Nathan Cunningham (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment, Television
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

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

Martin Bartlett

Martin Bartlett, brought to life by actor Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. His storyline centers around his romantic interest in school secretary Kirsty Sutherland (played by Christie Hayes), who rebuffs him while involved with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart). After dismissing Kirsty from her position, she takes up work as an escort, unaware that Martin is a client at the Sands resort’s escort service. This leads to an embarrassing confrontation when Kirsty realizes Martin is one of her patrons.

Martin is established as a veteran Science teacher at Summer Bay High and was introduced through Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) as the new deputy principal succeeding Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn). Following Sally’s stabbing by Johnny Cooper (Callan Mulvey), Martin is promoted to principal by the school board. He initially hires Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as secretary after she blackmails him over witnessing him at an illegal fight involving Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), but she is later dismissed. Kirsty is then recruited to replace Jazz, prompting Martin to develop feelings for her. He even takes responsibility when her son Oliver (portrayed by Oliver Davis) sustains a broken arm while under his babysitting care.

Delving into his personal history, Martin shares that he was raised by a single mother, drawing parallels with Kirsty’s situation raising Oliver while his father Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell) serves time in prison. Upon discovering Kirsty’s relationship with Miles, Martin terminates her employment but provides a reference that allows her to secure work at the Sands resort. Tensions escalate when Miles uncovers that Kirsty works as an escort there and that Martin is one of her clients; additionally, Martin reveals himself as Kirsty’s secret benefactor.

During the senior formal event organized by Martin at the Surf Club, chaos ensues when Kane’s car crashes through a wall. Martin is knocked down and trampled amid the commotion, suffering fractured ribs; both he and Kane are hospitalized but eventually recover. Later, Martin arranges a commemorative school trek to honor Dan Baker (Tim Campbell) on the anniversary of his passing. The situation intensifies when students Jai and Annie go missing, followed by Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) planting a bomb beneath their bus. The explosive device is safely defused by Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). After these incidents, Martin leaves for a cruise, appointing Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as his successor in the principal role.

Axel Hay

Axel Hay, brought to life by Trent Dalzell, made his debut on 19 March 2008.

Prior to Axel's departure, he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk driver, Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the accident scene. Todd Lasance, who portrays Aden Jefferies, described that while Jai escapes with minor injuries, Axel is seriously injured and hospitalized. Both have fragmented memories of the event but recall a silver estate vehicle, prompting Aden to suspect his father.

Axel first appears alongside his peer Aden at a party hosted by Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), where he unsuccessfully attempts to win over Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). Subsequently, he tries to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell), which results in Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) confronting him. Axel is later found beaten on the beach by Belle. Although hesitant to involve authorities, suspicion initially targets Geoff and Aden until Belle identifies Aden as responsible due to his indifferent demeanor. Axel’s image is tarnished; he makes amends with Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Ultimately, Axel succumbs to injuries sustained in a car accident caused by Aden’s father and later appears as a hallucination haunting Melody’s dreams.

Ross Buckton

Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, first appeared on 21 May 2008 as a law enforcement officer investigating the death of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). His inquiries include questioning key individuals such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon), as he suspects foul play despite indications pointing towards suicide.

Ross seeks to implicate Jack and Martha as suspects but eventually withdraws charges after Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) provides evidence confirming Sam’s death was self-inflicted. Ross rekindles a past romance with Morag amidst challenges including his withholding information about his deceased wife Elsie and opposition from his daughter Charlie, although Ruby supports their relationship. Ross proposes marriage, and they wed quietly before departing on a European honeymoon.

Upon returning the following year, signs of marital tension surface as Ross begins exhibiting memory lapses and erratic conduct. After disappearing on two occasions and reopening a previously closed cold case, he receives an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis from Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). Following a hazardous episode at home, Ross consents to enter residential care with Morag accompanying him.

When the body of Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson) is discovered, Charlie becomes the prime suspect and faces suspension from duty. Ross confesses to killing Grant in retaliation for Grant’s past rape of Charlie during their youth, resulting in murder charges. Ross passes away in 2011; his funeral takes place in Summer Bay.

Melody Jones

Melody Jones, brought to life by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her drama HSC. Dodwell originally auditioned for the character of Nicole Franklin, but was instead offered the role of Melody, which she found appealing. She eventually exited the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.

Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, enacted by Tessa James, made her first appearance on 18 April 2008. Executive producer Cameron Welsh commended James as a dynamic new talent with significant audience appeal. James relocated to Sydney for this opportunity, considering it an excellent form of training and apprenticeship. Notably, fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell had initially tried out for Nicole’s role. Nicole’s key story arcs include rekindling a romance on a deserted island and enduring a hostage situation, showcasing her dramatic range. The media characterized her as a "flighty minx from the city" and a "fiery favourite." TV Week acknowledged James as one of the series’ most promising actresses, hinting at potential Hollywood prospects.

Jai Fernandez

Jai Fernandez, portrayed by Jordan Rodrigues, first appeared on 19 May 2008. Rodrigues described his entry into the show as an entirely new experience transitioning from theatre, appreciating the recognition from viewers. Jai’s backstory involves losing his family in the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, which connects him with established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who also endured similar losses. Miles brings Jai to Summer Bay, though their relationship is initially strained due to Jai’s resentment over being left behind in Phuket. Rodrigues noted Jai’s struggle to adjust to the coastal town lifestyle because of his urban upbringing.

In 2009, Rodrigues departed 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 shows him living in a city shelter, initially distant toward Miles, who had promised to care for him after his parents William and Nadieen perished in the tsunami. Eventually, Jai relocates to Summer Bay with Miles but faces social and academic challenges. He forms a friendship with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell), leading to reckless conduct including a scooter ride that ends tragically when Axel dies after colliding with a drunk driver. This event intensifies Jai’s dangerous belief in his own invulnerability, demonstrated through stunts like leaping from Jump Rock and climbing school rooftops. After Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) gets hurt trying to replicate his actions, Jai experiences guilt that sparks their romantic relationship despite initial disapproval from their guardians.

Their relationship encounters further obstacles when Annie becomes trapped in a storm drain and is rescued by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Meanwhile, Jai faces bullying from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey), who falsely accuses others of wrongdoing. Jai retaliates by threatening to reveal Trey’s personal issues unless he withdraws the allegations.

The couple’s bond weakens after Jai drunkenly expresses a desire to be intimate with Annie at Ruby Buckton's birthday party, resulting in their breakup. Later, Jai is accidentally shot with an old shotgun discovered on Martha MacKenzie's (Jodi Gordon) farm but conceals it until collapsing during a school hike; he eventually recovers. Tensions escalate when Annie shows interest in Dexter Walker (Tom Green), provoking jealousy and conflict.

Jai’s spirits lift when foster care friend Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) arrives at Summer Bay House. Efforts to win Annie back falter as Romeo deceives her about love poems Jai sent. Seeking escape from the turmoil, Jai accepts a student exchange program to Japan but initially declines to support Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes) following her miscarriage of Miles' child. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie leave for Japan after bidding farewell to their friends.

Oliver Phillips

Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His initial appearance occurs when Irene Roberts collects him following an illness that necessitates hospitalization. Despite efforts by medical staff and law enforcement, Ollie remains uncommunicative. Kane, who is evading authorities, makes a clandestine visit to him during his hospital stay. After Kane's unsuccessful robbery attempt and subsequent capture, Kirsty removes Ollie from the hospital.

Ollie and Kirsty reside temporarily with Irene, but their presence creates friction by revealing Belle Taylor's relationship and interfering with her professional life. The pair then relocate first to the caravan park and later move into a home shared with Miles Copeland and Jai, forming a familial bond. Upon Kane’s release from custody, he reunites with Kirsty and Ollie; however, due to complications in their relationship, they eventually leave. Following Kane’s permanent departure, Ollie returns contentedly to Summer Bay.

Kirsty experiences a pregnancy but suffers a miscarriage; during this time, Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland, who later moves them back to the city.

Charlie Buckton

Charlie Buckton was introduced on 6 June 2008, played by former model Esther Anderson, who was cast to bring additional "sex appeal" to Home and Away. Anderson, a longtime admirer of the series, expressed excitement about joining the cast. She departed the show 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 and "Best Daytime Star" in 2010. She was also nominated for Logie Awards in the categories of "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. The episode depicting Charlie’s death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics characterized Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and one of the show's "cutest crime fighters."

Ruby Buckton

Ruby Buckton, portrayed by Rebecca Breeds, first appeared on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is depicted as carefree on the surface but conceals deep emotions behind a tough exterior. Mourning her mother’s passing, she internalizes her sorrow, projecting independence and reserve. Breeds emphasized Ruby’s strength, self-reliance, and dedication to family.

In June 2012, Breeds completed filming her final scenes for Home and Away. Due to contractual restrictions, she was unable to discuss her exit openly but confirmed that Ruby remained an important character throughout her tenure. Breeds received a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009 and was subsequently nominated for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. Additionally, she earned a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards. One memorable storyline involved Ruby managing her father’s illness while cleverly avoiding a prank conducted via Skype.

Angelo Rosetta

Angelo Rosetta, brought to life by Luke Jacobz, made his debut on 8 July 2008. Jacobz secured this role in June 2008 following the cancellation of McLeod's Daughters, where he had been a recurring actor. Initially intending to work as a laborer in Sydney, he accepted this role with an original contract lasting six months. In February 2011, it was announced that Jacobz would be leaving Home and Away, with his final scenes airing several months afterward.

According to the official series website, Angelo hails from a close family with three brothers and was once seen as a "loudmouth, boofhead kid who would never amount to much." Jacobz’s performance garnered him nominations for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards as well as for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards that same year.

Elliot Gillen

Elliot Gillen, played by Paul Pantano, was featured from 8 July until 26 August 2008. Pantano received attention in Digital Spy's gay spotlight segment. Elliot's narrative centered on threatening crucial characters such as Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Driven by vengeance over his brother Mark's demise, Elliot sets Roman as his target, which results in Nicole and Geoff becoming stranded on an island. James described Elliot’s actions as presenting Roman with a "life and death obstacle course."

Elliot arrives in Summer Bay with the purpose of confronting Roman, whom he holds responsible for Mark’s death during their SAS mission in Afghanistan. Although an official inquiry confirmed Mark died in an ambush, Elliot refuses to accept this and manipulates Roman by dating his daughter Nicole. When their relationship ends, Elliot intensifies his scheme by abducting Nicole and demanding ransom from Roman, threatening her safety. Geoff attempts a rescue but suffers injury from a speargun fired by Elliot during their escape at sea.

Roman complies with Elliot’s demands, leading to a perilous chase through bushland traps where Roman is hurt but eventually subdues Elliot. Elliot is apprehended at Yabbie Creek police station.

While in custody, Roman admits to having shot Mark to prevent his surrender during the ambush, which led to Mark’s capture and subsequent death at enemy hands. Elliot reveals Nicole’s whereabouts and faces charges including 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, leaving Summer Bay to relocate to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts earned the role after attending four auditions, describing the achievement as "all the more awesome" due to the extended wait. His casting announcement came via pay-phone while he was surfing. The soap opera website Holy Soap identified Xavier’s standout moment as witnessing Brendan cause a severe car crash using a catapult.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Summary
28 January–11 February	Aaron Copeland	Timothy Walter	Father of Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland, appearing exclusively in flashbacks. Aaron battled alcoholism and domestic violence issues that fractured the family. Following his wife Diana’s passing, he sought custody of Sally but ultimately left her with foster carers, the Fletchers. Aaron died in 2000 due to complications from alcoholism.
11 February	Diana Wilson	Uncredited	Mother of Sally and Miles, shown in flashbacks. Her troubled marriage with Aaron ended when she died in a boating accident alongside her second husband.
11 February	Mrs Keating	Uncredited	Grandmother to Sally and Miles, mother of Diana and Ross Keating; depicted residing in a care home suffering from Alzheimer's disease during 1988 flashbacks.
18 February–23 August 2010	Anasthesist	Philip Dodd	Hospital anesthetist responsible for treating characters including Sally Fletcher following a stabbing incident and Penn Graham after an assault.
28 February–23 May	Gavin Johnson	Daniel Feuerriegel	Editor at Coastal News and supervisor of Belle Taylor; involved in managing news coverage affecting central characters.
4 March–13 June	Cara Phillips	Holly Robinson	Schoolmate of Annie Campbell; engaged in storylines involving spying on dates and conflicts with Melody Jones.
18 March	Steve Bradford	Nicholas Holland	Presents Leah Patterson-Baker with a $100,000 cheque as thanks for her late husband Dan saving his son’s life.
20 March–16 April	Joe Stephens	Terence Hepburn	Bartender hired by Sam Holden to assault her; later questioned regarding events prior to Sam’s death.
25 March–12 May	Logan Roth	Radek Jonak	Associate of Johnny Cooper; involved in underground fighting scenes impacting Ric Dalby and prompting police action.
10 April–27 January 2009	Matthew Lyons	Ross Pirelli	Year nine student engaged in bullying and manipulation at school; suspended following harassment incidents; implicated in supplying marijuana at formal events.
14 April	Britt Grey	Meagan Drury	Sam Holden’s estranged sister; assumes custody of nephew Rory Tolhurst amid investigations into Sam’s death.
6–13 May	Danielle Hay	Katrina Risteska	Younger sister of Axel Hay; involved in school disputes and academic discussions concerning play selections.
7 May–26 February 2009	Christine Jones	Elizabeth Alexander (actress)	Mother of Melody Jones; creates tension over school syllabus disagreements, records student conflicts, challenges relationships; eventually relocates to New Zealand seeking reconciliation with Melody.
19 May	Peter Randall	Richard Gyoerffy	Operator of a teen refuge; provides insights into Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior.
30 May	Jamie Cooper	Shardyn Fahey-Leigh	Son of Julie Cooper; overcomes fear of swimming through coaching from Jack Holden.
12 June–5 November 2012	Georgina Watson	Jaclyn Albergoni	Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek; experiences professional conflicts and friendship development with Charlie Buckton; promoted to Sergeant following Charlie’s death.
14 June–27 August	Jimmy Crawford	Adam Booth	Psychiatric patient with multiple hospital stays; develops attachment to Rachel Armstrong; falsely suspected in her disappearance but subsequently cleared.
20–27 June	Pat Jenkins	Lachlan Buchanan	Ruby Buckton's boyfriend; former maintenance worker at her previous school; relationship ends due to long-term concerns.
11 July	Mrs. Hay	Amelia Longhurst	Axel Hay’s mother; devastated by Axel’s death following a road accident involving Jai Fernandez and Larry Jefferies.
15–24 July	Daisy Alexander	Jessica Smith	Matilda Hunter’s university roommate in Perth; encourages social involvement and supports Matilda's personal choices.
15–24 July	Nathan Cunningham	Andrew Lees (actor)	Resident advisor at Matilda’s university; attempts to influence her social life causing friction with Ric Dalby.
1 September–6 October	Edward Jones	Errol Henderson	Husband of Christine Jones and father of Melody; involved in Melody’s mental health storyline and family disputes.
2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009	Bridget Simmons	Joy Smithers	Engages in a one-night stand with Tony Holden after wedding disruption; becomes involved in cons and blackmail plots leading to arrest.
3–4 September	Earl Pincus	Alan Cinis	Homeless man supported by Miles Copeland; involved in minor theft causing community concern.
15 September–10 November	Murray Buchanan	Ben Tari	Council worker exposing toxic waste cover-up tied to local development; threatened by developer Tim Coleman before disappearance.
26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009	Tim Coleman	Keiran Darcy-Smith	Construction site owner involved in criminal activities including intimidation, theft, and murder; key antagonist arrested for involvement in Jack Holden’s death.
22 October–5 November	Natalie Franklin	Adrienne Pickering	Roman Harris’ ex-girlfriend and Nicole Franklin’s mother; resolves strained family relations before leaving the Bay.
23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009	Brian Lawler	Ric Herbert	Con artist linked to Bridget Simmons’ scams including kidnapping VJ Patterson; arrested following police intervention.
18–24 November	Eric "Nobby" Nobbes	Mark Casamento	Engaged in criminal activities related to Tim Coleman’s schemes; killed after acting as an informant for police investigations.

External links

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