Martha Stewart (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters introduced during 1989, all under the guidance of executive producer Des Monaghan. The second season commenced on 23 January 1989. The initial character introduced that year was Martha Stewart in January, followed by schoolgirl Vicki Baxter, portrayed by Nana Coburn, in February. In April, Rebecca Fisher made her debut, succeeded by Emily Symons as Marilyn Chambers in May. June marked the birth of Duncan Stewart, the first child of Alf and Ailsa. Two weeks afterward, Mat Stevenson appeared as Adam Cameron. July saw the addition of Mouche Phillips as Viv Newton, while September welcomed Dannii Minogue portraying Emma Jackson.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, played by Alison Mulvaney. She was presented through flashbacks as Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) first wife. The character returned to the series on 27 March 2018, recast with Belinda Giblin, who had previously appeared as Cynthia Ross in 1991. Ray Meagher recommended Giblin for the role, describing her as "the perfect choice." Martha holds the distinction for the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, it was revealed Martha had not died as formerly believed but had vanished due to dissatisfaction with her life circumstances. Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) endeavored to locate her mother before Martha’s arrival in Summer Bay. After receiving a call from Alf, Martha returned and reconciled romantically with him despite living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), which triggered anxiety and a brief departure.

Martha was once married to Alf and is the mother of their daughter Roo (originally portrayed by Justine Clarke). Presumed dead following a sailing mishap in 1985, she appeared in flashbacks through Bobby Simpson’s diary entries, demonstrating knowledge about Bobby’s biological mother Morag Bellingham.

Years later, Alf confides in Roo that Martha is still alive. Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Martha reunites with Alf and Roo, explaining that her absence was due to battling BPD and fear of confronting her condition. After undergoing treatment, she initially left but kept in touch. Alf and Martha reignited their relationship; she painted his portrait and they agreed to explore their renewed connection.

Martha experienced anxiety related to BPD when unable to contact Roo during remote teaching but relaxed once communication was established. She returned home but subsequently moved back to Summer Bay after accepting Alf’s invitation to live together. Facing initial challenges, she sought mental health support from Alex Neilson (Zoe Ventoura) and was referred to a specialist.

Following the deaths of Mason Morgan and Robbo, Alf proposed marriage again; Martha hesitated at first but accepted after a formal proposal. They wed and departed for a visit with Alf’s sisters. Martha maintained a residence and art studio in Merimbula, which caused some friction with Alf who wished her to sell it; she insisted it served as her sanctuary for managing BPD.

Martha confided in Roo about having a son, Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), whom she had not seen for many years due to a strained relationship. After sharing this with Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), she visited Kieran and later informed both Alf and Roo about him. Kieran soon arrived in Summer Bay.

Primarily residing in Merimbula, Martha continues to live there while Alf visits frequently.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, brought to life by Nana Coburn, made her first appearance on 22 February 1989. Interestingly, Coburn's father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the series as the headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week labeled Vicki as "Summer Bay’s local troublemaker." Although Coburn initially struggled with playing a character that audiences disliked, she eventually embraced the role. She maintained a semi-regular presence until June 1990 when she filmed her final scenes, reflecting positively on the experience, particularly recalling an intense fight sequence with Dannii Minogue.

As a student in Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, Vicki was cast as an antagonist, notorious for bullying and clashing with peers such as Carly Morris, Viv Newton, and Emma Jackson. After making a false molestation claim against teacher Grant Mitchell—which led to his suspension—Emma forced Vicki to admit the truth. In retaliation, Vicki framed Emma for exam paper theft, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover her manipulations, ultimately resulting in Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, first appeared on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher. During her stay in Summer Bay, she became romantically involved with Steven Matheson. Producers recognized the strong on-screen rapport between Hall and Adam Willits and considered bringing Rebecca back periodically. The character was later recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week run in 1994 and then with Belinda Emmett in 1996. Emmett’s performance garnered her a Logie Award nomination for Most Popular New Talent in 1997 and subsequent nominations for Most Popular Actress in 1998 and 1999, including a Gold Logie nod for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, debuted on 18 May 1989. Symons departed from the series in 1992 but returned between 1995 and 1999. Dannii Minogue originally auditioned for Marilyn but was cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons secured the role of Marilyn. Holy Soap described Marilyn as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart first appeared on screen on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy’s portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, portrayed by Mat Stevenson, made his debut on 28 June 1989. Stevenson had previously appeared on rival soap Neighbours as Skinner, a minor criminal character. He moved from Melbourne to Sydney to take on this role. Stevenson characterized Adam as somewhat of a "layabout" who favors enjoyment over responsibility but is capable of kindness. He exited the show in 1994 but returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and expressed interest in rejoining full-time. An Inside Soap columnist described Adam as a "happy-go-lucky joker."

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, played by Mouche Phillips, first appeared on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming shortly after co-star Justine Clarke left the production. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned that she preferred staying active during filming, often prompting others to search for her when she was not following the script closely.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, portrayed by Dannii Minogue, made her debut on 22 September 1989 and exited the series on 22 August 1990. Though Minogue initially auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers, she was ultimately cast as Emma. After a year, she left to focus on her music career. Despite speculation about a return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not reappear. For her portrayal, Minogue earned a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Additionally, Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

18–21 September ||Ian McTavish|| Noel Trevarthen || Scottish explorer searching for the mythical "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it was a hoax involving Martin Dibble in costume. 20 September ||Samantha Walker|| Fiona Shannon || Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart that niece Emma Jackson wishes to live with her, revealing family estrangement issues. 11–12 October ||Millicent Staples|| Julie Haseler || Wealthy young woman booking a charter cruise with Adam Cameron; deceives him by abandoning him on a remote island after gaining his trust. 11 October ||Henry Whiting|| Patrick Ward || Owner of local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble declined purchase offers. 25 October ||Sylvia Wilson||Marie Armstrong || Wife of Rex Wilson and aunt to Matt Wilson present during council-related discussions at Stewart store. 26 October–15 November||Rory Heywood ||Gregor Jordan || Visitor seeking out the Fletchers under false pretenses; irritates locals before being killed by a shark—his death triggers shark hunting efforts in Summer Bay. 30 October–2 November||Mick||Bruce Samazan|| Friend of Andrew Foley staying briefly with him and Stacey Macklin; drug addict causing tension before abruptly leaving after damaging property.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les, the late fiancé of Celia Stewart, appears in flashbacks set in 1970. Their wedding was planned but never took place due to Les’s death in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay engaged to Stacey Macklin and conspires with her father to acquire the caravan park. After framing Roo Stewart with poison pen letters, he assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, sibling to Alison and Mav Patterson, attends Summer Bay Primary and uncovers Morag Bellingham’s memoir manuscript alongside Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Morag Bellingham’s husband for two decades; they separate following revelations about Bobby Simpson’s maternity.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	A journalist investigating Morag Bellingham’s past who manipulates residents for information and convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble, struggles with illiteracy, and departs with her violent ex-boyfriend Meat Axe following a confrontation.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	A friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting concerning a dangerous shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Mother of Martin Dibble; appears during a dinner aimed at dissuading Leanne Dunn from marrying Martin.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Brother of Martin Dibble; present at a family gathering.
8 March	Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Another brother of Martin Dibble; also attends the family meal.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who works at the Blaxland mansion and gently declines Celia Stewart's romantic interest before resigning.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson regarding Donald’s son Alan’s novel and the revelation about Morag Bellingham’s maternity.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn’s aggressive ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble; Leanne leaves with him despite Martin’s feelings.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker who steals from locals, causes a deadly fire, becomes a Fletcher foster child, frames others for arson, and is imprisoned for murder. Released on parole in 1995, he commits further crimes including murder and kidnapping before vanishing.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson by Dodge and Steven Matheson before fleeing town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father of Andrew Foley seeking reconciliation prior to his death; leaves an inheritance along with an apology to Andrew.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official responsible for foster placements and investigating abuse allegations involving the Newton family; temporarily suspends Donald Fisher's guardianship.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart's claim following her store fire.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting the Macklin family on business matters.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor hesitant to sign a Macklin development contract but convinced by Martin Dibble after initial disappointment with Frank Morgan and Bobby Simpson.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with the Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Laborer working for Macklin corporation involved in strike negotiations mediated by Roo Stewart; helps rescue Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to motivate Roo Stewart amid personal challenges.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Friend of Stacey Macklin who forms music group Image; manages their success and eventual move to Los Angeles with Stacey joining later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman who supports Viv Newton during her period of homelessness.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer interrogating Dodge Forbes about a stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes responsibility instead.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; his mistreatment results in supervision orders and custody disputes involving social services.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton caught in custody battles due to their father's abuse; eventually reunites with mother Angela Newton and moves to Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson's uncle serving on local council; facilitates Matt's appointment as beach inspector but resigns after suffering a heart attack.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley's Youth advice centre located at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Sally Keating's estranged uncle seeking custody but unable to persuade Sally, who chooses to remain with the Fletchers.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Ross Keating's wife and Sally's aunt; infertile due to cancer treatment, she supports Sally while respecting her decision to stay with the Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Father of Vicki Baxter who reacts strongly when Vicki falsely accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of molestation.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham for his father’s imprisonment and suicide; dates Bobby Simpson while terrorizing Morag before fleeing after confrontation.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in various investigations including arrests of Shane Parrish and Sally Fletcher; later suspended following a fatal hit-and-run accident involving Shane.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher's transfer after a heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City doctor diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database