australian Cosmopolitan "Fun, Fearless Female Women of the Year" accolades.

Holy Soap underscored significant plotlines involving Martha, particularly her battle with cancer and the incident of Jack being shot. Virgin Media ranked Martha and Jack among the "Soaps' sexiest couples," highlighting their multiple nuptials and numerous obstacles throughout their storyline.

In 2010, a scene featuring Martha and Liam was considered excessively explicit for New Zealand television, leading to a complaint upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Authority regarding its sexual content. This was the first time a complaint about Home and Away's portrayal of sexuality was officially supported. Actor Ray Meagher later commented that the scene was mild when compared to earlier violent sequences.

By 2018, TV Week featured Martha in their list of "Top 20 Home And Away characters of all time," focusing on her development from being Roo's newborn child to a mature woman with striking moments such as working as a pole dancer and confronting life-threatening challenges.

External links

• Character profile on the Official Home and Away Website
• Character profile at the Internet Movie Database