Mullet (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television soap opera |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is an Australian television soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The third season commenced broadcasting on 8 January 1990. Below is a compilation of characters introduced during 1990, all under the direction of executive producer Des Monaghan. In January, Rebekah Elmaloglou made her first appearance as Sophie Simpson. February saw the arrival of Craig McLachlan and Julian McMahon portraying schoolteacher Grant Mitchell and soldier Ben Lucini, respectively. March introduced Jaiman Paget Bayly in the recurring role of Murray "Mullet" Jensen. April brought in Beach House proprietor Ernie Jacobs (David Weatherley) along with Bridget Jackson (Paula Duncan). In May, Craig Black joined as student Paul Jensen, paired with police officer Jane Holland (Josephine Mitchell). July featured siblings Blake Dean and Karen Dean, played by Les Hill and Belinda Jarrett. September introduced Kate Raison as Jennifer Atkinson, a romantic interest for Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). October added divorcé Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) and his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). November saw the debut of Rachael Beck as Grant's sister, Kim Mitchell.
Sophie Simpson
Sophie Simpson, portrayed by Rebekah Elmaloglou, first appeared on 23 January 1990 and remained until 1993. Elmaloglou took a hiatus due to fatigue and eventually departed to focus on other ventures after the demanding workload impacted her health. She later returned for guest roles in 2002, 2003, and 2005.
Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell, played by Craig McLachlan, made his debut on 9 February 1990. Although McLachlan exited the show within the same year, additional footage he filmed was broadcast in 1991. Grant’s last episode aired on 20 September 1991. McLachlan described Grant as a "fashionable" educator who wins students’ favor by challenging authority, yet remains committed to his profession. This portrayal earned McLachlan the "Most Popular Actor" accolade at the 1991 Logie Awards.
Ben Lucini
Benito "Ben" Lucini, enacted by Julian McMahon, appeared from 27 February 1990 until 1 May 1991. After undergoing four auditions, McMahon secured the role of Ben, an Italian serviceman depicted as relaxed and easy-going for his age group. Initially enthusiastic about socializing and parties, Ben grew more mature over time, developing affection for the town and established character Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson), eventually leaving military service. Carly valued Ben’s traditional principles and dependability; they married, with Hodgson anticipating a lasting union due to their shared dedication. McMahon departed from Home and Away during the same year his character was introduced. Nevertheless, Peter Holmes of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued McMahon’s acting as "stiff," comparing it to a "splendid impression of a Thunderbird."
Mullet
Murray "Mullet" Jensen, brought to life by Jaiman Paget Bayly, featured from 26 March to 18 July 1990. Characterized as an "energetic and lively eleven-year-old," Mullet is an ordinary rural boy with a spirited and mischievous nature. His nickname stems from his enthusiasm for fishing. Living under financial hardship, Mullet’s mother, Lorraine Jensen (Elizabeth Chance), struggles to afford extras for him and his brother Paul Jensen (Craig Black). Lacking pocket money, Mullet sells his catches to Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn).
Despite initial irritation from classmate Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Mullet forms a friendship with her. After inadvertently serving Alf Stewart’s pet crab for dinner, he makes amends by offering fishing assistance to Alf (Ray Meagher). Reluctant to disclose his difficult home circumstances, Mullet invents a tale about his mother being hospitalized until Sally comforts him and includes him in the wedding celebrations of Carly Morris and Ben Lucini.
Tensions arise when Mullet takes Tammy Newton (Katy Edwards) fishing out of jealousy, but he later teams up with Sally for a performance at the Surf Club’s talent night where their act’s blunders entertain attendees. Mullet also helps Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson) with a magic trick that ends humorously ruined. Motivated by dance lessons from Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), Mullet briefly adopts a pop star persona before returning to his usual style. He participates in the wedding reception, dancing alongside Sally. Years later, Mullet is referenced by Steven Matheson (Adam Willits) when discussing Sally's past relationships.
Ernie Jacobs
Ernie Jacobs, brought to life by David Weatherley, was featured from 16 April 1990 until 9 January 1991.
Ernie leases his coastal property to Matt Wilson (Greg Benson), Adam Cameron (Mat Stevenson), and Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons). The tenants conspire to humiliate Ernie by fabricating a photograph depicting him kissing Marilyn, although the image initially fails to develop. After Adam accidentally damages the kitchen floor while making toffee, he covers the area with turf infested by fleas, resulting in a pest infestation that prompts Ernie to threaten eviction. Ernie decides to run for councillor and gains an edge when Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) withdraws due to legal complications. Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) enters the contest opposing Ernie. Marilyn discovers a compromising letter and teams up with Bobby to blackmail Ernie. Ultimately, Ernie sells the beach house to Marilyn.
Bridget Jackson
Bridget Jackson, portrayed by Paula Duncan, made her initial appearance on 20 April 1990 with a five-week engagement. Although producers aimed to extend her involvement, Duncan had other offers and family obligations limiting her availability. Bridget is the mother of Emma Jackson (Dannii Minogue) and was described by Duncan as "utterly dreadful"—a raw and unrefined persona unlike any she had previously portrayed.
Arriving in Summer Bay following Emma’s defensive act against her stepfather, Bridget seeks custody of her daughter. She confronts her estranged sister Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn), who had killed their abusive father and is fiercely protective of Emma. Bridget reveals that she left her abusive husband Barry after he admitted to mistreating Emma. Despite initial hostility, Bridget gradually wins Emma’s trust through gifts and outings, convincing her to return home—although Emma later reports that Bridget reconciled with Barry, indicating ongoing familial discord.
Paul Jensen
Paul Jensen, enacted by Craig Black, debuted on 8 May 1990. Black had previously made a brief appearance as Travis. Paul is a 17-year-old student who also works as a shop assistant; he is the son of Michael and Lorraine Jensen and older brother to Mullet.
Characterized as friendly, articulate, and academically advanced, Paul shares a close friendship with Steven Matheson. His parents separated after his father Michael’s unsuccessful attempt at a country music career. Despite Paul’s remarkable self-taught musical ability, Lorraine forbids him from pursuing music or playing instruments at home. Secretly, Paul practices piano during school lunch breaks and at the surf club.
Paul’s teacher, Grant Mitchell, recognizes his talent and urges him to apply for a music scholarship. Paul declines this opportunity, opting instead to work at Alf Stewart’s store in order to purchase a used piano. Lorraine disapproves of Paul’s musical pursuits and the increased electricity consumption they cause. To showcase Paul’s abilities, Grant organizes a talent show; however, Paul initially refuses to take part.
Paul develops a romantic interest in Emma Jackson, who reciprocates despite being involved with Adam Cameron. Emma admires Paul’s piano skills and kisses him but remains committed to Adam. Eventually, Lorraine comes around to support Paul’s music ambitions, leading him to perform at the concert.
Following an insult directed at Paul’s father by Adam, Paul challenges him to a fight; Alf arranges for a fair boxing match with training assistance from himself and Steven. The confrontation escalates until Emma and friends intervene by dousing the fighters with water. Though Paul initially blames Emma for the disruption, they reconcile afterward.
When Emma is expelled due to exam papers planted by Vicki Baxter, Paul doubts her innocence, causing their relationship to end. Later, Paul and Steven expose Vicki’s deceit, clearing Emma’s name. Encouraged by Ailsa Stewart and Bobby Simpson, Emma forgives Paul but subsequently relocates to the Gold Coast for work, concluding their romantic relationship while maintaining their friendship.
Jane Holland
Jane Holland, brought to life by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 22 June 1990. Mitchell started filming in April 1990 under a two-month contract. She noted the role's intensity, mentioning longer working hours compared to her previous experience on A Country Practice. Jane is introduced as a police constable and serves as a romantic interest for Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan), whom Mitchell had previously met socially. This character represented a shift from Mitchell’s usual roles, demanding a tougher, more assertive performance. While Jane interacts with various residents of Summer Bay, her storyline primarily revolves around Grant.
Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Jane quickly begins dating Grant. She later arrests Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) for driving under the influence, resulting in him losing his license. After a deadly shootout at Yabbie Creek where an officer is killed, Jane is found alive but visibly shaken. She also intervenes to stop some thugs from bullying Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) at the local diner. Concerned about her wellbeing, Grant advises Jane to take a break from work; she contemplates resigning. Their relationship eventually dissolves, and Jane returns to her policing duties in the city.
Blake Dean
Blake Dean, portrayed by Les Hill, debuted on 26 July 1990. Hill had previously appeared in G.P.. His casting was announced alongside Belinda Jarrett’s as his sister Karen Dean, prior to their on-screen introductions. Hill found the fast pace of production demanding.
Described in the Home and Away Annual as "the kind of boy any parent would be proud to call their son," Blake is lively, charismatic, and clever, often stepping up to shield Karen from difficulties. Hill later revealed plans to leave the series but returned for special episodes including the fourteenth anniversary and the milestone 4,000th episode.
Karen Dean
Karen Dean, enacted by Belinda Jarrett, first appeared on 26 July 1990. A fan of Home and Away, Jarrett had no previous television acting experience before being cast alongside Les Hill as siblings Karen and Blake Dean. They arrived in Summer Bay following their mother Margot’s death due to cancer. Initially living with a distant uncle, they later move in with Ailsa and Alf Stewart, honoring their mother’s wishes. The characters were introduced with storylines intended to captivate audiences.
Writers David Nicholls and Kesta Desmond characterized Karen as a 15-year-old "attractive" yet reserved teenager who was self-conscious about her body image. Popular at school, she was just beginning to explore romance but showed a preference for older boys. In March 1991, Seven decided against renewing Jarrett’s contract due to Karen's limited prominence and popularity within the show. Her departure aired on 27 August 1991. Karen returned briefly in 1993 after being released from prison, with her final scene broadcast on 19 February 1993.
Karen and Blake come to Summer Bay seeking Ailsa Stewart, their late mother’s former cellmate, after difficulties with their uncle Alec Dean. Although Alf Stewart is initially hesitant, he eventually agrees to let them stay. Karen forms a friendship with Sophie Simpson and develops feelings for Steven Matheson; however, Steven rejects her due to their age difference. She feels overshadowed when Blake begins dating Sophie.
Karen has confrontations with deputy principal Alan Stone over his decision to reinstate corporal punishment before he is transferred elsewhere. She develops an attraction toward Haydn Ross but is disappointed when he favors Sophie; nevertheless, all three become friends eventually. Karen also takes part in a demonstration aimed at preserving a historic tree planted by Alf's grandfather.
Despite warnings about Maurice "Revhead" Gibson's criminal background, Karen is drawn to him and becomes involved in criminal activities including robbing Alf's store. After a car accident that results in David Croft’s death, Karen confesses and receives a two-year prison sentence.
Upon parole in 1993, Karen returns to Summer Bay and meets her half-sister Roxanne Miller. Her unchanged behavior causes friction; she instigates a fight at a nightclub leading to Blake being attacked and steals money from Ailsa before fleeing to the city. Blake follows her there and decides to stay close to monitor her actions.
Jennifer Atkinson
Jennifer Atkinson, brought to life by Kate Raison, made her first appearance on 12 September 1990. Raison was cast for a guest stint lasting eight weeks, portraying Jennifer Stewart, who becomes involved in a contentious relationship with the adolescent Steven Matheson (Adam Willits). Jennifer, who is Alf Stewart’s cousin, comes to Summer Bay while concealing problems stemming from her abusive and alcoholic spouse, Daniel Atkinson. Despite Steven misrepresenting his age and educational status, they initiate a romantic involvement. After Daniel’s jealousy escalates to violence, Jennifer terminates the relationship and departs, advising Steven to resume his schooling. She later sends him a Christmas card but refuses to visit him.
Michael Ross
Michael Ross, enacted by Dennis Coard, made his debut on 22 October 1990 alongside his son Haydn Ross (Andrew Hill). Michael arrives in Summer Bay as the new proprietor of the boat shed and soon embarks on a romantic relationship with Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrance), despite initial opposition from her family and Pippa’s grief over her deceased husband. Their partnership faces obstacles including interference from Michael’s former wife Cynthia, yet they ultimately marry.
Michael adopts Pippa’s son Christopher and also fosters multiple children. The couple confronts tragedy when their infant son Dale succumbs to SIDS, testing their marriage but ultimately bringing them closer. Haydn’s gambling problems cause financial difficulties for Michael, compelling him to put the boat shed up for sale; Alf Stewart later becomes a silent partner.
Managing various business interests while raising six children places strain on Michael, resulting in marital tension that leads to a temporary separation from Pippa. They reconcile after attending marriage counseling. Michael is also involved in a rescue operation following a seaplane crash and fosters Maya Krakajcek until her relatives return from overseas.
In 1996, the producers decided to write Michael out of the series by scripting his death during a flood rescue attempt. Michael heroically saves Sam Marshall but is swept away and drowns, concluding Coard’s five-and-a-half-year role on the show.
Haydn Ross
Haydn Ross, portrayed by Andrew Hill, first appeared on 31 October 1990 and departed on 17 September 1991, with subsequent returns in 1994 and 1996. Hill acquired the role unexpectedly due to an agent’s mistake. In 1991, he opted to leave the series. Haydn is the son of Cynthia (Belinda Giblin) and Michael Ross (Dennis Coard) and attends a private school funded by his father’s enterprises. The Home and Away Annual characterizes Haydn as "athletic and determined like his father," possessing "a love of culture and a comfortable lifestyle" inherited from his mother, embodying ambition combined with privilege.
Kim Mitchell
Kim Mitchell, played by Rachael Beck, made her initial appearance on 8 November 1990 as the sister of established character Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan). Producers offered Beck a twelve-month contract intending to make Kim a regular character; however, she declined to avoid being typecast.
At sixteen, Kim arrives in Summer Bay concealing a drug addiction. Despite presenting herself with "beautiful clothes" and makeup that create an immaculate image, she struggles with substance abuse, justifying it as typical youthful behavior. While visiting her brother Grant, Kim steals money from his flatmate Matt Wilson (Greg Benson) and later from Carly Lucini (Sharyn Hodgson) to support her addiction. When confronted by Matt and Steven Matheson (Adam Willits), Kim initially denies her drug use but ultimately admits to taking speed pills after Grant discovers them.
Grant arranges for Kim to enter rehabilitation, even relinquishing his job at Summer Bay High to assist her recovery. He informs their parents without mentioning drugs directly but warns Kim he will reveal everything if she relapses. Grant returns several months later confirming Kim’s progress, illustrating the show’s commitment to addressing significant social issues through its characters.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Circumstances | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January | Robbo | Ned Manning | A veterinarian brought by shark hunter Zac Burgess to confirm if a captured shark was responsible for a fatality. Adam Cameron and Andrew Foley doubt this, and the shark is ultimately exonerated. | |
| 29 January | Henry Thompson | Tim Allen | Potential purchasers of the Blaxland estate who are frightened away by an exorcism conducted by Emma Jackson and Celia Stewart. | |
| Doris Thompson | Jane Archer | |||
| 2–16 February | Greta | Jodie Gilles | Marilyn Chambers' friend; initially rejected by Martin Dibble but eventually accepted before her departure. | |
| 9 February–1 March | Detective Hunt | Kim Knuckey | Investigates Donald Fisher for a previous homicide; probes blackmail by Al Simpson; ultimately apprehends Simpson following a hostage crisis. | |
| 27 February–8 March | Dave Porter | John Adam | Ben Lucini’s army comrade; creates friction with Carly Morris and Adam Cameron through partying and gambling activities. | |
| 12 March | Travis | Craig Black | Student enrolled in Grant Mitchell's Year 12 class. | |
| 30 March–3 April | Reverend Christopher Goodhope | Ron Becks | African clergyman hosted by Celia Stewart; mistakenly detained but later freed; motivates Celia to pursue missionary work. | |
| 6 April 1990, 21 May 2007 – 26 January 2012 |
Delivery Man | Steve Cox | Delivery person appearing intermittently, distributing items and interacting with principal characters including Tony Holden and Leah Patterson-Baker. | |
| 16 April–11 September | Des Thompson | Brian Harrison | Bank manager who provides loans to Carly Morris and subsequently to Carly and Ben Lucini for acquiring the local boatshed. | |
| 17–26 April | Melody | Suzi Dougherty | Rents a room at the Beach House; unreliable in paying rent; moves in her boyfriend Bruce, who intimidates other tenants; the couple flees after a prank exploiting Bruce’s fears. | |
| 18 April | Peter Butcher | Matthew Booker | Year 10 pupil who mocks Sophie Simpson about her illiteracy. | |
| 25–26 April | Bruce | Bill Charlton | Melody’s boyfriend, recently released on parole; bullies flatmates until tricked into leaving. | |
| 3 May–17 July | Minister | John Mann | Local clergyman officiating Tom Fletcher’s funeral and the wedding of Carly Morris and Ben Lucini. | |
| 8 May–19 June | Lorraine Jensen | Elizabeth Chance | Mother to Paul and Murray Jensen; employed at a bookmaker’s to support her family; initially opposes Paul’s piano aspirations but later encourages him. | |
| 15 May–27 July | Doctor Walker | Earle Cross | Community doctor attending Marilyn Chambers, Ben Lucini, and Bobby Simpson, including disclosing Bobby’s pregnancy. | |
| 21–24 May | Helen Wakefield | Shayne Foote | Social worker investigating allegations of child abuse involving Tammy Newton; facilitates Tammy’s reunion with estranged mother Angela Newton. | |
| 21–23 May | Megan Tierney | Pamela Hawkesford | Carly Morris’s affluent former schoolmate who looks down on Summer Bay; has disputes with her husband Julian over expenditures. | |
| 23 May | Julian Tierney | Cranston Brecht | "Affluent spouse of Megan Tierney; engages in arguments over spending during dinner with Carly Morris and Ben Lucini." | |
| "Angela Newton'" | "Annie Byron" | "Estranged mother of Viv and Tammy Newton; reconciles with daughters and relocates to Queensland." | ||
| "Chris Reynolds'" | "Jay Hackett" | "Member of dating agency involved with Bobby Simpson; married man whose affair leads to family strife and separation." | ||
| "Geoff Lime'" | "William Usic" | "Dating agency participant competing for Bobby Simpson's affection; proposes but engagement is called off." | ||
| "Gus'" | "Harry Lawrence" | "Homeless individual befriending Sophie Simpson, aiding her in overcoming academic difficulties." | ||
| "Sheree Anderson'" | "Beth Champion" | "Friend of Vicki Baxter involved in framing Emma Jackson for exam theft." | ||
| "Francesca Lucini'" | "Kim Leon" | "Ben Lucini's sister attracted to Steven Matheson, creating tension with cousin Angelo." | ||
| 'Arianthe Galani' | 'Ben Lucini's mother managing family dynamics during wedding activities.' | |||
| 'Alistair Duncan' | 'Ben Lucini's father offering support throughout wedding events.' | |||
| '\'Angelo\ | 'Raj Sidhu' | 'Ben Lucini's cousin and best man; instigates conflicts including a prank on Ben that nearly causes him to miss his wedding.' | ||
| '\'Alec Dean\ | 'Norm Galton' | 'Uncle who assumes custody of Blake and Karen Dean following their mother’s death; agrees they remain with Ailsa and Alf Stewart.' | ||
| '\'Anna\ | 'Rebecca George' | 'Vicki Baxter’s cousin involved in framing Emma Jackson for theft; exposed by Steven Matheson and Paul Jensen.' | ||
| '\'Wendy Reynolds\ | 'Liz Newman' | 'Chris Reynolds’ wife who leaves him, caring for their daughter Suzie in Summer Bay amid marital discord.' | ||
| 'Sophia Davidson' | 'Daughter of Chris and Wendy Reynolds caught in custody dispute.' | |||
| '\'Vince McGrath\ | 'Felix Nobis' | 'Delivery man from Coastal Video dating Marilyn Chambers until jealousy causes their breakup.' | ||
| '\'Fred Owens\ | 'Keith Holloway' | 'Owner of boatshed selling it to Ben and Carly Lucini but accepts a higher bid from Michael Ross.' | ||
| '\'Hazel Lime\ | 'Kaye Stevenson' | 'Mother of Geoff Lime who initially opposes his relationship with Bobby Simpson but later supports them.' | ||
| '\'Alan Stone\ | 'Philip Hinton' | 'New Deputy Principal revealed as an abusive alcoholic enforcing corporal punishment, clashing with students Blake and Karen Dean until reassigned.' | ||
| '\'Daniel Atkinson\ | 'Ken Radley' | 'Violent alcoholic husband confronting his wife’s relationship with Steven Matheson, resulting in assault charges.' | ||
| '\'Eddie\ | 'Peter Williams' | 'Drug dealer supplying Kim Mitchell, deterred from further dealings by Steven Matheson’s intervention.' | ||
| '\'Patricia Coleman\ | 'Pam Western' | 'Former nun teaching at Summer Bay High School, supporting students Blake Dean and Sally Fletcher; develops close friendship with Donald Fisher before departing.' |
References
- Desmond, Kesta. Home and Away Annual. Grandreams Ltd, 1990. ISBN 0-86227-787-6.
- Desmond, Kesta; Nicholls, David. Home and Away Annual Authorised Edition. Grandreams Ltd, 1992. ISBN 0-86227-863-5.
- Hopwood, Clive. Home and Away Special. World International Publishing LTD, 1990. ISBN 0-7235-6899-5.
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