Michael "Jonah" Abraham
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their debut in 2005, introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's eighteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The year commenced with Emily Perry portraying Eve Jacobsen. In March, Isaac Gorman and Sharni Vinson joined the cast as Ryan Baker and Cassie Turner, respectively. April saw the arrival of Doug Scroope as Graham Walters. Holly Brisley took on the role of Ryan's mother, Amanda Vale, in June. August introduced Todd Lasance in the role of Aden Jefferies, alongside the entrance of the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November's additions included James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson portraying Mumma Rose.
Eve Jacobsen
Eve Jacobsen—also known as Zoe McCallister—was brought to life by Emily Perry, making her first appearance on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting represented a notable progression in her career following earlier work as an extra. Her character is a psychiatric nurse who becomes pivotal in a prominent storyline centered around patient Sarah Lewis.
Eve becomes entangled in a revenge scheme after Sarah’s boyfriend dies from a drug overdose connected to Sarah’s actions. Following Sarah's murder of Noah Lawson, Eve kills nurse Zoe McCallister and assumes her identity. She then embarks on a campaign of terror throughout Summer Bay, involving acts such as arson, sabotage, framing others for her misdeeds, and multiple attempts on key characters, including Sally Fletcher.
The narrative intensifies with Eve orchestrating bomb threats, kidnappings, and confrontations with Detective Peter Baker. Although presumed dead after an explosion, Eve reappears under an alias to continue her vendetta. Eventually captured, she returns once more to disrupt Jack Holden and Martha MacKenzie's wedding by taking a hostage before dying in a gas explosion alongside an accomplice.
The "Summer Bay Stalker" storyline featuring Eve earned a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards; additionally, her interference at Jack and Martha’s wedding was nominated in 2007. Eve was also featured in Digital Spy's 2012 Serial Killer Poll.
Critics lauded the storyline’s impact; Michael Idato from the Sydney Morning Herald described it as "the storyline of the moment," highlighting its widespread audience engagement. An Inside Soap journalist called Eve’s bomb threat plot "bonkers – but nonetheless brilliant."
Ryan Baker
Ryan Baker, played by Isaac Gorman, first appeared on 16 March 2005 and remained until 2007, with guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Prior to this role, Gorman had appeared on the show as Riley Edwards in 2002.
Ryan arrives shortly before his father Dan's wedding to Leah Patterson, initially concealing his disdain for Leah through disruptive behavior such as spilling drinks and damaging wedding decorations. His actions culminate in burning wedding invitations, sparking tension with Dan and Leah. After running away, Ryan returns to apologize and assists in repairing the damage before going back to his mother Amanda in America.
Later, Dan brings Ryan to live with him and Leah, citing Amanda’s negative influence. Following disputes, Amanda takes Ryan back to Los Angeles but returns months later with him to settle in Summer Bay. They are accompanied by Belle Taylor, Amanda’s daughter and Ryan’s half-sister. Ryan supports Amanda’s engagement to Peter but ultimately returns to Dan and Leah after their marriage experiences difficulties. When Dan accepts a job abroad, Ryan initially resists relocating but eventually moves with Amanda and Peter to America.
After Dan’s fatal accident, Amanda and Ryan come back for his memorial service. Ryan expresses concerns about fitting in with Leah and VJ but receives reassurance. They later attend Belle’s wedding and funeral before heading back to the city.
For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman received a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.
Cassie Turner
Cassie Turner, played by Sharni Vinson, made her debut on 18 March 2005 and departed on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously appeared in guest roles in 2001 and 2003 before auditioning in 2004 for the part of Martha MacKenzie. Instead, she was cast as Cassie. In July 2007, it was reported that Vinson intended to leave the series to pursue career opportunities in Los Angeles. By November, it was confirmed she had quit to move and be closer to her boyfriend, although the show remained silent on the matter as Cassie's storyline continued into 2008.
Cassie's persona was defined as "strong-willed and fiercely independent," with an ability to learn from her errors and influence those around her. For this portrayal, Vinson received a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards. Media outlets described Cassie as a "sensual soap siren," remarking that Vinson's exit was a disappointment to many male viewers of the show.
Graham Walters
Graham Walters, enacted by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and remained until the character's death on 3 March 2006.
Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter's eighteenth birthday, revealing a strained relationship with his daughter Beth Hunter due to emotional distance stemming from his Vietnam War experiences. He sells his farm intending to rebuild family connections. Graham becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, a woman younger than himself who had previously dated his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite objections from family members, Graham marries Amanda.
Amanda’s manipulative nature surfaces as she avoids consummating their marriage and frequently leaves her son Ryan Baker in Graham’s care. Upon discovering Amanda’s affair with Josh West, Graham seeks Morag Bellingham’s help to expose Josh’s illegal Project 56. During a confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack; although Amanda calls for medical assistance, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over continuing life support, leading Robbie to make the decision to switch off the machine, ending Graham’s life.
Amanda inherits Graham’s estate and holds a wake that is largely overshadowed by the Hunter family’s presence. Later, she returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. Robbie admits to having turned off the life support machine; he faces trial, is found guilty but avoids jail time.
Diesel Williams
Diesel Williams, portrayed by Marcus Jacometti, appeared on Home and Away from 9 May until 17 June 2005. This marked Jacometti’s first acting role after completing Year 12, securing a contract for twenty episodes. He traveled from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney for filming and described the experience as both thrilling and intimidating. Jacometti noted that Diesel "falls for the wrong people, causes chaos, then leaves," a trait he identified as somewhat similar to his own personality.
Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High School, introduced by principal Barry Hyde. His distinctive style leads to bullying from Jason Pappa and his friends, who mistakenly assume Diesel is gay because of a rose tattoo. To counter rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but confides in Cassie Turner that he lacks romantic interest in her. Jason persists in harassing Diesel and eventually assaults him.
After revealing he is homeless due to problems with foster parents, Diesel is invited by Sally Fletcher to live with her and her husband Flynn Saunders; Flynn is initially hesitant. Friction grows between Diesel and Flynn, especially when Diesel asks Sally to celebrate his mother’s birthday with him. Eventually, Diesel moves out when Flynn arranges for him to stay at a hostel.
Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally and kisses her during tutoring sessions; Dan Baker witnesses this incident. After Sally rejects him, Diesel burns a sketch of her and accuses her of sexual harassment. These allegations lead to Sally’s suspension despite efforts by Ric Dalby and Cassie Turner to mediate the situation. Diesel demands Sally confess love for him in exchange for dropping the complaint.
He intensifies the situation by stealing Sally’s locket and fabricating emails supporting his claims. Investigator Carl Summons interviews Diesel and uncovers evidence implicating Sally, resulting in her suspension. Barry Hyde pressures Diesel to tell the truth. When Sally returns home, Diesel takes her baby daughter Pippa hostage, threatening harm unless Sally admits love for him. Flynn intervenes during Diesel’s attempted escape; Diesel is arrested and confesses to framing Sally.
Sally later visits Diesel in psychiatric care where he apologizes and acknowledges his unhealthy obsession while she expresses empathy for his loss but condemns his actions.
Amanda Vale
Amanda Vale, brought to life by Holly Brisley, made her first appearance on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with brief comebacks in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as the quintessential "attention seeker" who skillfully manipulates those around her to fulfill her ambitions. During her 2009 return, the storyline incorporated Brisley’s real pregnancy. This portrayal earned her a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.
Aden Jefferies
Aden Jefferies, enacted by Todd Lasance, was introduced on 4 August 2005 initially as a recurring character involved in Cassie Turner's narrative arcs. After an unsuccessful audition for a different role, Lasance secured the part of Aden and was elevated to the main cast by 2007. He described Aden as "an absolute bad-arse," deliberately avoiding transforming the character into a standard "good guy." In 2009, Lasance revealed plans to explore opportunities abroad but continued filming until January 2010 when he completed his final scenes. His performance garnered a nomination for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, along with winning "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards and receiving another nomination in that category in 2010.
Jack Holden
Jack Holden, portrayed by Paul O'Brien, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and departed on 28 November 2008. O'Brien received several award nominations for this role, including winning the Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent" in 2006. He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O’Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon earned a nomination for "Best Storyline" related to Jack and Martha’s wedding. In 2008, O’Brien was nominated for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and alongside Gordon for "Best Couple." Furthermore, he received a nomination for "Best On-Screen Partnership" with Gordon at the inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards.
Tony Holden
Tony Holden, played by Jon Sivewright, debuted on screen on 5 August 2005 and exited on 11 August 2010. By his departure, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male actor on the show. His exit followed that of co-star Amy Mathews, with producers deciding it was an appropriate moment to write out Tony’s character. Tony’s storylines primarily explored his sorrow over losing his wife, girlfriend, and child, underscoring his identity as a dedicated family man. The official series website portrays Tony as caring, empathetic, and optimistic, blending fitness enthusiasm with a laid-back social demeanor. A significant storyline involved him reversing his vasectomy to start a family with Rachel Armstrong.
Lucas Holden
Lucas Holden, portrayed by Rhys Wakefield, began appearing on 5 August 2005 and left the series on 14 February 2008. Wakefield received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this role. Critics described Lucas as a "stroppy lad," known for his striking confrontations that showcased his multifaceted teenage persona. In October 2007, Home and Away along with the Seven Network faced criticism from the ACMA for broadcasting sexually explicit content within G-rated episodes, including scenes depicting Lucas and Belle’s decision to engage in sexual activity. ACMA ruled that these segments contained excessive verbal and visual references to sexual matters inappropriate for that classification.
Michael Abraham
Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast following his graduation from the NIDA in 2004 and commended the production team for their high level of professionalism.
Michael is introduced as the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult named "The Believers." Under his mother's influence, he becomes entangled in elaborate plots targeting Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas). Initially complicit in these schemes, Michael eventually defies his mother, resulting in police involvement and their subsequent incarceration.
After being released on parole, Michael returns using his original name, revealing that Mumma Rose had adopted and brainwashed him throughout his youth. His inability to father children disproves accusations related to Tasha. Following the sale of cult property, he takes up work as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). Although initially met with suspicion by locals such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), Michael forms a romantic connection with her. Their relationship encounters difficulties due to Martha's unresolved feelings for her former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)), culminating in confrontations including Michael assaulting Jack. Ultimately, Michael decides to leave the town alone, acknowledging he cannot rival Jack's role in Martha's life.
Mumma Rose
Mumma Rose (whose real name is Florence White), enacted by Linden Wilkinson, first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously been featured in the series as Katherine Walker back in 1996.
As the leader of The Believers cult, Mumma Rose manipulates her son Jonah Abraham to recruit Tasha Andrews into the group. Despite doubts from Tasha’s friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter, Tasha becomes involved with the cult. Mumma Rose intensifies conflict by pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha’s phone to hinder rescue attempts. Robbie survives but lacks concrete evidence of wrongdoing.
When Rebecca Tate alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose’s intention for Tasha to bear Jonah’s child, deemed "The Chosen One," Mumma Rose orchestrates Rebecca’s abduction and denies any involvement during police inquiry. Martha MacKenzie pretends to join The Believers in an effort to save Tasha but is discovered near Rebecca’s location and fails to obtain proof.
Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to enable impregnation without their awareness. After they attempt to escape, she organizes a purification ritual involving fire; however, this plan collapses when Tasha turns the cult members against Mumma Rose. Law enforcement arrests the group members, but Mumma Rose manages to flee.
Several months later, she reappears, kidnaps Rachel Armstrong to force Tasha into labor induction, and issues threats of violence. An unsuccessful attempt to sedate her results in Mumma Rose’s capture following a tip-off.
With help from Charity Fernbrook, Mumma Rose escapes once more, abducts Tasha’s infant Ella, and prepares a fire-based cleansing ceremony. Charity alerts authorities, triggering a hostage crisis. Mumma Rose barricades herself along with others; after a struggle with Tasha, she falls but is saved and taken into custody. She is subsequently confined to a high-security psychiatric institution.
A writer from the Daily Record characterized Mumma Rose as "sinister."
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January–31 March | Greg Hill | Alex Sideratos | Greg works as a physician at Northern Districts Hospital. He provides medical care to Leah Patterson after her appendix bursts and treats Sally Fletcher following a fall that results in a blood clot. |
| 13–28 January | Gus Phillips | Peter Lamb | Gus, the estranged and abusive father of Kane Phillips, is given a reluctant second chance by his son. He rescues Hayley Lawson from a fire but later is discovered to owe $3000 to Greg Harvey. After involvement in a robbery and police chase, Kane is arrested due to evidence left in the vehicle. |
| 14 January–1 April | Marc Edwards | Christopher Hobbs | Marc arrives following a bushfire, reconnects with Josie Russell, and extorts $20,000 from her over her past. After being falsely accused of assault by Eve Jacobsen, he is murdered by Eve who then implicates him in a bombing incident. |
| 18 January–1 March | Anna McMann | Andrea Moor | Anna holds the position of Administrator at Northern Districts Hospital. She suspends Flynn Saunders' surgical privileges after an unsuccessful operation but reinstates them once he performs a successful procedure. |
| 26 January–23 February | Greg Harvey | Steve Vella | Greg is connected to Gus Phillips through criminal dealings and demands repayment of debts while threatening Kane Phillips. He supplies evidence against Kane during a robbery investigation but admits uncertainty about who committed the crime. |
| 26 January–12 September 2008 | Lara Fitzgerald | Rebecca George | Lara serves as a constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station, often partnered with Jack Holden. She takes maternity leave in 2008 and designates Charlie Buckton as her replacement. |
| 4–7 February | Benny "Red" Barron | Colin Borgonon | Benny pilots a charter flight carrying several residents; he succumbs to injuries sustained in the crash. |
| 17–25 February | Arthur Gordon | Alan McGuiness | Arthur, a journalist, attempts to obtain information on the Summer Bay Stalker through Colleen Smart but is rejected when his true motives come to light. |
| 3–25 March | Lisa Stanniford | Zoe Tuckwell-Smith | Lisa dates Scott Hunter while concealing her marriage to Alan Stanniford. After confrontations and revelations, she departs the town alone. |
| 7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020 |
Celebrant Claire | Mary Regan | A local celebrant officiating significant weddings and funerals in Summer Bay over many years, including major community events. |
| 12 March–9 April 2008 | Darren McGrath | Kim Knuckey | Darren holds the role of Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station. |
| 17 March | Alan Stanniford | Don Atkinson | Alan arrives in Summer Bay unaware of Lisa's relationship with Scott Hunter. |
| 18 March–26 April | Joy Foxton | Elaine Lee | Joy organizes the revival of the "Miss Groper" pageant; she suffers a stroke during an argument and dies after life support is withdrawn. |
| 28 March–16 September | Alison Free | Larisa Chen | Alison is a doctor at Northern Districts treating various patients including VJ Patterson and addressing Hayley Lawson's paternity case; she dies in a car accident before disclosing vital information. |
| 6–12 April | Samantha Morton | Felicity King | Samantha briefly dates Robbie Hunter intending to incite jealousy in Tasha Andrews. |
| 11 April–3 August | Clare Brody | Katrina Campbell | Clare acts as Senior Detective investigating the Summer Bay Stalker; she develops a complicated relationship with Peter Baker culminating in their engagement before relocating. |
| 11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006 | Dale Browning | Barry Shepherd | Manager of a local storage facility involved in the Summer Bay stalker investigation; grants access to critical evidence sites. |
| 15–26 April | Ben Foxton | Craig Elliot | Ben arrives following his mother Joy's stroke; later revealed as abusive towards Cassie Turner and Carla Bennett; reported and taken into custody for questioning. |
| 25 April | 'Pauline Bennett' | 'Beth Armstrong' | 'Pauline is Cassie Turner's aunt who arrives with children Carla and Liam after Joy Foxton's passing; plays a role in exposing Ben Foxton’s abuse.' |
| 'Carla Bennett' | 'Ashleigh Johnson' | ' ' | |
| 'Liam Bennett' | 'Uncredited' | ' ' | |
| 3 May | 'Zoe McCallister' | 'Uncredited' | ' Nurse killed by Eve Jacobsen who assumes her identity; her body is found by Matilda and Henry Hunter.' |
| 9 May–7 June | 'Jason Pappa' | 'Joshua Biagi' | ' Student bully involved in altercations with Diesel Williams and Matilda Hunter; provides testimony against Sally Fletcher.' |
| 20–23 May | 'Jim Wallace' | 'Harold Hopkins' | ' Retired police officer who reveals his past cover-up of Josie Russell’s self-defense killing; later discovered deceased.' |
| 1–13 June | 'Callan Sherman' | 'Kain O'Keeffe' | ' Friend of Ric Dalby engaged in drug-related offenses and attempted assaults; flees after exposure.' |
| 7–16 June | 'Carl Summons' | 'John O'Hare' | ' School inspector investigating allegations against Sally Fletcher; suspends her pending police inquiry.' |
| 9–10 June | 'Mystery Man' | 'Lleyton Hewitt' | ' Unsuccessful suitor pursuing Hayley Lawson.' |
| 10–14 June | 'Terry Rawlings' | 'Laurence Coy' | ' Offers Matilda Hunter a ride leading to her disappearance; arrested after she escapes captivity.' |
| 16 June–5 July | 'Noelene Baker' | 'Kris McQuade' | ' Mother to Peter and Dan Baker; participates in wedding preparations causing familial tensions that are resolved prior to the ceremony.' |
| 24 June–14 July | 'Troy Peters' | 'Christian Willis' | ' Chloe Richards’ former boyfriend who stalks her; suspected in her death but cleared due to an alibi.' |
| 4–5 July | 'Kevin Baker' | 'Andy Anderson' | ' Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with Peter during Dan's wedding arrangements.' |
| 22–23 July | 'Judith Lane' | 'Jane Fullerton Smith' | ' Mediator involved in custody dispute over Olivia Richards between Irene Roberts and Diana Fraser.' |
| 'Michael Maleto' | 'Antony Grey' | ' Attorney assisting Diana Fraser in legal battle for custody of granddaughter Olivia Richards.' | |
| 3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006 | 'Kevin Green' | 'Scott Hall-Watson' | ' Physician at Northern Districts Hospital providing care for multiple patients including Flynn Saunders and victims of significant incidents.' |
| 9–24 August | 'Tom Anderson' | 'Don Halbert' | ' Former partner of Kerry Hyde contacted during Kim Hyde’s search for his mother.' |
| 10 August | 'Harry Chambers' | 'Rodney Dobsen' | ' Confronts Jack Holden accusing him of causing his daughter’s death; community remains divided until truth emerges.' |
| 12–25 August | 'Leo Simms' | 'Johann Walravan' | " Burglar involved in multiple offenses including threatening Amanda Vale; dies accidentally leading to cover-up efforts." |
| 'Lorraine Robertson' | 'Gael Ballantyne' | " Barry Hyde’s sister who deceives Kim Hyde regarding his mother's identity; implicated in family secrets." | |
| 'Brian Robertson' | 'Paul Coolahan' | " Lorraine's husband unaware of his wife's familial connections." | |
| 2 September–1 November | 'Corey Henderson' | 'Adam Saunders' | " Probationary constable involved in investigations including poisoning Irene Roberts, leading to imprisonment." |
| 'Sean Jefferies' | 'Gabriel Egan' | " Older brother of Aden Jefferies who assaults Ric Dalby and holds Flynn Saunders hostage before incarceration." | |
| 18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006 | 'Greg Matthews' | 'Josef Ber' | " Medical colleague diagnosing Flynn Saunders’ terminal melanoma and attending his funeral." |
| 27 September | 'Len Green' | 'Gary Baxter' | " Local mayor framed by Josh West aiming to sabotage his election campaign." |
| 29 September | 'Pat McGrath' | 'Uncredited' | " Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially alongside other characters." |
| 13 October–25 November | 'Kylie Kopperton' | 'Leah Etkind' | " Employee at nudist camp who introduces Kim Hyde to drugs resulting in an overdose incident." |
| 19 October–8 November | 'Bert Biddle' | 'Zachary Garred’ | " Intern at Northern Districts Hospital unknowingly involved in Amanda Vale’s deceptive plans involving DNA samples." |
| 25 October–25 November | 'Noah Hunter’ Template:Anchor Noah Hunter | 'Zane Rugless et al.' | " Newborn son of Hayley Lawson amid paternity dispute resolved through medical testing." |
| 28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006 | 'Dudley Shepherd’ Template:Anchor Dudley Shepherd | 'Terry Serio’ | " Bookmaker entangled with Dan Baker’s gambling debts leading to kidnapping and hostage situations." |
| 28–29 October | 'David Knotts’ Template:Anchor David Knotts | 'Alan Dukes’ | " Firearms dealer facilitating illegal weapon sale to Martha MacKenzie resulting in accidental shooting." |
| 9–22 November | 'Jimmy Knox’ Template:Anchor Jimmy Knox | 'Paul Caesar’ | " Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over unpaid gambling debts." |
| 11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012 | Derek YoungTemplate:Anchor Derek Young | Charlie Hopkins | Physician at Northern Districts Hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness storyline. |
| 11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006 | Charity FernbrookTemplate:Anchor Charity Fernbrook | Charlotte Gregg | Member of The Believers cult involved in kidnapping and custody disputes concerning Tasha Andrews and her child. |