Martin Bartlett (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
Products	Television drama series

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation details characters who made their debut in 2008, all introduced under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's twenty-first season commenced broadcasting on 28 January 2008. Key character Martin Bartlett, portrayed by Bob Baines, was introduced in February. March saw the arrival of Trent Dalzell as Axel Hay, David Downer as Ross Buckton, and Celeste Dodwell playing Melody Jones. In April, Tessa James joined the cast as Nicole Franklin. May brought in Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips, respectively. June featured the debuts of Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds portraying Charlie and Ruby Buckton. On 8 July, Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano appeared as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. Finally, November introduced David Jones-Roberts in the role of Xavier Austin.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, enacted by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. He arrives at Summer Bay High as the new deputy principal, succeeding Donald Fisher. After the stabbing incident involving Sally Fletcher, Martin is promoted to principal by the school's governing board. He initially employs Jazz Curtis as his secretary but dismisses her following a blackmail incident. Subsequently, he recruits former pupil Kirsty Sutherland to fill the secretary role and develops romantic feelings toward her.

His narrative arc includes accepting accountability for an injury sustained by Kirsty's son Oliver, sharing insights into his upbringing by a single mother, and uncovering Kirsty's relationship with Miles Copeland. Upon discovering Kirsty works as an escort, Martin terminates her employment but still provides a reference enabling her to secure a position at the Sands resort. Tension escalates when Miles learns that Martin himself frequents escort services at the same resort.

At a senior formal event overseen by Martin, Kane Phillips crashes a vehicle through the venue's wall, resulting in Martin sustaining fractured ribs. Martin also coordinates a commemorative school trek honoring Dan Baker; during this event, students Jai Fernandez and Annie Campbell go missing. The situation intensifies when Trey Palmer takes everyone hostage on their bus using a bomb—later safely disarmed by Hugo Austin.

The accumulation of these pressures prompts Martin to depart for a cruise, appointing Gina Austin as his successor before leaving.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, played by Trent Dalzell, was first seen on screen on 19 March 2008.

Prior to Axel's departure from the series, he and fellow student Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk driver, Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the accident site. Actor Todd Lasance (Aden Jefferies) disclosed to Inside Soap that Axel is hospitalized with serious injuries while Jai escapes with minor harm. Initially unable to recall their assailant, both remember a silver estate car, which leads Aden to suspect his father’s involvement.

Axel is introduced as one of Aden’s peers. At Nicole Franklin’s (Tessa James) party, Axel behaves inappropriately toward Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) and later attempts to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell). When Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) uncovers this behavior, he threatens Axel, who is subsequently found beaten on the beach by Belle. Axel refuses to assist police investigations, causing suspicion to fall on Geoff and Aden instead. Belle deduces Aden’s culpability after observing his indifferent attitude. Axel’s standing deteriorates; he apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Ultimately, Axel succumbs to injuries sustained in the car crash caused by Aden’s father. He later appears as a hallucination in Melody’s nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008 as a detective investigating the murder of Sam Holden. He questions Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), who is the ex-wife of Sam's widower Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien), regarding a suspicious suicide note and later interviews Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) after new information comes to light.

Ross initially targets Jack and Martha as suspects but withdraws the charges once Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) establishes that Sam's death was self-inflicted. Despite difficulties—including Ross concealing details about his late wife Elsie and resistance from his daughter Charlie, who warns Morag off through text messages—Ross and Morag revive their previous relationship. His other daughter, Ruby, proves more encouraging. Ross proposes marriage, and they hold a private wedding ceremony before departing on their honeymoon to Europe.

After they return, signs of tension emerge as Ross begins exhibiting memory lapses and stress. Following two disappearances, Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) diagnoses him with Alzheimer's disease. After a hazardous event at Leah Patterson-Baker’s (Ada Nicodemou) residence, Ross consents to move into a care facility with Morag accompanying him.

When Grant Bledcoe’s (Clayton Watson) body is discovered, Charlie becomes the main suspect and is suspended from duty. Ross admits to having killed Grant years earlier as retribution for raping Charlie during their youth. He faces murder charges and awaits trial until his passing in 2011; his funeral is held in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, played by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her drama Higher School Certificate (HSC). Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which was ultimately given to Tessa James. Attracted by Melody’s character description, she accepted the part. Dodwell later departed the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, enacted by Tessa James, first appeared on 18 April 2008. Her casting was announced in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commending her as an "exciting talent" expected to connect well with viewers. James relocated to Sydney for this opportunity, considering it valuable experience within the industry. Celeste Dodwell had originally tried out for Nicole’s role. Nicole’s key story arcs include rekindling a romance while stranded on a desert island and enduring a hostage situation, showcasing her dramatic range. Media outlets labeled her a "flighty minx" and a "fiery favourite," while TV Week highlighted James as one of the series’ most promising performers with potential for international success.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, brought to life by Jordan Rodrigues, debuted on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described this role as an entirely new challenge and appreciated recognition from viewers. Jai’s background involves losing his family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, connecting him to established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who also suffered familial losses. This bond leads Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay, although tensions arise since Miles had initially left Jai behind in Phuket. Rodrigues noted Jai’s anger issues and difficulty adapting to life in the coastal town.

In 2009, Rodrigues left the show to join ABC’s Dance Academy. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai is first discovered in an urban refuge by Miles and reluctantly relocates to Summer Bay. He struggles socially but forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell). Their escapades include a scooter crash caused by an intoxicated Larry Jefferies, resulting in Axel's death. This trauma prompts Jai into reckless acts such as leaping from Jump Rock to test his fearlessness. He develops a romantic relationship with Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) following a series of daring stunts and mutual support, despite initial disapproval from their guardians, Miles and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

The couple faces further adversity when Annie becomes trapped in a storm drain but is rescued by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Meanwhile, Jai deals with bullying from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) who targets him, Miles, and Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes). After Trey falsely accuses Kirsty of having a sexual relationship with him, Jai uses sensitive information about Trey to force him to drop the allegations.

Jai’s relationship with Annie deteriorates when he drunkenly admits at Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) birthday party that he desires intimacy with her, leading to their breakup. Subsequently, Jai is accidentally shot with an old shotgun found on Martha MacKenzie's (Jodi Gordon) farm but conceals his injury until collapsing during a school hike. Although he recovers physically, jealousy arises when Annie shows interest in Dexter Walker (Tom Green) and refuses to believe their explanations after witnessing them kiss.

Jai’s spirits lift with the arrival of Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell), an old foster friend staying at Summer Bay House. Jai enlists Romeo’s assistance in winning Annie back; however, Romeo deceives Annie into believing he wrote love poems Jai had sent her, revealing Romeo's own feelings for her. To escape this tangled situation, Jai agrees to participate in a student exchange program in Japan but withdraws after Kirsty miscarries Miles' child. He supports them both and suggests Annie take his place; eventually, both Jai and Annie depart together for Japan following farewells.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty Phillips and Kane Phillips. His introduction occurs when Irene Roberts takes him in after he develops a high fever, necessitating hospital care. Despite interventions from medical staff and law enforcement, Ollie remains unresponsive. Kane, who is on the run, secretly visits Ollie before Kirsty removes him from the hospital following Kane's unsuccessful robbery attempt and subsequent capture.

Ollie and Kirsty reside temporarily with Irene but their presence causes disturbances, leading them to relocate to a caravan park near their previous residence. Miles Copeland offers them accommodation in his home, where they establish a family unit along with Miles and Jai. Upon Kane’s release from jail, Ollie notices him and wishes to keep it a secret; however, excitement eventually results in Kane reuniting with the family. They leave but later return due to difficulties in Kane and Kirsty’s relationship. Ollie is distressed when Kane departs for good but is glad to be back in Summer Bay.

Kirsty becomes pregnant but suffers a miscarriage later on. Ollie then meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland, who takes them to live with her family in the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton made her first appearance on 6 June 2008, played by Esther Anderson, a former model cast to bring additional "sex appeal" to Home and Away. Anderson, an admirer of the series, was delighted to secure the role after auditioning. She left the show in November 2011 to pursue acting opportunities in Hollywood.

Anderson received multiple award nominations for portraying Charlie, including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, "Best Daytime Star" in 2010, as well as nods for "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards. The episode featuring Charlie’s death was also recognized with an Australian Writers' Guild nomination. Critics referred to Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and the soap’s "most charming crime fighter."

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, debuted on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is characterized as carefree yet concealing her true emotions behind a tough exterior. Mourning her mother’s death, she internalizes her sorrow, presenting herself as independent and reserved. Breeds emphasized Ruby’s toughness and dedication to her family, describing her as playful and laid-back.

In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes before departing Home and Away. She mentioned that Ruby’s storyline remained incomplete at that point. Breeds earned a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009 and was later nominated for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010, demonstrating strong audience support. Additionally, she received a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards.

One memorable plot involved Ruby dealing with her father’s illness by cleverly turning a prank around—persuading the prankster to skinny-dip and then stealing his clothes—highlighting her ingenuity.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, portrayed by Luke Jacobz, first appeared on 8 July 2008. Jacobz landed this role following the cancellation of McLeod's Daughters, where he had a recurring role. Initially intending to work as a labourer in Sydney, Jacobz accepted this part and was originally contracted for six months. It was announced in February 2011 that he had departed Home and Away, although his character continued appearing for several months afterward.

The official website described Angelo as coming from a tightly connected family with three brothers, initially seen as brash and unlikely to succeed. Jacobz received nominations for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards that same year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, played by Paul Pantano, appeared on-screen from 8 July to 26 August 2008. Pantano was recognized in Digital Spy's feature spotlighting gay characters. Central to his narrative, Elliot jeopardizes the safety of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) as part of a vendetta connected to the death of his brother.

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay with the intention of confronting Roman, whom he holds responsible for Mark’s death. Mark, Elliot’s brother, had served alongside Roman in the SAS and was killed during a mission in Afghanistan. Unsatisfied with the official explanation of an ambush, Elliot schemes by dating Roman’s daughter Nicole to manipulate him. When this relationship ends, Elliot intensifies his revenge by abducting Nicole and demanding a ransom.

He confines Nicole on a boat, where Geoff attempts a rescue but suffers injury from a speargun wielded by Elliot. Subsequently, Elliot forces Roman to consume a mysterious liquid under threat of Nicole’s life and sets lethal traps in the bushland. Despite sustaining wounds from an arrow and surviving an explosion triggered by a mine, Roman manages to overcome Elliot, who is then taken into custody.

While detained, Roman discloses that Mark had threatened their unit, compelling Roman to shoot him to avert further harm; Mark was subsequently captured and killed by enemy forces. Faced with this revelation, Elliot admits to Nicole’s whereabouts and is charged with kidnapping and attempted murder.

Xavier Austin

Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, made his first appearance on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012 when he relocated permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts earned the role after attending four auditions, describing the achievement as particularly rewarding due to the lengthy wait. He was informed of his casting while surfing through a call received on a payphone from his agent. The soap opera website Holy Soap identified Xavier's most notable moment as witnessing Brendan cause a serious car crash involving his catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Father to Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland (Home and Away), appearing through flashbacks. His struggles with alcoholism and abusive behavior created family turmoil. Following the death of his wife Diana, he attempted to regain custody of Sally but ultimately left her in the care of the Fletchers. Aaron passed away in 2000 due to complications related to alcoholism.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Deceased mother of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland. Her troubled marriage with Aaron ended when she remarried and later died in a boating accident.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Mother of Diana Wilson and Ross Keating; grandmother to Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland. Appears in flashbacks from 1988 suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	An anesthetist at Northern Districts Hospital responsible for treating critically injured characters.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor at Coastal News overseeing Belle Taylor; known for controversial editorial changes affecting staff dynamics, particularly with Aden Jefferies and Belle.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	Annie Campbell's classmate involved in social disputes impacting other students.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Presents Leah Patterson-Baker with a $100,000 cheque commemorating Dan Baker's heroic actions.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender hired to assault Sam Holden; later provides crucial information during inquiries into her death.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of Johnny Cooper involved in underground fighting; participates in high-risk matches resulting in police intervention.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year nine student noted for bullying peers, engaging in online deception, and involvement in school controversies leading to suspension.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	'Sam Holden's estranged sister who takes custody of her nephew following Sam’s death; involved in related investigations.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Sister of Axel Hay; participates in school conflicts influencing classroom dynamics.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander	Mother of Melody Jones; instigates disputes at Summer Bay High concerning curriculum and student conduct, including legal challenges and attempts at intervention; eventually relocates to New Zealand.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	'Operates a teen refuge; provides insight into Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	'Son of Julie Cooper; overcomes aquaphobia through coaching support enhancing youth engagement programs.
'12 June–5 November 2012'	'Georgina Watson'	'Jaclyn Albergoni'	'Police officer at Yabbie Creek advancing through ranks amid significant investigations; maintains professional relationships with colleagues.	'-	'14 June–27 August'	'Jimmy Crawford' 'Adam Booth' 'Psychiatric patient experiencing recurrent hospitalizations; develops complex interactions with medical staff influencing treatment approaches.'	'-	'20–27 June'	'Pat Jenkins' 'Lachlan Buchanan' 'Ruby Buckton's boyfriend; previous relationship causes family tensions before an amicable split.'	'-	'11 July'	'Mrs. Hay' 'Amelia Longhurst' 'Mother mourning Axel Hay's death following a road accident.'	'-	'15–24 July'	'Daisy Alexander' 'Jessica Smith' 'University roommate providing social support to Matilda Hunter during relationship difficulties.'	'-	'15–24 July'	'Nathan Cunningham' 'Andrew Lees' 'Resident advisor engaging with students influencing campus social interactions.'	'-	'1 September–6 October'	'Edward Jones' 'Errol Henderson' 'Husband of Christine Jones and father to Melody; involved in family conflicts during Melody's hospitalization.'	'-	'2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009'	'Bridget Simmons' 'Joy Smithers' 'Engages in a brief affair with Tony Holden; later involved in fraudulent schemes resulting in legal consequences.'	'-	'3–4 September'	'Earl Pincus' 'Alan Cinis' 'Homeless individual receiving community support but involved in minor criminal activities.'	'-	'15 September–10 November'	'Murray Buchanan' 'Ben Tari' 'Reveals environmental hazards related to toxic waste at development site; faces intimidation from local developers.' '- 26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009' 'Tim Coleman' 'Keiran Darcy-Smith ' 'Hires Aden Jefferies; implicated in criminal acts including murder and corruption leading to arrest.' '- 22 October–5 November' 'Natalie Franklin' 'adriane Pickering' 'Reconciles fractured relationships with daughter Nicole Franklin and Roman Harris prior to leaving Summer Bay.' '- 23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009' 'Brian Lawler' 'rRic Herbert ' 'Aggressively pursues Bridget Simmons over debts; orchestrates kidnapping resulting in his arrest.' '- 18–24 November' 'Eric "Nobby" Nobbes' 'MMark Casamento' 'Suspect linked to assault case covering up toxic waste exposure; killed following compromised undercover operation.'

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away website
• Cast and characters on the Official United Kingdom Home and Away website
• Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database