Nelson Gregory
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| 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 introduced during 2013, listed according to their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series’ 26th season commenced broadcast on 21 January 2013. The first character introduced was Zac MacGuire, followed closely by Courtney Freeman, Maddy Osborne, Spencer Harrington, and Rosie Prichard within the same month. In April, Chris Harrington and Ricky Sharpe made their debuts. August saw the introduction of siblings Josh and Andy Barrett, along with Hannah Wilson. From September onward, Zac’s relatives—Ethan, Evelyn, and Oscar MacGuire—as well as Nate Cooper were added to the cast. Later in October, Jade Montgomery and Matt Page joined, with Phoebe Nicholson arriving in November.
Zac MacGuire
Zac MacGuire, portrayed by Charlie Clausen, made his first appearance on 22 January 2013. The announcement of Clausen’s casting came on 13 January 2013, marking a significant return to acting for him. Clausen expressed excitement about joining the series, calling it an excellent chance and commending the friendly nature of the production team. Zac works as a prison education officer who becomes involved during a fight featuring Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). Clausen explained that Zac was tasked by Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack) to keep an eye on Casey. The character is portrayed as fundamentally good-hearted, having entered the correctional system due to his own past imprisonment.
Courtney Freeman
Courtney Freeman, played by Joshua Brennan, was introduced on 22 January 2013. Presented as a detainee at Crestview Correctional Centre, Courtney acts as an antagonist to Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes), who is serving time for a botched robbery attempt. Characterized as a "typical prison bully," Courtney pressures Casey into participating in drug trafficking; upon refusal, Casey endures physical violence.
Courtney manipulates the rivalry between the Braxton and Sharpe families by forcing Jamie Sharpe (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) to assault Casey. Following a brutal encounter where Courtney stabs Casey with a shiv, Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) brokers an agreement that leads to Casey’s release and Jamie’s transfer in exchange for testimony against Courtney.
Maddy Osborne
Madeline "Maddy" Osborne, portrayed by Kassandra Clementi, debuted on 24 January 2013. Introduced alongside Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley), Maddy is depicted as a teenage runaway whose narrative ties into the show’s enhanced emphasis on fostering themes.
Clementi described Maddy as "vivacious and deeply caring," exhibiting a level of maturity beyond her 16 years. The role represented an important opportunity for Clementi, who was experiencing homesickness for Australia at the time she was cast.
Spencer Harrington
Spencer Harrington, brought to life by Andrew Morley, made his first appearance on 24 January 2013. Announced during the promotional campaign for the 2013 season, Morley’s involvement was confirmed on 22 January. After two years on the show, Morley departed in late 2014 to explore acting roles in the United States, with Spencer’s exit occurring on 23 April 2015.
Spencer arrived in Summer Bay as a teenage runaway alongside Maddy Osborne (Kassandra Clementi). Initially, they resided at the local high school before being discovered by Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman). Both attempted to keep their circumstances hidden from their families. Subsequently, they found shelter with Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) and Harvey Ryan (Marcus Graham). The storyline grew more complex with the arrival of Spencer’s brother, Chris (Johnny Ruffo). Their introduction coincided with the series’ increased emphasis on foster care narratives. Morley described Spencer as self-assured, charming, romantic, loyal, and altruistic.
When Spencer approached Summer Bay Caravan Park seeking accommodation from Roo Stewart, he admitted he lacked money for food but assured he would repay the debt, which he did after revealing that his parents were deceased. After spending a night aboard a boat and moving into the high school, Spencer became worried when Maddy fell ill. They reached out to Roo for assistance and stayed at Summer Bay House. Following a brief period on the run and discovering an injured Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) in a shed, they decided to trust Roo. Spencer obtained employment at the bait shop, and it was disclosed that he and Maddy were romantically involved rather than siblings. The arrival of Chris complicated their relationship, which eventually ended.
Later, Spencer began dating Sasha Bezmel, which sparked jealousy in Maddy. Their physical relationship soon after starting to date heightened existing tensions. Chris returned to Summer Bay with intentions to reconcile with Sasha’s sister Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), further escalating conflicts involving Spencer.
Rosie Prichard
Rosie Prichard, portrayed by Teri Haddy, first appeared on 30 January 2013. Haddy was cast shortly after moving to Sydney in May 2012 and was six years older than her sixteen-year-old character. Rosie is depicted as "kind-hearted but socially awkward" and somewhat of an "introvert." Although she had lived in Summer Bay previously, this was her first on-screen appearance. Rosie looks up to Sasha Bezmel and becomes friends with her following an invitation to a party.
In April, Rosie became a victim of sexual assault by fellow student Alexander Mullens. Haddy explained that Rosie initially misread Mullens’ intentions due to their romantic involvement. She confides in Sasha and Roo Stewart and reports Mullens to the authorities. To portray this storyline authentically, Haddy researched teenage survivors of sexual assault, aiming to inspire young women to assert their boundaries.
Rosie teams up with Sasha on a science assignment; after an accident at the pier, their friendship grows stronger. She conceals her family difficulties by having Tilda Hogan pretend to be her sister. When Sasha confronts her, Rosie reveals that her mother left early and her father divides his time between families, leaving Rosie living independently. Jealous of Sasha’s new friendship with Maddy Osborne, Rosie endangers herself by nearly drowning but is saved by Casey Braxton and John Palmer.
After Sasha distances herself from Rosie, she befriends other teenagers and kisses Mullens, who later brags about taking advantage of her. On a date, Mullens assaults her; initially blaming herself, Rosie receives support from Sasha and attends self-defense classes with Zac MacGuire. She also connects with Bella Lugrano, another Mullens victim who reports him to police. Lachlan Stone, a friend of Mullens’, stalks Rosie but eventually cooperates with law enforcement by providing evidence against Mullens, resulting in his arrest.
While working at the Diner, Rosie discovers she is pregnant. Feeling unsafe and briefly leaving school, she returns but faces bullying from Holly Chapman due to her pregnancy and relationship with Zac. Choosing to keep her child, Rosie ultimately leaves Summer Bay to live in the city with her father.
Chris Harrington
Chris Harrington, brought to life by Johnny Ruffo, made his first appearance on 1 April 2013. The announcement of Ruffo's casting came on 19 October 2012. After requesting his agent to seek out acting opportunities, Ruffo attended several auditions before securing this role. Home and Away represented Ruffo's inaugural acting experience, prompting him to move from Perth to Sydney. Initially, he was signed on for approximately sixteen episodes beginning in September, but his contract was subsequently prolonged.
Ruffo conveyed excitement about joining the series, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere on set. Chris is the elder sibling of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley). His storyline centers around visiting Spencer in Summer Bay to motivate him to mend ties with their family.
Ricky Sharpe
Erica "Ricky" Sharpe, portrayed by Bonnie Sveen, first appeared on 2 April 2013. Sveen had previously guest-starred in 2010. She expressed delight at securing a permanent role, mentioning her personal connection through her grandmother, a longtime Home and Away enthusiast. Ricky is the younger sister of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes). She arrived in Summer Bay for Heath Braxton's (Dan Ewing) engagement celebration and became romantically involved with Heath's older brother, Brax (Stephen Peacocke), whom she has known since they were teenagers. In 2014, Sveen earned the Most Popular New Talent Logie Award for her portrayal of Ricky.
Josh Barrett
Joshua "Josh" Barrett, enacted by Jackson Gallagher, made his debut on 27 August 2013. His casting was revealed by Debbie Schipp from The Daily Telegraph on 3 August 2013. Gallagher admitted feeling starstruck when working alongside veteran actor Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). Josh was introduced together with his brother Andy (Tai Hara) via online webisodes that explored their backstory. On 14 May 2016, reports emerged that Gallagher would depart Home and Away after his character confessed to shooting Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz).
Andy Barrett
Andrew "Andy" Barrett, played by Tai Hara, first appeared on 28 August 2013. His casting was announced by The Daily Telegraph on 3 August 2013. Hara expressed honor at joining such a well-known series. Andy and his younger brother Josh (Jackson Gallagher) were introduced through online webisodes that detailed their histories. The Barrett brothers initially clashed with the Braxton family, with Hara highlighting the complicated past between the two groups.
Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson, portrayed by Cassie Howarth, made her debut on 29 August 2013. Revealed to audiences in late August 2013, Hannah was described as a "free spirit." Howarth depicted her as resilient and resolute, deeply devoted to her family while harboring a fear of isolation. Hannah comes to Summer Bay seeking assistance from Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) regarding their niece and nephew's involvement in a cult led by Zac's brother, Ethan (Matt Minto). Howarth emphasized that the storyline was intense and presented a significant adjustment for her character.
Ethan MacGuire
Ethan MacGuire, brought to life by Matt Minto, first appeared on 2 September 2013. Announced alongside other new characters in late August 2013, Minto was initially considered for a different role but ultimately cast as Ethan, beginning filming in April 2013. Ethan is Zac MacGuire's (Charlie Clausen) estranged brother and is involved in a cult with his teenage children Evelyn (Philippa Northeast) and Oscar (Jake Speer). When Zac visits, Ethan portrays the cult as an enlightenment retreat. Zac collaborates with Ethan's sister-in-law Hannah to retrieve the children, confronting Ethan’s controlling and manipulative nature—often labeled by critics as "Evil Ethan." Ethan exited the series on 27 January 2014.
Following the death of his wife, Ethan relocated his children to an enlightenment camp operated by Murray Granger (Christopher Stollery), which later is exposed as a cult. Hannah initially attempts to have the twins live with her but enlists Zac's support after failing. Ethan aggressively restricts Oscar’s contact with Zac, resulting in legal proceedings against Zac. With assistance from the Braxton brothers, Zac rescues the twins; however, Evelyn eventually returns to Ethan. After assaulting Spencer Harrington, Ethan takes over leadership of the cult once Murray is arrested. During a music festival, Ethan abducts Oscar, Evelyn, and Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway), imprisoning them inside a shipping container. After assuring Hannah that the twins are unharmed, Ethan suffers grave injuries from a bomb blast and dies due to cardiac arrest despite Hannah’s efforts to save him.
Evelyn MacGuire
Evelyn "Evie" MacGuire, played by Philippa Northeast, first appeared on 3 September 2013. Announced in August 2013, Evelyn is Zac MacGuire's (Charlie Clausen) niece and twin sister of Oscar MacGuire (Jake Speer). Their introduction coincides with Zac’s visit after discovering their father, Ethan (Matt Minto), had involved them in a cult. Unlike her brother, Evelyn embraced life at the camp. Northeast described Evelyn as deeply family-oriented due to losing her mother early and witnessing her father’s difficulties, which strengthened her connection with Oscar. She portrayed Evelyn as kind-hearted with a witty sense of humor who confidently voices her opinions when overlooked.
Oscar MacGuire
Oscar MacGuire, portrayed by Jake Speer, made his first appearance on 3 September 2013. His casting was announced alongside Evelyn’s in August 2013. Speer successfully auditioned earlier that year. Oscar is Zac’s nephew and twin brother to Evelyn. Introduced within the cult-related storyline involving their father Ethan, Oscar struggles against his father’s decision to move them into the cult camp while striving to preserve his own identity.
Nate Cooper
Nathaniel "Nate" Cooper, played by Kyle Pryor, made his first appearance on 26 September 2013.[1] His casting was revealed on 8 September 2013.[1] Although Pryor originally auditioned for the role of Andy Barrett, producers encouraged him to try for Nate, leading to his eventual casting.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Filming had commenced four months before the public announcement.[1] Nate arrives at Northern Districts Hospital with aspirations to further his medical career and pursue specialization.[2]
Jade Montgomery
Jade Montgomery, portrayed by Tasma Walton, debuted on 16 October 2013. Walton’s casting was confirmed on 27 July 2013; she previously appeared on Home and Away as Rachel Watson in 1995. Walton accepted the role to coincide with a film premiere at the Sydney Film Festival. Jade remained on-screen for several months, concluding her storyline in the 2013 season finale, departing on 29 January 2014.
As the principal of Mangrove River High, Montgomery arrives in Summer Bay following an arson attack that destroys her school, aiming to negotiate a merger with Summer Bay High. She expresses dissatisfaction that Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley) retains the head position throughout the merger, questioning Bianca’s leadership and openly criticizing Bianca’s husband, Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing), who is also a former student. Montgomery exhibits bias against Mangrove River students such as Matt Page (Alec Snow). After Bianca disciplines her, Montgomery retaliates by vandalizing Bianca’s office and framing Matt for the damage. Following multiple accusations and evidence against her, Montgomery is suspended from her role.
In an act of vengeance, Montgomery plants an explosive device in Bianca’s laptop bag, which detonates at Northern Districts Hospital, causing the death of Ethan Macguire (Matt Minto). Upon realizing the severity of her actions, she panics; Heath uncovers her culpability, resulting in her arrest.
Matt Page
Matthew "Matt" Page, enacted by Alec Snow, first appeared on 21 October 2013. After auditioning early in 2013, Snow secured a three-month contract. He characterized Matt as a "troubled youth" uncertain of his role in Summer Bay and known for stirring conflict. Snow later extended his tenure to three years, expressing pride in joining this iconic series.
Phoebe Nicholson
Phoebe Nicholson, brought to life by Isabella Giovinazzo, debuted on 26 November 2013. Having relocated to Sydney mid-2013, Giovinazzo landed her first acting role through an audition process. Phoebe is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter who comes to Summer Bay after learning that her ex-boyfriend Kyle Braxton is organizing a music festival. The character is depicted as intelligent, attractive, lively, and slightly eccentric, providing ample scope for character development.
Supporting Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 February | Gavin Wheeler | Ande Cunningham | Social worker who visits Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott concerning custody arrangements for Heath's daughter Darcy Callahan. He queries Heath about his criminal background and reports findings to his superiors. (Credited as Gavin MacIntosh but referred to as Gavin Wheeler.) |
| 8 February–29 July 2014 | Connie Callahan | Celia Ireland | Grandmother of Darcy who gains full custody following involvement with the Department of Community Services. Later consents to Darcy living with Heath and Bianca in the city. |
| 12 February | Eugene Broad | Sonny Vrobao | Drug dealer who encounters Darryl Braxton. After a gunman appears, Eugene escapes but later strikes Brax with his vehicle; Adam Sharpe takes the impact instead. |
| 13–15 February | Nelson Gregory | Anthony Gee | Former boyfriend of Tamara Kingsley who arrives in Summer Bay searching for her. After being knocked out by Kyle, Nelson is arrested due to involvement in Tamara’s brother’s death. |
| 13–21 February | Dr Padley | Nicholas Brown | Provides counseling to Sid Walker during a suspected mental health crisis; Sid ultimately discharges himself. |
| 15 February–6 October 2014 | Nina Bailey | Emmy Dougall | Dates Jett James; their relationship ends due to trust issues but briefly reconciles before separation caused by boarding school and distance. |
| 15 February–15 March | Tilda Hogan | Gigi Perry | School bully targeting Jett James, ceasing after he stands up for himself with peer support. |
| 15 February | Olivia Fraser | Tiahn Green | Attends Summer Bay disco where Jett unsuccessfully attempts to ask her to dance. |
| 18–19 February, 16 April 2015 – 31 May 2016 | Tanya Osborne | Kathryn Hartman | Visits Summer Bay regarding daughter Maddy’s cancer diagnosis and treatment; supports Maddy and contemplates legal action against Roo before reconciling. |
| 22–25 February | Sheldon Atkinson | Laurence Coy | Involved in Celia Stewart’s gambling problems; despite mutual efforts to assist one another, Sheldon ultimately departs Summer Bay alone. |
| 28 February–1 March | Ian Harrington | Matt Dale | Revealed as Spencer Harrington’s father who seeks custody; Spencer refuses and subsequently aids Ian after an accident. |
| 13 March | Weight Lifter | Paul Davies | Gym patrons receiving training from Heath Braxton during his initial day at work. |
| Treadmill Guy | Rob Harys | ||
| 14 March | Aron Dawkin | Nicholas Cooper | University lecturer addressing students including Dexter Walker about preparation importance. |
| 14 March | Maureen Hogan | Melanie De Ferranti | Mother of Tilda Hogan who dismisses complaints about her daughter’s bullying behavior at school. |
| 21 March | Brett Smith | Oliver Edwin | Misinterprets April Scott’s study invitation as a date and abruptly leaves. |
| 21 March | Robin Sutton | Phillipe Klaus | Provides counseling sessions for Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott; initially met with resistance from Heath but eventually cooperates. |
| 25 March–25 April | Steph Green | Zara Michales | "Nurse at Northern District Hospital who befriends Dexter Walker. Their relationship ends after Steph falsifies patient records and reports their workplace romance in retaliation." |
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|
| 25 March | "Jake Twomey" | "Laurence Brewer" | "University lecturer impressed by April Scott's insights on doctor-patient communication." |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 March | "Mr Andrews" | "Colin Huxley" | "Patient at Northern District Hospital whose vigilance prevents medical errors." |
| 26 March–25 April | "Alexander Mullens" | "Louis McIntosh" | "Friend of Rosie Prichard later revealed as her assailant; his actions prompt police investigations and school conflicts." |
| 26 March–9 May | "Lachlan Stone" | "Michael Windeyer" | "Associate of Mullens who provides evidence leading to Mullens’ arrest for sexual assault." |
| 4 April–24 September | "Constable Taylor" | "Amy Scott-Smith" | "Police officer managing statements related to Mullens' case and overseeing legal procedures." |
| 24 April | "Priest" | "Bruce Glen" | "Conducts funeral service for Gina Palmer." |
| 25 April | "Mr Thompson" | "Trevor Michel" | "Diabetic patient under Steph Green's care at Northern District Hospital." |
| 30 April–1 May | "Bella Lugarno" | "Hayley Mitchelhill-Miller" | "Attends self-defense classes; reveals she was assaulted by Mullens and supports police case." |
| 8 May | "Caleb Van Huessen" | "Miles Jovanoski" | "Courier participating in monitored gun exchange involving Ricky Sharpe." |
| 27 May–17 July | "Holly Chapman" | "Sacha Vivian-Riding" | "Bullies Rosie Prichard over pregnancy; develops unreciprocated feelings for Zac MacGuire leading to false harassment accusations." |
| 30 May–3 June | "Henchman 1" | "James Willing" | "One of Adam Sharpe’s henchmen involved in espionage and kidnapping activities." |
| "Henchman 2" | "Mark Norton" | ||
| 3 June | "Joey Beresford" | "Cain Thompson" | "Associate of Adam Sharpe guarding Tamara Kingsley and Ricky Sharpe; dismissed after Ricky rejects advances." |
| 4 June | "Henchman 3" | "Dusan Durdevic" | "Additional henchman involved in kidnapping Ricky Sharpe." |
| 4 June | "Mr Silver" | "Robin Queree" | "Patient cared for by Sid Walker and April Scott at Northern District Hospital." |
| 7 June | 'Kerry Doyle' | 'Clodagh Crowe' | 'Foster mother supporting Rosie Prichard through pregnancy resulting from assault.' |
| '17 June' | 'Nurse 1' | 'Isabel Goudie' | 'Assists with Darryl Braxton’s gunshot treatment at Northern District Hospital.' |
| '25 June' | 'Andrea Marlowe' | 'Ellen Bailey' | 'Journalist covering protest advocating for Bianca Scott’s reinstatement as principal.' |
| '25 June' | 'Photographer' | 'Andy Trieu' | 'Photographer documenting protest alongside Andrea Marlowe.' |
| '8 July–29 August' | 'Nurse Liz' | 'Kelly Robinson' | 'Hospital nurse attending patients including April Scott and Maddy Osborne.' |
| '9 July' | 'Intern' | 'Irmgard Wessels' | 'Hospital intern assisting with treatment of April Scott’s allergic reaction.' |
| 10–11 July | 'Joanne Kingsley' | 'Pippa Grandison' | 'Parent of Tamara Kingsley visiting amid concerns over Tamara’s memory loss.' |
| 'Patrick Kingsley' | 'Jason Montgomery' | ||
| '18–22 July' | 'Jerri Landale' | 'Fely Irvine' | 'Process server delivering subpoenas to Darryl Braxton and Casey Braxton.' |
| '23 July' | 'Peyton Tedd' | 'Paige Houden' | 'Resident at caravan park flirting with Casey Braxton.' |
| '25 July' | 'Franco Chilvers' | 'Drayton Morley' | 'Supervisor of Bianca Scott during principals’ event.' |
| '30 July–9 October 2013' | 'David Morrell' | 'Charlton Hill' | 'Legal representative for Ricky Sharpe and Darryl Braxton during court proceedings.' |
| '1 August–26 September' | 'Peta Bradley' | 'Nadia Townsend' | 'Doctor treating key characters including Casey Braxton at Northern Districts Hospital.' |
| '12 August' | 'Hotel Maitre d’' | 'Nick Mitchell' | 'Refuses reservation request from Kyle Braxton’s party at Melbourne restaurant.' |
| 13 August–20 March 2014 | Jess Lockwood | Georgia Chara | Barmaid at Melbourne nightclub who has a one-night stand with Heath Braxton; later informs him she is pregnant before dying from cancer post-childbirth. |
| 13 August | Paris Wells | Herself | Performs live at Melbourne nightclub visited by Kyle Braxton. |
| 10 September–29 October | Murray Granger | Christopher Stollery | Leader of cult Sanctuary Lodge involved in disputes concerning members Evelyn and Oscar MacGuire; arrested after Evelyn provides incriminating evidence. |
| 16 &17 September | Physio 1 | Brett Clancy | Physiotherapist treating Casey Braxton’s spinal injury at hospital. |
| Physio 2 | Bronwyn Chilvers | ||
| 19 September–17 October | Robyn Sullivan | Alexandra Park | Seeks out Chris Harrington in Summer Bay; engages in one-night stand with Kyle Braxton. |
| 30 September–9 October | Debbie Barrett | Olivia Pigeot | Mother of Andy and Josh Barrett involved in family conflicts culminating in arrest following shooting incident. |
| 2 October | Johnny Barrett | Stephen Anderton | Father figure tied to Barrett brothers’ troubled past; dies following altercation involving Darryl Braxton. |
| 14 October | Freya Lund | Ellie Gall | Member of Murray Granger’s cult warning Evelyn MacGuire against participating in discovery weekend activities. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away platform
- Full cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database
- Spencer Harrington profile on the Official AU Home and Away site