Matt Wilson (Home and Away)
Matt Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Matthew "Matt" Wilson is a fictional persona from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actor Greg Benson. He made his first appearance in the pilot episode aired on 17 January 1988, starting as a recurring character before transitioning into a main cast member. Benson departed the series in 1991 but made a guest return in 2002.
Casting
Just one week prior to the show's premiere, The Sun-Herald revealed that model and actor Greg Benson had been cast in Home and Away. Initially, Benson auditioned for a minor role and appeared briefly as an extra credited simply as "Surfer". Subsequently, producers offered him a short-term role as Matt, which was later expanded to a regular position. Benson attributed his modeling experience as instrumental in landing the part.
In 1990, Benson, alongside fellow actor Craig Thomson (who played Martin Dibble), traveled to the United Kingdom in pursuit of a music contract. Despite this, Benson intended to continue his involvement with the show while exploring musical prospects. By 1991, he was one of only seven original actors remaining on the program.
Character development
Matt’s storyline begins with his move to the city alongside his parents; however, he soon returns to Summer Bay, disenchanted with urban living. He briefly takes up employment at the Bayside Diner but leaves because of his strong affinity for surfing.[1] Known as the series’ "hunky beach boy" sporting a constant tan, Matt feels most at ease riding waves.[2] Benson remarked that Matt’s self-assured nature reflected his own upbringing by the coast and proficiency in surfing.[3]
The show's producers maintained strict control over Matt’s attire, down to details such as socks and wristwatches. Benson admitted occasionally neglecting these specifics, which led to disagreements with producers who emphasized wardrobe consistency.[4]
Matt evolved into one of the series’ primary attractions due to his image as a "hunk," an aspect producers worked hard to preserve for sustained audience appeal. Nevertheless, Benson felt uneasy being labeled a "sex symbol," considering that term more fitting for Hollywood stars.[5] To avoid excessive fan attention, he preferred driving to work rather than using public transport.[6] After renewing his contract, Benson expressed enthusiasm about further exploring his character's depth.[6]
Matt’s closest companion on the show is Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson), whose easygoing demeanor contrasts with Matt’s more diligent attitude toward employment and money management.[1] Stevenson described their off-screen camaraderie and playful rapport during filming.[4]
In August 1991, it was announced that Benson would be departing from the series, with his final scenes filmed on 27 September.[7] He cited a wish to explore new opportunities after three fulfilling years but acknowledged that his dedication had caused some loss of friendships outside work.[7] The character's exit was scripted as an uneventful bus departure without dramatic developments.[7]
An urban myth suggests Matt disappeared after entering a cupboard; however, his last scene actually shows him inspecting damage to his car without any explanation. This unresolved moment remains one of Home and Away's enduring enigmas even among cast members.[8]
Storylines
Matt makes his initial appearance when Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), Lynn Davenport (Helena Bozich), and Sally Keating (Kate Ritchie) explore Summer Bay, with Carly instantly drawn to him. Acting on advice from Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson), Carly feigns drowning to capture Matt’s attention but nearly drowns for real. They are classmates, though Carly feels self-conscious about her foster father Tom Fletcher (Roger Oakley) working on road construction, unaware that Matt’s father is employed as a garbage collector. Both are cast as leads in their school play, an uncomfortable situation for Carly following her recent assault. When Matt’s family relocates away from Summer Bay, he leaves but returns months later to escort Carly to the school formal. They move together to the city; however, Matt soon comes back alone reporting that Carly has moved out and fallen in with an undesirable crowd.
Matt supports Carly during her struggle with alcohol addiction but no longer harbors romantic feelings for her. To avoid her company, he spends time with Roo Stewart (Justine Clarke) and dates former troublemaker Alison Patterson (Kathryn Ridley), although he dislikes her personality. After Alison leaks information revealing Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) as Bobby’s mother to a journalist, Matt ends their relationship to demonstrate how it feels to be mistreated. He briefly rekindles things with Carly but anticipates their relationship's end when her family plans to move to London; when she offers to stay behind, he chooses to break up. Matt secures employment at the new Diner alongside Bobby and Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn). When Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence) attempts to establish counseling services there, Matt joins Steven and Brian 'Dodge' Forbes (Kelly Dingwall) in playing pranks on her. Later on, he competes with Adam for a lifeguard position; despite initial rivalry, they reconcile and become flatmates.
In an earlier storyline, Matt’s older brother Shane was fatally shot. Al Simpson (Terence Donovan) returns attempting blackmail against Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), who believes he accidentally killed Shane during hunting. Donald surrenders himself but discovers his weapon was not involved in the murder. Matt and Bobby expose Al as Shane’s true killer.
Matt and Adam rent the beach house together and invite Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) to join them. Their living arrangement faces difficulties including eviction attempts by corrupt landlord Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) and complications arising from Adam and Marilyn’s intermittent romance, forcing Matt to decide who must leave. After being trapped in the bathroom due to one of Adam’s DIY mistakes, Matt temporarily moves into Grant Mitchell's (Craig McLachlan) apartment. Together with Adam, Matt plays a prank on Blake Dean (Les Hill) by imposing strict surf club training until Grant reveals their ruse. Later, Matt and Steven uncover that Grant’s sister Kim (Rachael Beck) struggles with drug addiction.
When Adam organizes a surfing trip for friends, Josh Webb (Erick Mitsak) sabotages Matt’s car by releasing its handbrake, resulting in damage that Matt must cover himself due to expired insurance—preventing him from joining the excursion.
Matt returns eleven years later during Summer Bay’s sesquicentenary celebrations; now married to Tracey, he attends as Carly’s date despite both being wed elsewhere. When their boat capsizes during festivities, Matt assists in rescuing passengers and helps search for missing crew before departing early.
In other media
The character of Matt was explored further in The Matt Wilson Story, a 1989 novel tie-in that delves into his background preceding events depicted in the series.
Reception
Clive Hopwood characterized Matt as "the local lifeguard and expert surfer," highlighting how his attractive appearance drew the attention of female audiences. He commended Benson for his authentic performance, emphasizing the actor's smooth transition into the character.
In real life, Benson was romantically involved with Amanda Newman-Phillips, the actress portraying Narelle Smart. Given Matt's strong appeal to female fans, Newman-Phillips chose to keep their relationship discreet to prevent any disappointment among viewers.
Bibliography
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kesta and Nicholls 1992, p.13.
- ↑ Desmond 1990, p.11.
- ↑ Hopwood 1990, p.34.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ 6.0 6.1 J Clayden 1989, p.37.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Cite error: Invalid
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