Martin Ashford (Home and Away)

Martin "Ash" Ashford
Born	Martin Ashford
Other names	Ash
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2014–2018 (on Home and Away)
Known for	Character on Home and Away
Notable work	Home and Away

Martin "Ash" Ashford is a character created for the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by actor George Mason. His first appearance was on 27 October 2014. Mason, a New Zealand native residing in Melbourne, accepted the role after identifying Ash as an engaging and dynamic character. Ash is characterized as a hardened ex-convict with a troubled past, having been falsely accused of robbery by Dean Sanderson (Kevin Kiernan-Molloy), who also alienated Ash from his sister Billie (Tessa de Josselin).

Ash is introduced as a former inmate and close acquaintance of established character Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke). Together, they embark on a quest through the Australian Outback to locate Billie. His narrative is closely intertwined with Brax’s storyline and later develops into a romantic involvement with Denny Miller (Jessica Grace Smith). Critics quickly branded Ash as the series’ quintessential "bad boy" and "heartthrob." Mason announced his exit in early 2018; the character took a brief hiatus in April before departing permanently on 20 June 2018.

Casting

George Mason landed the role while based in Melbourne, describing Ash as an "exceptional character." He was on the verge of signing a long-term lease when he found out about being cast. Media reports highlighted that Mason would introduce an "explosive storyline" to the program. Ash was introduced as someone arriving in Summer Bay to reconnect with Darryl Braxton. Mason’s agent confirmed his casting as Martin Ashford, commonly referred to as "Ash." The character made his debut on-screen on 27 October 2014.

Characterisation

Ash is depicted as a resilient man forged by his experiences in prison, yet he also possesses a humorous and lively personality. He carries emotional scars because his sister mistakenly believes he blamed her boyfriend for a crime. Ash holds strong principles and does not shirk accountability at others’ expense. Mason described him as "laid-back," combining a playful demeanor with deep commitment to family and belonging. He emphasized that Ash has a kind heart but has endured a difficult upbringing. Mason referred to Ash as an enigmatic figure who naturally draws female attention upon arriving in Summer Bay. Ash pursues enjoyment as compensation for lost time behind bars, although some of his behaviors might initially irritate viewers.

Introduction

Ash comes to Summer Bay to live with Brax, an old prison companion. Mason indicated that Ash would "stir up trouble" due to unresolved conflicts, and most of his scenes involve Brax, highlighting their strong on-set camaraderie. When Brax exhibits aggression toward his brother Kyle stemming from prison-related trauma, the Braxton family questions whether Ash’s presence is beneficial or harmful. Kyle speculates if Ash will aid Brax’s recovery or instead trigger painful memories.

Ash’s initial plotline centers on traveling into the Australian Outback with Brax to find his sister Billie and her abusive boyfriend Dean Sanderson. Mason explained that Billie is Ash’s last remaining family member and that their journey aims at reconciliation after prison. They discover Billie has moved forward; encountering Sam Kennedy introduces tension regarding Dean’s location. Following Dean's death and Brax being accused of murder, Ash suspects Sam is responsible and informs police officer Katarina Chapman, who dismisses his suspicions.

Despite Katarina’s doubts, Ash and Brax return to the outback to confront Sam. Mason stressed that Ash feels accountable for Brax’s legal predicament since their search for Billie led to Dean’s murder accusation. Their confrontation confirms Sam’s guilt, but he refuses to amend his police statement. Brax’s lawyer suggests accusing Ash of murder due to incriminating evidence; however, Brax chooses loyalty over betrayal. This storyline heightens conflict between Ash and Ricky Sharpe, who mistrusts him for putting Brax at risk.

Denny Miller

Ash encounters Denny Miller (Jessica Grace Smith), and their connection is instantaneous, leading to a flirtation shortly after the passing of Denny's former partner, Casey Braxton. Producer Lucy Addario mentioned that Ash’s romantic storyline would encounter the usual obstacles found in Summer Bay. Denny wrestles with feelings of guilt about moving forward from Casey, but with John Palmer’s support, she pursues Ash and surprises him with a kiss. While Ash initially recoils, he ultimately consents to begin a relationship.

Denny values that Ash is not the "typical clean-cut guy," and their relationship continues. When they decide to take their intimacy further, Denny experiences inner turmoil. Ash remains empathetic, recognizing that he must proceed cautiously due to her emotional vulnerability.

Departure

In April 2018, Mason announced his exit from Home and Away, having completed filming his concluding scenes. He described the role as "a dream job" but also found it "overwhelming" to be a lead character. The show depicted Ash's temporary departure on 26 April 2018, with his final episode airing on 20 June.

Storylines

Ash tracks down Darryl Braxton at Angelo's, which leads to tension with Ricky. Brax reveals that Ash was once his cellmate and offers him employment and a place to stay. Ash supports Brax through family challenges and joins him on a journey to retrieve stolen robbery money, which Ash later hands over to Phoebe Nicholson.

Despite Brax’s warning, Ash flirts with Denny, bonding over her late fiancé Casey. He accompanies Phoebe to a concert where Neive Devlin traps them in a cellar and drugs Phoebe to orchestrate a scandal; Ash and Andy Barrett come to her rescue. Ash is stunned when Brax is arrested for murder and realizes that Sam is the true perpetrator but fails to persuade Katarina. Ash and Brax confront Sam in the outback; when the stolen money is discovered, Ash becomes implicated as well, though Brax accepts responsibility.

Ash vows to care for Ricky, but she holds him responsible for various issues. He begins dating Denny, which creates tension with Ricky. After Brax suffers an attack in prison by Trevor Gunson, Ash is forced into assisting Gunson’s drug operations to safeguard Brax. Ash reconnects with his sister Billie and uncovers her troubled relationships along with false allegations against Nate Cooper.

Ash finds Billie’s injuries resulting from a fire that killed Dean and suspects her involvement. Kyle takes over Ash’s role in a drug deal; together they devise a plan for Brax’s prison break after Gunson threatens him. The scheme fails when Brax’s transport vehicle crashes; Brax persuades Ash to fake his death for protection. Denny ends her relationship with Ash due to his deception and dangerous behavior.

Ash has a brief romance with Phoebe during her split from Kyle; they eventually enter into a relationship. After discovering Kyle fathered Phoebe’s twins—who are later miscarried—Ash supports her through their breakups and reunions. Billie returns, becoming entangled in legal issues; Ash suspects Charlotte King’s involvement and assaults her until Kat intervenes.

Ash attends Zac and Leah’s wedding but becomes a suspect in Charlotte’s murder, being arrested despite no evidence. During Billie’s trial, Hunter King admits to starting the fire at Leah’s house. Ash warns Kat about Dylan Carter, who subsequently takes them hostage before being apprehended. Kat and Ash start dating, sparking jealousy from Phoebe.

Ash learns Billie is pregnant by Mick Jennings following a rape; he meets his newborn niece Luc before Billie dies from lung cancer in his arms. After confronting John Palmer as the arsonist behind recent fires, Ash clashes with hospital staff and struggles to help care for Luc alongside Leah, Irene, and VJ.

Following delays in obtaining Billie’s death certificate, Ash investigates his brother Luke's presumed death after receiving a call from "Patrick Stanwood." At Stanwood’s residence, Luke is alive; Ash punches him before returning home. He gains custody of Luc, who moves in with him and Kat.

Ash develops feelings for Tori Morgan, which annoys Kat who begins dating Robbo; subsequently Kat and Ash end their relationship. After awkward interactions and jealousy over Tori’s blind date, Ash admits his feelings for Tori. Despite initial hesitation, they begin dating following mutual confessions and an initial date discussing future aspirations.

Reception

At the 2015 TV Week and Soap Extra #OMGAwards, Mason received two accolades: Best Shock Kiss for the scene between his character Ash and Phoebe, and Best Love Triangle for the storyline involving Ash, Phoebe, and Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). In August 2017, Mason was included on the longlist for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards, although he did not make it to the final viewer-voted shortlist. According to TV Guide's Harvey, Mason garnered international media attention even before his debut on screen, with Australian publications swiftly dubbing him "Home And Away's latest heartthrob." A reporter from What's on TV described Ash as a "handsome stranger."

Bianca La Cioppa of TV Week expressed criticism over Ash's romantic interest in Denny, considering it too soon after Casey's passing, yet she admitted to Ash’s attractiveness. Her colleague Stephen Downie supported the couple, suggesting Denny deserved to be with the "handsome Ash." A writer from TV Magazine emphasized the undeniable chemistry between "the attractive newcomer Ash" and Denny.

A contributor from New Idea referred to Mason as a "charming new face" and portrayed his character as "strong and resilient." Sharon Goldstein Hunt of TV Week labeled Ash "the Bay’s latest bad boy and Brax’s close friend," while another columnist expressed disappointment over his limited character development, noting that he remained enigmatic by the end of the previous year. Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap characterized Ash as "clearly no saint," unlikely to change due to his connection with the Braxton family, but recognized his affectionate side toward Billie and Brax. Ellis later commented that Ash’s "luxurious hair" makes him a favorite among Summer Bay’s women.

External links

• Martin Ashford at the Official Home and Away website