Matt Owen

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Television drama series
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a list of characters introduced in 2003, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's sixteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. This year marked the arrival of The Hunters family: Scott (Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), along with siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), appearing throughout January, April, and November. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, and in November, Maggie Kirkpatrick made a return portraying Viv "The Guv" Standish.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, played by Kip Gamblin, made his first appearance on 23 January 2003 and remained on the show until 25 November 2005. For his portrayal, Gamblin received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Linda Barnier from the Newcastle Herald characterized Scott as a "beefcake," highlighting his introduction riding the horse Jacko as a memorable "Man from Snowy River" style moment.

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, formerly Sutherland), enacted by Clarissa House, debuted on 17 April 2003 and exited on 30 January 2007. According to the official website, Beth is portrayed as "open-minded," with a strong ethical compass and integrity, balanced by a "delicious sense of humour." Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald reviewed an episode centered on Beth and Rhys' wedding, suggesting it mainly catered to devoted viewers and described the storyline as "unengaging," with music, acting, and dialogue that felt "painful."

Kit Hunter

Kit Hunter, portrayed by Amy Mizzi, first appeared on 25 April 2003. She was a regular cast member until February 2004 and continued to make recurring appearances until 3 July 2007. Although Isabel Lucas auditioned for Kit's role, Mizzi was ultimately chosen. Mizzi's performance earned her a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Awards.

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, played by Isabel Lucas, arrived on-screen on 31 July 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Talent scout Sharron Meissner discovered Lucas, who initially tried out for the role of Kit Hunter but was instead offered the newly created character of Tasha by Series Producer Julie McGuaran. This opportunity required Lucas to move from Melbourne to Sydney, where filming occurs. Lucas won the Most Popular New Female Talent award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Media outlets referred to Tasha as a "Blonde Princess" before her wedding storyline unfolded. The character’s involvement with a cult-like group drew criticism from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who accused the show of portraying religion in an exaggerated and misleading manner.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, brought to life by Maggie Kirkpatrick, first appeared on 11 November 2003 and left the series on 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick, widely recognized for her role as Joan "The Freak" Ferguson in Prisoner: Cell Block H, returned after a guest appearance in 1991. Viv was introduced during Dani Sutherland's prison storyline for attempted murder, with scenes filmed at the historic Maitland Gaol.

Kirkpatrick described Viv as a "tough" yet intelligent former magistrate wrongfully imprisoned after exposing a pedophile ring involving judges, lawyers, and politicians. She expressed interest in reprising this role in the future.

Initially intimidating Dani, Viv eventually develops affection for her and advocates for Dani's release by pressuring those truly responsible. After Dani’s freedom, Viv escalates her involvement by orchestrating an attack on Dani’s stalker, Felix Walters, which results in Viv receiving an extended prison sentence.

Later storylines reveal Viv’s failing health due to heart failure; she is terminally ill. She entrusts Dani with her autobiography manuscript, which is later destroyed in a fire. With assistance from Morag Bellingham, who recognizes Viv through her connection to Morag’s brother Alf Stewart, Viv obtains day release to spend her final moments with Alf. Their emotional reunion uncovers that Viv had given birth to Alf’s child, adopted by Marion and Marianne Dalby of Yabbie Creek. Viv passes away peacefully in Alf’s arms. Their son Owen Dalby later dies from a heart attack during an altercation with his own son Ric.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, played by Jason Smith, made his debut on 25 November 2003 and exited the series on 10 October 2006. Although Chris Hemsworth initially tried out for the role of Robbie, he was later cast as Kim Hyde. Smith regarded the part as an exciting chance to join a well-established program. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2005 Logie Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	During Flynn Saunders' absence, Claire oversees the Drop-in centre, sparking conflict after misinterpreting abuse claims, which triggers a child protection inquiry. She leaves following a misunderstanding linked to a diabetic episode.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	As editor of Northern District University's campus paper, Anna briefly dates Noah Lawson, causing friction with Hayley Smith.
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts surgery on Alf Stewart after his brain tumour diagnosis.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	Enrolls at TAFE alongside Irene Roberts, develops romantic feelings which fade as Irene becomes involved with Paris Burnett.
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Coastal News journalist engaged in major plots including Angie Russell's dismissal and the Caravan Park heritage controversy.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	Education official who initially opposes Sally Fletcher's principal appointment but later endorses her interim position.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	An old friend of Dylan Russell; manipulated by Angie Russell into giving false testimony, leading to legal repercussions and eventual institutionalization.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Scott Hunter's ex-wife who reveals their prior marriage to prevent deportation; amicably ends their relationship as Scott moves forward.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	The estranged daughter of Colleen Smart, reconnects with her mother and briefly dates Alf Stewart before departing.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating Angie Russell's murder; arrests Dylan Russell following his confession.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Angie Russell's mother arrives after her daughter's death to support her grandson and address family issues.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	A drug addict under Noah Lawson's care who dies from an overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Player on the local girls' soccer team coached by Alex Poulos.
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Leah Patterson's eldest brother; involved in family conflicts and significant events including Leah's wedding and his son's relocation.
23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Son of Sophie Simpson and Blake Dean, born during a notable community event.
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer engaged in various investigations such as traffic violations and hit-and-run incidents.
	Mr., Mrs., Jimmy, and Sister Clark (Toby's family)		Andrew Hunter, Trudi-Ann Tierney, Will Blackney, Amy Blackney	Family members appear during Jade and Kirsty's visit to Toby's residence.
22 October 2003–11 June 2004				David Callahan		Felix Williamson, Nicholas Cassim	Fiancé of Shelley Sutherland; acts as legal counsel for Dani Sutherland but ends relationship due to personal concerns.
29–31 October				Mr. Robertson		Danny Adcock	Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland's trial known for rigorous cross-examination resulting in conviction.