Matthew Lyons

Home and Away

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

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section highlights characters introduced in 2008, all under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 21st season commenced on 28 January 2008. In February, Bob Baines made his debut as the significant character Martin Bartlett. March saw the arrival of Trent Dalzell portraying Axel Hay, David Downer as Ross Buckton, and Celeste Dodwell taking on the role of Melody Jones. In April, Tessa James joined the cast as Nicole Franklin. May introduced Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis in the roles of Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips, respectively. June marked the debuts of Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds as Charlie and Ruby Buckton. On 8 July, Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano appeared as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. Lastly, in November, David Jones-Roberts began his portrayal of Xavier Austin.

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, played by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. A central plotline featured Martin's romantic interest in his school secretary, Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes), who declined his advances while involved with Miles Copeland. After Martin dismisses Kirsty from her position, she takes up work as an escort, unaware that Martin is a client at the Sands resort, which creates friction between them.

Initially introduced as deputy principal succeeding Donald Fisher, Martin was later elevated to principal following Sally Fletcher’s stabbing. Under duress, he employed Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as secretary but soon replaced her with Kirsty. Demonstrating personal commitment, Martin accepted responsibility for an injury sustained by Kirsty's son Oliver, sharing that he was raised by a single mother while Oliver’s father, Kane Phillips, was incarcerated.

When Martin discovers Kirsty's escort work, he terminates her employment but provides a reference that assists her in gaining a position at the Sands resort. Tensions escalate when Miles confronts Martin regarding this connection, intensifying the storyline as Martin reveals himself to be Kirsty's secret patron.

During a senior formal organized by Martin, chaos ensues when Kane’s car crashes into the event; Martin sustains injuries but eventually recovers. He later coordinates a commemorative school trek for Dan Baker, which turns perilous when students Jai and Annie go missing and Trey Palmer plants an explosive device beneath their bus. The bomb is safely defused by Hugo Austin; however, these events take a toll on Martin, prompting him to depart for a cruise after appointing Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as the new principal.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, portrayed by Trent Dalzell, debuted on 19 March 2008.

Before Axel's departure from the series, he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunken Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the scene. According to Todd Lasance, who plays Aden Jefferies, Axel is hospitalized with serious injuries while Jai escapes largely unscathed. Both victims have no memory of the incident but recall seeing a silver estate car, prompting Aden to suspect his father’s involvement.

Axel initially appears alongside classmate Aden and attends a party hosted by Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), where he unsuccessfully tries to win over Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). Subsequently, he attempts to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell), resulting in Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) threatening him and Axel being assaulted in retaliation. Early suspicion falls on Geoff and Aden; however, Belle identifies Aden as responsible due to his harsh behavior. Axel later apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Their storyline concludes tragically with a car accident caused by Aden's father, leading to Axel's death. He later appears as a haunting vision during Melody's nightmares.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008. He arrives at Yabbie Creek Police Station to probe the homicide of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). During his investigation, Ross interrogates Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), the former spouse of Sam’s widower Jack Holden, concerning a suspicious suicide note. Subsequently, he interviews Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) after new information comes to light.

Ross attempts to charge Jack and Martha but must withdraw the accusations when Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) establishes that Sam's death was self-inflicted. Ross and Morag, who had a prior connection following her separation from Richard, rekindle their relationship despite opposition from Ross’s daughter Charlie. His other daughter, Ruby, supports their union. After overcoming obstacles, Ross proposes marriage. They wed in an intimate ceremony before embarking on a honeymoon across Europe.

Upon their return, Ross begins showing signs of forgetfulness and mounting stress. After disappearing on two occasions, he receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease from Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). Following a hazardous incident at home, Ross consents to entering a care facility, accompanied by Morag.

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

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, brought to life by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her Higher School Certificate in drama. Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, but that part was awarded to Tessa James. Her agent later provided her with Melody's detailed character profile, which piqued her interest. Dodwell eventually exited the series to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, played by Tessa James, first appeared on 18 April 2008. Her casting was announced in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commending her as a dynamic talent anticipated to connect strongly with viewers. James relocated to Sydney for the role and regarded working on the show as valuable professional development. Notably, Celeste Dodwell, who portrays Melody Jones, had originally auditioned for Nicole. Nicole’s prominent story arcs include rekindling romance on a desert island and enduring captivity, underscoring her dramatic appeal. Media outlets described Nicole as a "flighty minx" and a "fiery favourite." TV Week acknowledged James as one of the series’ most promising actresses, suggesting she was destined for Hollywood success.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, portrayed by Jordan Rodrigues, debuted on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described this role as an entirely new experience and welcomed the visibility it provided among TV audiences. Jai’s backstory involves losing his family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which links him to established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who also endured family loss. This connection prompts Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay; however, their relationship remains tense due to Miles initially abandoning Jai in Phuket. Rodrigues highlighted Jai’s anger and his struggle to adjust to life in the coastal town.

In 2009, Rodrigues departed from the series to join ABC's Dance Academy. His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.

Jai’s introduction occurs at a city refuge where Miles discovers him. Despite initial reluctance, Jai relocates to Summer Bay but faces social and academic challenges. He befriends fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell), leading to risky behavior such as a scooter joyride that ends tragically when Axel is fatally struck by a drunk driver. This event causes Jai to develop a sense of invincibility, demonstrated through dangerous acts like leaping from Jump Rock and climbing school rooftops. His relationship with Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) evolves after Annie attempts one of his stunts and sustains an injury; despite concerns from their guardians, they become a couple.

Their relationship encounters difficulties when Annie becomes trapped in a storm drain and is rescued by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Meanwhile, bully Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) targets Jai, Miles, and Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes), escalating conflicts through false accusations involving Kirsty. Jai retaliates by threatening to reveal Trey’s past struggles with weight.

Jai’s romance with Annie deteriorates after he drunkenly confesses at Ruby Buckton's party that he desires intimacy with her, leading to their breakup. Subsequently, Jai is accidentally shot while exploring an old shotgun with Xavier Austin (David Jones-Roberts) but hides his injury until collapsing during a school trek. He then undergoes recovery.

Jealousy arises when Annie shows interest in Dexter Walker (Tom Green), culminating in Jai witnessing them kiss and rejecting their explanations. His mood improves with the arrival of foster friend Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) at Summer Bay House; however, Romeo’s attempt to help Jai win Annie back backfires when Romeo himself pursues her.

To escape mounting tensions, Jai agrees to participate in a student exchange program in Japan but initially withdraws to support Kirsty following her miscarriage of Miles' baby. Eventually, both Jai and Annie depart for Japan after farewells with friends.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. Ollie’s introduction occurs when Irene Roberts picks him up following an illness that necessitates hospitalization. Despite efforts from medical staff and law enforcement, Ollie remains uncommunicative. Kane, who is on the run, secretly visits Ollie prior to Kirsty withdrawing him from the hospital to escape after Kane's unsuccessful robbery attempt. Eventually, Kane is apprehended.

Ollie and Kirsty reside with Irene but create friction by revealing Belle Taylor's involvement with Aden Jefferies and damaging Belle’s employment. They later relocate to the caravan park and subsequently join Miles Copeland, forming a family unit alongside Jai.

After Kane’s release from prison, Ollie inadvertently exposes his presence. Kane reunites with his family but departs again due to complications in his relationship. Kirsty’s pregnancy followed by a miscarriage has a significant emotional impact on Ollie. He later meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland, who takes them to live in the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton was introduced on 6 June 2008, played by Esther Anderson, a former model brought in to enhance Home and Away’s "sex appeal." Anderson, a long-time admirer of the show, expressed enthusiasm upon landing the role. She departed in November 2011 to pursue acting opportunities in Hollywood.

Anderson received multiple award nominations for her portrayal of 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 Logies. The episode depicting Charlie’s death was nominated by the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics lauded Charlie as both an alluring sergeant and the series’ most charming crime fighter.

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, made her debut on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as carefree yet masking her true feelings behind a tough exterior. In contrast to her sister, Ruby processes their mother’s death internally, appearing more self-reliant and reserved. Breeds described Ruby as spirited, devoted to family, and confident.

In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes and exited Home and Away, noting that Ruby’s storyline remained incomplete at that point. She was nominated for a Logie Award for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009 and later received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. In 2012, she earned a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards. Among Ruby’s memorable story arcs was dealing with her father’s illness and a notable prank involving Skype and skinny-dipping.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, portrayed by Luke Jacobz, first appeared on 8 July 2008. Jacobz secured this role in June 2008 following the cancellation of McLeod's Daughters, where he had a recurring role. Before being cast, he had planned to work as a labourer in Sydney. Initially contracted for six months, Jacobz departed in early 2011 but continued appearing on screen for several months thereafter.

According to the official show website, Angelo hails from a closely bonded family with three brothers and was originally depicted as a loudmouth unlikely to succeed. Jacobz was nominated for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and also received a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards that same year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, brought to life by Paul Pantano, was featured on Home and Away from 8 July until 26 August 2008. Pantano gained recognition through Digital Spy's spotlight on LGBTQ+ characters. In the plot, Elliot poses a serious threat to the safety of Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Motivated by vengeance for his brother Mark's demise, Elliot sets his sights on Roman, which results in Nicole and Geoff being left stranded on an island. Actress James described Elliot’s actions as presenting a "life and death obstacle course" for Roman.

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay with the intent to confront Roman, holding him responsible for Mark’s fatality during their service with the SAS in Afghanistan. Despite an official investigation, Elliot remains skeptical of Roman’s explanation that Mark died in an ambush. To manipulate Roman, Elliot begins a relationship with his daughter Nicole, which abruptly ends when he abducts her and demands a ransom. During an attempted escape by boat, Geoff intervenes but suffers injuries inflicted by Elliot.

Roman complies with Elliot’s conditions, leading to a dangerous pursuit through traps and assaults set by Elliot in the wilderness. Eventually, Roman subdues and detains Elliot. While in custody, Roman reveals the truth about Mark’s death: Mark had intended to surrender but threatened a squad member, prompting Roman to shoot him before enemy forces captured and killed him. Following this revelation, Elliot discloses 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 moved permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts earned the role after undergoing four auditions, describing the final casting as “all the more awesome” due to the wait. He discovered he had secured the part while surfing, receiving the news via a payphone call from his agent. The soap opera website Holy Soap highlighted Xavier's significant moment as witnessing Brendan cause a severe car accident using a catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Aaron is depicted as the deceased father of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland, appearing through flashbacks. His struggles with alcoholism and domestic abuse strained his marriage to Diana. After fleeing with Miles, Aaron learned of Diana's passing and sought custody of Sally but ultimately left her with the Fletchers. He died in 2000 due to complications related to alcoholism.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Diana is Sally and Miles’ mother, shown in flashbacks; her troubled marriage to Aaron ended prior to her death in a boating accident.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Mother of Diana Wilson and Ross Keating, grandmother to Sally and Miles; appears in 1988 flashbacks residing in a care facility due to Alzheimer's disease.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Medical anesthetist attending to principal characters following critical injuries.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor at Coastal News and employer of Belle Taylor; known for making contentious editorial choices affecting workplace relations.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	School peer involved in social disputes impacting main characters.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Presents Leah Patterson-Baker with a $100,000 cheque honoring Dan Baker's heroic act.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender hired to attack Sam Holden; later provides testimony about events preceding her death.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of Johnny Cooper engaged in illegal fighting rings; participates in high-stakes bouts resulting in police intervention.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year 9 student involved in bullying and manipulation affecting peers; suspended following misconduct including spreading confidential information and drug-related incidents.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Estranged sister of Sam Holden; assumes guardianship of nephew Rory Tolhurst amid investigation into Sam’s death.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Sister of Axel Hay; involved in school conflicts influencing student dynamics.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander	Mother of Melody Jones; challenges educational materials and instigates tension through confrontations and legal actions affecting school atmosphere.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Operator of a youth refuge center visited by Miles Copeland seeking information on Jai Fernandez's status.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Son of Julie Cooper; overcomes aquaphobia through coaching support.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek; evolves from initial conflicts with colleagues to earning promotion after critical incidents.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient whose interactions with hospital staff influence central storylines including suspicions surrounding Rachel Armstrong's disappearance.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend; previous relationship causes familial tensions before an amicable breakup.
11 July	Mrs. Hay	Amelia Longhurst	Mother of Axel and Danielle Hay; experiences family tragedy following Axel’s death.
15–24 July	Daisy Alexander	Jessica Smith	University roommate who supports Matilda Hunter during her adjustment period.
15–24 July	Nathan Cunningham	Andrew Lees	Resident advisor on campus involved in interpersonal disputes with students.
1 September–6 October	Edward Jones	Errol Henderson	Husband to Christine Jones and father of Melody; engages in family conflicts during Melody’s hospitalization.
2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009	Bridget Simmons	Joy Smithers	Engages in a one-night encounter with Tony Holden; later implicated in fraudulent schemes resulting in criminal charges and strained community relations.
3–4 September	Earl Pincus	Alan Cinis	Homeless man briefly supported by locals before committing petty thefts that affect community trust.
15 September–10 November	Murray Buchanan	Ben Tari	Council employee exposing environmental hazards linked to land development; faces threats leading to disappearance but assists investigations by recovering evidence.
26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009	Tim Coleman	Keiran Darcy-Smith	Developer involved in controversial construction projects; implicated in criminal acts including murder and employee manipulation; apprehended following police inquiries.
22 October–5 November	Natalie Franklin	Adrienne Pickering	Former partner of Roman Harris and mother of Nicole Franklin; resolves relationship tensions before departing Summer Bay.
23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009	Brian Lawler	Ric Herbert	Con artist working alongside Bridget Simmons; involved in kidnapping and extortion schemes leading to arrest and legal repercussions for accomplices.
18–24 November	Eric "Nobby" Nobbes	Mark Casamento	Connected to criminal activities associated with developer Tim Coleman; utilized by police for undercover operations before dying under suspicious circumstances.

External links

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