Murray Granger
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Soap opera |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This compilation highlights characters who were introduced throughout 2013, all under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show’s 26th season commenced broadcasting on 21 January 2013. The initial new character of the year was Zac MacGuire, followed closely by Courtney Freeman, Maddy Osborne, Spencer Harrington, and Rosie Prichard within the same month. Later, in April, Chris Harrington and Ricky Sharpe were introduced. August saw the arrival of Josh, Andy Barrett, and Hannah Wilson. From September onward, Zac’s relatives—Ethan, Evelyn, and Oscar MacGuire—along with Nate Cooper made their debut. In October, Jade Montgomery and Matt Page joined the cast, followed by the introduction of Phoebe Nicholson in November.
Zac MacGuire
Zac MacGuire, played by Charlie Clausen, made his first appearance on 22 January 2013. Clausen’s casting was revealed on 13 January 2013, marking a significant return to television for the actor. He expressed excitement about becoming part of Home and Away, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity it presented. Zac works as an education officer within a prison setting and becomes involved when he breaks up a fight involving Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). According to Clausen, Zac was assigned to keep an eye on Casey by Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack). The character is portrayed as inherently good-natured, with a personal history that includes previous incarceration before transitioning into his current professional role.
Courtney Freeman
Courtney Freeman, enacted by Joshua Brennan, debuted on 22 January 2013. Introduced as an inmate at Crestview Correctional Centre, Courtney serves as an antagonist to Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes), who is incarcerated due to a botched robbery attempt. Courtney is characterized as a classic "prison bully," exerting pressure on Casey to engage in drug trafficking. When Casey refuses, he becomes the target of violent assaults. Courtney manipulates existing gang tensions by coercing fellow inmate Jamie Sharpe (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) into intimidating Casey. The situation intensifies when Courtney attacks Casey with a shiv. Eventually, through an arrangement facilitated by Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen), Casey is released and Jamie is transferred, contingent upon their cooperation in providing testimony against Courtney.
Maddy Osborne
Madeline "Maddy" Osborne, portrayed by Kassandra Clementi, first appeared on 24 January 2013. Announced early in the year, Clementi joined Home and Away expressing enthusiasm for the role despite experiencing some homesickness. Maddy is introduced as a teenage runaway arriving in Summer Bay alongside Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley). Her character supports the series’ intent to explore more nurturing storylines. Clementi describes Maddy as a lively, affectionate, and mature sixteen-year-old who possesses wisdom beyond her years.
Spencer Harrington
Spencer Harrington, played by Andrew Morley, made his first appearance on 24 January 2013. His character was teased in the 2013 season trailer, with official promotional images released shortly before his debut. Morley exited the show in late 2014 to explore acting roles in the United States, with Spencer's final episode broadcast on 23 April 2015.
Spencer is introduced as a teenage runaway who arrives in Summer Bay accompanied by Maddy Osborne (Kassandra Clementi). Initially, they hide out at the local high school before moving into Roo Stewart's (Georgie Parker) residence. Their arrival aligned with the series' shift towards more foster care-related storylines. Morley described Spencer as "authentic, self-assured, and highly charismatic," emphasizing his romantic and devoted qualities.
Upon arriving, Spencer and Maddy attempt to find lodging at the Summer Bay Caravan Park but face financial challenges. Spencer works to repay a debt at The Diner and reveals that his parents have passed away. After Maddy becomes ill, they accept Roo’s hospitality and move into Summer Bay House. They briefly run away but return after encountering difficulties. Spencer finds employment at the bait shop, and it is clarified that he and Maddy are dating rather than siblings. Spencer’s brother, Chris (Johnny Ruffo), arrives in Summer Bay, creating tension that ultimately leads to Spencer and Maddy ending their relationship.
Subsequently, Spencer enters into a relationship with Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman), which stirs jealousy in Maddy. Their romance develops rapidly, intensifying conflicts involving Chris, who returns to pursue Sasha’s sister Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), further complicating the interpersonal dynamics among the characters.
Rosie Prichard
Rosie Prichard, portrayed by Teri Haddy, first appeared on 30 January 2013. Her casting was announced earlier that month following Haddy’s move to Sydney. Although Haddy was six years older than her role, Rosie is characterized as a sixteen-year-old student residing in Summer Bay. She is depicted as "kind-hearted yet socially awkward" and somewhat of an outsider, admiring Sasha Bezmel and eventually becoming her friend.
In April 2013, Rosie is sexually assaulted by fellow student Alexander Mullens. Initially confused due to their previous interactions, she ultimately reports the attack to authorities with support from Sasha and Roo Stewart. To portray this storyline with accuracy, Haddy researched survivors of teenage sexual assault and hoped her performance would empower young women to assert their boundaries.
Rosie and Sasha develop a friendship while working on a science project together, despite Rosie’s reluctance to discuss her family background—her mother left when she was young, and her father splits his time between her and another family. After a near-drowning episode where Casey Braxton and John Palmer rescue them both, Sasha distances herself from Rosie as Rosie forms closer connections with other peers, including Mullens.
Following the assault, Rosie attends self-defense classes led by Zac MacGuire and befriends Bella Lugrano, another victim of Mullens. When Lachlan Stone, a friend of Mullens, stalks Rosie while holding evidence against Mullens, he is encouraged to inform the police. Mullens is subsequently arrested. Rosie later discovers she is pregnant as a result of the assault. Despite facing bullying at school due to her pregnancy and relationship with Zac, she chooses to keep her child and eventually relocates from Summer Bay to live with her father in the city.
Chris Harrington
Chris Harrington, brought to life by Johnny Ruffo, made his first appearance on 1 April 2013. The announcement regarding both the character and Ruffo’s casting was made on 19 October 2012. After moving from Perth to Sydney for the role, Ruffo expressed feeling "very lucky" to have secured the part following several auditions. Initially signed for approximately sixteen episodes beginning in September, his contract was subsequently prolonged. This role marked Ruffo’s debut in acting. Chris is the elder sibling of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley) and arrives in Summer Bay with the intention of encouraging Spencer to mend ties with their family.
Ricky Sharpe
Erica "Ricky" Sharpe, portrayed by Bonnie Sveen, first appeared on 2 April 2013. Sveen had previously appeared in a guest capacity in 2010. She conveyed excitement about securing a permanent role, highlighting her personal affinity for the series. Ricky is the younger sister of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes). Her arrival in Summer Bay coincides with Heath Braxton’s (Dan Ewing) engagement celebration, where she becomes romantically involved with Heath’s older brother, Brax (Stephen Peacocke), a childhood acquaintance. Sveen received the Most Popular New Talent Logie Award in 2014 for her portrayal of Ricky.
Josh Barrett
Joshua "Josh" Barrett, enacted by Jackson Gallagher, debuted on 27 August 2013. Gallagher’s casting was reported on 3 August 2013, and he remarked on being starstruck while working alongside veteran actor Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). Josh was introduced together with his brother Andy (Tai Hara) through online webisodes that delved into their backstory. On 14 May 2016, it was revealed that Gallagher would exit the show following Josh’s admission related to shooting Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz).
Andy Barrett
Andrew "Andy" Barrett, portrayed by Tai Hara, made his first appearance on 28 August 2013. The character and casting details were publicized by The Daily Telegraph on 3 August 2013. Hara described joining Home and Away as an honor, acknowledging the show's strong fan base. Andy was introduced alongside his younger brother Josh (Jackson Gallagher) via online webisodes that explored their histories. The Barrett brothers initially found themselves at odds with the Braxton siblings, with Andy harboring secrets tied to their shared past.
Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson, played by Cassie Howarth, first appeared on screen on 29 August 2013. Announced in late August 2013, Hannah is depicted as a "free spirit" who is resilient, determined, and deeply protective of her loved ones. She arrives in Summer Bay seeking assistance from Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) to help rescue their niece and nephew from a cult linked to Zac's brother, Ethan (Matt Minto). Howarth described this storyline as demanding and noted it represented a significant challenge for Hannah’s character development.
Ethan MacGuire
Ethan MacGuire, portrayed by Matt Minto, appeared on the show from 2 September 2013 until 27 January 2014. Although Minto initially auditioned for a different character, he was ultimately cast as Ethan, the estranged brother of Zac MacGuire. Ethan relocated his children, Evelyn (Philippa Northeast) and Oscar (Jake Speer), to a cult disguised as an enlightenment retreat led by Murray Granger (Christopher Stollery). Despite presenting a warm demeanor toward Zac, Ethan is manipulative and difficult to confront.
Following the death of his wife, Ethan's connection with the cult became a key plot element. Zac MacGuire and Hannah Wilson teamed up to rescue the twins from the camp amid rising conflicts. Ethan sought to keep Zac at bay by obtaining an AVO against him. Eventually, Zac and the Braxton brothers managed to free Evelyn and Oscar. After Murray’s arrest, Ethan assumed control of the cult and orchestrated a kidnapping at a music festival involving his children and Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway). Ethan sustained injuries in a bomb blast and later passed away due to cardiac arrest.
Evelyn MacGuire
Evelyn "Evie" MacGuire, played by Philippa Northeast, made her first appearance on 3 September 2013. Announced in August 2013, Evelyn is Zac MacGuire's niece (Charlie Clausen) and twin sister to Oscar MacGuire (Jake Speer). The siblings were introduced when Zac visited after discovering their father, Ethan (Matt Minto), had involved them in a cult. Unlike Oscar, Evelyn adapted to camp life more readily. Northeast described Evelyn as someone who highly values family due to early personal loss and her father's difficulties, which deepened her connection with Oscar. She is kind-hearted but assertive, particularly when her opinions are overlooked.
Oscar MacGuire
Oscar MacGuire, brought to life by Jake Speer, also debuted on 3 September 2013. His casting was revealed alongside Evelyn’s in August 2013. Speer auditioned earlier that year and expressed enthusiasm about joining the series. As Zac’s nephew and Evelyn’s twin brother, Oscar was introduced during the cult-related storyline involving their father Ethan. In contrast to Evelyn, Oscar found it challenging to accept their father’s decision to move them into the cult camp and struggled to preserve his sense of self.
Nate Cooper
Nathaniel "Nate" Cooper, portrayed by Kyle Pryor, first appeared on 26 September 2013. His casting was announced on 8 September 2013 after Pryor initially auditioned for a different role but caught producers’ attention for Nate instead. Filming had already commenced months before the public announcement. Nate is a physician who joins Northern Districts Hospital despite aspiring to work in a larger metropolitan hospital as part of his goal to specialize.
Jade Montgomery
Jade Montgomery, played by Tasma Walton, made her debut on 16 October 2013. Walton’s casting was announced on 27 July 2013; she had previously been seen in Home and Away as Rachel Watson back in 1995. Her return coincided with the premiere of a film at the Sydney Film Festival. Jade Montgomery’s character remained on-screen for several months, concluding her arc on 29 January 2014.
Montgomery is introduced as the principal of Mangrove River High School. Following an arson attack that destroyed her school, she arrives in Summer Bay aiming to negotiate a merger with Summer Bay High. Displeased that Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley) will continue as head during the merger, Montgomery doubts Bianca’s leadership abilities and openly criticizes Bianca’s husband, Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing), who was once her student. She also shows bias against Mangrove River students such as Matt Page (Alec Snow). After Bianca reprimands her for this behavior, Montgomery retaliates by vandalizing Bianca’s office and framing Matt for the damage.
With mounting suspicions over various offenses at the school, Montgomery is eventually suspended when evidence comes to light. In retaliation, she plants an explosive device inside Bianca's laptop bag; the bomb detonates at Northern Districts Hospital, resulting in the death of Ethan Macguire (Matt Minto). Upon realizing the gravity of her actions, Montgomery panics; Heath discovers her involvement, which leads to her arrest.
Matt Page
Matthew "Matt" Page, enacted by Alec Snow, made his first appearance on 21 October 2013. Snow secured the role following an audition held early in 2013 and was initially signed for a three-month period, which subsequently extended to three years. He characterized Matt as a "troubled youth" struggling to find his identity and frequently provoking others in the Bay.
Phoebe Nicholson
Phoebe Nicholson, portrayed by Isabella Giovinazzo, debuted on 26 November 2013. After relocating to Sydney in 2013, Giovinazzo landed her inaugural acting part as Phoebe, a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter. Phoebe arrives in Summer Bay upon discovering that her former boyfriend Kyle Braxton is organizing a music festival. She is described as intelligent, attractive, lively, and somewhat eccentric.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 February | Ande Cunningham | Gavin is a social worker who meets with Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott concerning custody arrangements for Heath’s daughter Darcy Callahan. He inquires about Heath’s criminal background and forwards his evaluation to his superiors. (Credited as Gavin MacIntosh but referred to as Gavin Wheeler.) | |
| 8 February–29 July 2014 | Celia Ireland | Connie, Darcy’s grandmother, assumes full custody after contacting the Department of Community Services. Subsequently, she consents to Darcy residing with Heath and Bianca in the city. | |
| 12 February | Eugene Broad | Sonny Vrobao | Eugene, involved in drug dealing, encounters Darryl Braxton. When a gunman appears, Eugene flees but attempts to run over Brax; Adam Sharpe intervenes by pushing Brax out of harm’s way and is hit instead. |
| 13–15 February | Nelson Gregory | Anthony Gee | Nelson, Tamara Kingsley’s former partner, arrives in Summer Bay searching for her. Kyle Braxton knocks him unconscious, leading to Nelson’s arrest related to Tamara’s brother’s death. |
| 13–21 February | Dr Padley | Nicholas Brown | Dr Padley provides counseling to Sid Walker at a clinic when Sid fears an emotional breakdown. Sid eventually discharges himself after speaking with his son. |
| 15 February–6 October 2014 | Nina Bailey | Emmy Dougall | Nina begins and ends a romance with Jett James, runs away with him due to boarding school pressures but ultimately returns home; their relationship ends because of distance. |
| 15 February–15 March | Tilda Hogan | Gigi Perry | Tilda bullies Jett James at school but ceases after peers confront her. |
| 15 February | Olivia Fraser | Tiahn Green | Olivia attends the Summer Bay disco where Jett attempts to dance with her but fails to recall her name. |
| 18–19 February, 16 April 2015 – 31 May 2016 | Tanya Osborne | Kathryn Hartman | Tanya visits Summer Bay supporting her daughter Maddy through cancer diagnosis and recovery. Later she drives Maddy to rehab, considers legal steps but reconciles with Roo Stewart. |
| 22–25 February | Sheldon Atkinson | Laurence Coy | Celia Stewart blames Sheldon for her gambling addiction. Though they plan to seek help together, Sheldon departs Summer Bay alone after refusing to gamble Celia’s money. |
| 28 February–1 March | Ian Harrington | Matt Dale | Ian reveals himself as Spencer Harrington’s father and requests custody. Spencer declines and later assists Ian after a car accident. |
| 13 March | Weight Lifter | Paul Davies | Gym patrons receiving fitness instruction from Heath Braxton during his first day working there. |
| Treadmill Guy | Rob Harys | ||
| 14 March | Aron Dawkin | Nicholas Cooper | Aron lectures university students including Dexter Walker, stressing the importance of completing assigned readings. |
| 14 March | Maureen Hogan | Melanie De Ferranti | Maureen, Tilda Hogan’s mother, denies her daughter’s bullying despite evidence and brands Jett James a troublemaker. |
| 21 March | Brett Smith | Oliver Edwin | Brett, April Scott’s university classmate, misinterprets a study session as a date and quickly leaves when Dexter Walker arrives. |
| 21 March | Robin Sutton | Phillipe Klaus | Robin provides counseling to Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott; Heath initially resists but returns for additional sessions. |
| 25 March–25 April | Steph Green | Zara Michales | Nurse Steph befriends Dexter Walker; they enter a relationship but she is terminated for falsifying patient records and retaliates by reporting workplace misconduct. |
| 25 March | Jake Twomey | Laurence Brewer | University lecturer impressed by April Scott’s perspectives on doctor-patient communication; they share lunch afterward. |
| 25 March | Mr Andrews | Colin Huxley | Hospital patient whose condition prompts Dexter Walker to alert nurse Steph Green. |
| 26 March–25 April | Louis McIntosh | Involved in multiple sexual assault incidents against Rosie Prichard and Bella Lugarno. Initially lacking evidence, police action follows friends’ intervention leading to Mullens’ arrest and charges. | |
| 26 March–9 May | Michael Windeyer | Friend of Alexander Mullens who ultimately provides police with evidence after witnessing assaults. | |
| 4 April–24 September | Amy Scott-Smith | Police officer managing statements related to Alexander Mullens' sexual assault cases and overseeing associated AVOs in the community. | |
| 24 April | Priest | Bruce Glen | Conducts Gina Palmer's funeral service. |
| 25 April | Mr Thompson | Trevor Michel | Diabetic patient under nurse Steph Green’s care at Northern District Hospital; Steph falsifies his medical observations. |
| 30 April–1 May | Bella Lugarno | Hayley Mitchelhill-Miller | Participant in self-defense classes who confides about sexual assault by Alexander Mullens and agrees to provide a police statement. |
| 8 May | Caleb Van Huessen | Miles Jovanoski | Courier involved in gun exchange collected by Kyle Braxton under Ricky Sharpe’s direction; Ricky secretly photographs the deal. |
| 27 May–17 July | Holly Chapman | Sacha Vivian-Riding | Holly bullies Rosie Prichard over pregnancy, develops an unreturned crush on Zac MacGuire resulting in false harassment claims and hospitalization after a suicide attempt. |
| 30 May–3 June | Henchman 1 | James Willing | rowspan=2 | Henchmen spying on the Braxtons; kidnap Tamara Kingsley and bring Ricky Sharpe to her location. |
| Henchman 2 | Mark Norton | ||
| 3 June | Joey Beresford | Cain Thompson | Associate of Adam Sharpe assigned to guard Tamara Kingsley and Ricky Sharpe; dismissed after Ricky resists his advances. |
| 4 June | Henchman 3 | Dusan Durdevic | Henchman aiding Adam Sharpe in recapturing Ricky Sharpe following her escape from captivity. |
| 4 June | Mr Silver | Robin Queree | Patient at Northern District Hospital treated by Sid Walker and April Scott for diabetic complications following leg injury. |
| 7 June | Kerry Doyle | Clodagh Crowe | Foster mother distressed by Rosie Prichard’s pregnancy due to assault; supports Rosie during hospital visits. |
| 17 June | Nurse 1 | Isabel Goudie | Nurse at Northern District Hospital assisting with Darryl Braxton’s treatment post gunshot wounds. |
| 25 June | Andrea Marlowe | Ellen Bailey | Journalist covering Maddy Osborne's protest advocating Bianca Scott's reinstatement as principal; adjusts coverage based on community feedback. |
| 25 June | Photographer | Andy Minh Trieu | Accompanies Andrea Marlowe covering protest events. |
| 8 July–29 August | Nurse Liz | Kelly Robinson | Nurse attending patients including April Scott (snake bite), Pippa Saunders (seizure), and Maddy Osborne (car accident). |
| 9 July | Intern | Irmgard Wessels | Staff member at Northern District Hospital treating April Scott's allergic reaction. |
| 10–11 July | Joanne Kingsley | Pippa Grandison | Alongside Patrick Kingsley contacts Tamara Kingsley regarding memory loss; attempts reconciliation which Tamara declines. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official Australian Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
- Spencer Harrington profile on the Official Australian Home and Away website