Nick Dutton

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section outlines characters who were introduced during 2017, presented in the order of their initial appearances. All these characters were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series’ 30th season commenced broadcasting on 30 January 2017. The character Riley Hawkins was introduced in the episode following the season premiere. In May, Scarlett Snow made her entrance, followed by the Astoni family in June—parents Ben and Maggie, along with their daughters Coco and Ziggy. July saw the arrival of Robbo and Jennifer Dutton, with Beth Ellis joining in August. Later in October, Ryder Jackson was introduced, while November and December brought in Willow Harris and Jasmine Delaney, respectively.

Riley Hawkins

Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. Interestingly, O’Kane’s roommate, Rob Mills, also auditioned for this part but was ultimately not selected. Riley is introduced as a surgeon and former romantic partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee). He performs a critical operation on Justin Morgan (James Stewart) at Northern Districts Hospital.

Riley’s presence causes friction with Tori’s colleague Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who feels threatened due to their shared past. Nate’s jealousy leads him to ask Tori for another chance, but she remains wary given Riley’s previous infidelities. Riley flirts with others and attempts to sabotage Nate professionally by altering medical records, which ultimately results in the end of his relationship with Tori. After a heated dispute involving Justin Morgan, Riley chooses to resign from the hospital and leaves Summer Bay.

Scarlett Snow

Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. At the time Nolan was based in Los Angeles but traveled to Sydney for a screen test before securing a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as somewhat enigmatic and shaped by a tragic past, factors that influenced her decision to accept the role and relocate to Sydney.

Within the storyline, Scarlett encounters Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who is evading law enforcement. Initially detaining him, she later supports Brody as he confronts his drug addiction, involving his family in his recovery process. Scarlett disapproves of how Justin Morgan (James Stewart) handles Brody’s rehabilitation efforts. When Brody relapses and steals from her, Scarlett loses her residence but secures work at Alf Stewart’s bait shop and moves into a caravan at Summer Bay Caravan Park.

Scarlett faces intimidation from Bruno Addlen, an enforcer hired by her estranged husband Caleb Snow, who demands payment in exchange for keeping her whereabouts confidential. With financial assistance from Brody’s family, she manages to resolve this threat. Scarlett develops a close bond with Justin’s daughter and confides in Justin about her son Max’s death a year earlier, which explains her troubled marriage with Caleb.

Her relationship with Justin evolves amid various challenges, including a near-drowning incident that triggers painful memories of Max’s passing. Although they attempt to pursue a romantic relationship, complications arise when Caleb returns, causing emotional upheaval. After an explosion at a bush cabin injures Scarlett and tensions escalate between Caleb and Justin, Scarlett decides to leave Summer Bay with Caleb, recognizing the complexity of their intertwined relationships.

Throughout her storyline, Scarlett transforms from an enigmatic figure into an integral member of the community, navigating personal grief, legal challenges as a lawyer, and complicated interpersonal dynamics within Summer Bay.

Ziggy Astoni

Ziggy Astoni, brought to life by Sophie Dillman, made her first appearance on 20 June 2017. As the eldest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni, she is part of the first traditional nuclear family introduced to the series in 17 years. Ziggy is depicted as a rebellious and spirited teenager, positioned as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.

Ben Astoni

Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, also premiered on 20 June 2017. Nichol relocated from Melbourne to Manly to be near the filming location at Palm Beach. He arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters, Coco and Ziggy. The Astoni family reintroduced a classic nuclear family dynamic to the show for the first time since 2000. Nichol described Ben as a devoted, caring "good guy" who is deeply committed to his wife.

Maggie Astoni

Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, debuted on 21 June 2017. Morassi's casting was announced early in 2017, with character details revealed on 4 June. She commented on the rapid filming pace compared to her previous film work. Maggie relocates to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family represents the first nuclear family introduced since the Sutherlands in 2000.

Coco Astoni

Coco Astoni, enacted by Anna Cocquerel, first appeared on 21 June 2017 as the youngest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. Their arrival marked the return of a traditional family unit after a 17-year gap. Coco was identified early on as a possible love interest for VJ Patterson.

In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming schedule to focus on completing Year 12 studies, balancing school commitments with acting duties.

Coco’s narrative includes suspension due to cyberbullying, moving with her family to Summer Bay, and navigating friendships such as with Raffy Morrison. Her initial interactions with VJ Patterson involved a contrived tutoring arrangement that led to a date cut short by his mother because of Coco’s age. At Summer Bay High, she experiences bullying related to her nickname and looks, which triggers an eating disorder involving bingeing and purging. After fainting and sustaining injuries, Coco admits to struggling with bulimia during hospitalization.

Her relationships fluctuate as she reconciles with Raffy and embarks on a romantic relationship with Ryder Jackson that ends twice amid jealousy and other challenges. Coco supports her mother Maggie through a cancer diagnosis and serves as maid of honour at sister Ziggy's wedding.

Eventually, Coco chooses to attend boarding school in Cairns; although initially hesitant, Maggie later supports this decision. Coco briefly returns for Raffy’s birthday celebrations, during which she becomes involved in family disputes over Ziggy’s fiancé Brody Morgan’s infidelity. After clarifying that her own relationship was merely casual, Coco returns to boarding school.

Robbo

Robbo (also known as John Doe), portrayed by Jake Ryan, made his debut on 25 July 2017. Prior to filming, Ryan lost 13 kg following a taekwondo injury and was cast to fill the "heart-throb" role left vacant after Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a handyman, former AFP Federal Agent, and gym owner with multiple aliases including Beckett Reid and Ryan Shaw. The character was written out in early 2020; Ryan explained his exit was due to feeling his storyline had reached its conclusion.

Robbo initially appears as an amnesiac hiding on an island, struggling with memory loss while interacting with locals such as Alf Stewart and Constable Kat Chapman. After hospital treatment and unsuccessful fingerprint identification, he earns the nickname "Robbo" and is allowed to stay at the Caravan Park. He rescues Raffy Morrison from an attacker and accepts a maintenance role offered by Alf.

His past gradually emerges through investigations into his tattoos and history, revealing ties to a woman named Rose and uncovering a deceased individual. Eventually, he learns his true identity is Beckett Reid, an ex-AFP officer undercover protecting Kat Morgan while probing his family’s murder. His cover involved fabricated criminal records that erased his true identity.

After killing Dennis Novak—a criminal threatening Kat—Robbo becomes a suspect but is later exonerated. His relationship with Kat deepens until tragedy strikes with Kat’s death along with her baby. Robbo mourns their loss while evading Ash Ashford’s pursuit for revenge.

During his trial, AFP agents intervene, revealing his real identity as Ryan Shaw and confirming his undercover mission tracking those responsible for his family’s deaths. Returning to Summer Bay accompanied by AFP officer Lance Salisbury, Robbo receives official documents and contemplates rejoining the AFP but ultimately opts to purchase the local gym instead.

Robbo forms a close bond with Jasmine Delaney that evolves into romance despite initial boundaries set by friendship. He agrees to father a child via IVF with Tori Morgan; following her miscarriage, he proposes to Jasmine. Their engagement ends when he discovers Jasmine concealed Tori’s second pregnancy attempt. They reconcile and marry but are soon relocated to an AFP safe house amid ongoing threats.

Robbo undergoes hypnotherapy aiming to recover memories about Dylan Carter's fate. After suffering injuries from a car accident requiring surgery, he experiences a fatal hemorrhage despite medical intervention. Following his death, he appears to Jasmine in a dream.

Jennifer Dutton

Jennifer Dutton, brought to life by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Her casting was announced in June 2017 while filming took place at Palm Beach, New South Wales. Introduced as a high school pupil, Jennifer initially bullies Coco Astoni before evolving into a romantic interest for Hunter King. Santariga’s portrayal quickly became notable within the Summer Bay High community.

Jennifer’s narrative involves mocking Coco over an embarrassing moniker, instigating conflicts, and coercing Coco by threatening to reveal her eating disorder unless she sets up a date with VJ Patterson. These manipulative actions create tension in Coco’s friendships, particularly with Raffy Morrison, who stands up for Coco and confronts Jennifer. Additionally, Jennifer negatively influences Raffy by persuading her to consume alcohol at a fashion launch event.

During the Glow Day event at Summer Bay, Jennifer sustains a wrist injury while navigating an obstacle course and attempts to flirt with Mason Morgan during gym training sessions; however, Mason resists due to his own emotional struggles. After Hunter King’s breakup, Jennifer offers him support and they begin dating despite Olivia Fraser Richards’ objections. A university party incident causes friction between Jennifer and her father Nick, who blames Hunter for supplying her with alcohol.

Following family disputes, Jennifer moves in with Hunter but is later asked to leave by Alf Stewart after being caught kissing him. After Hunter ends their relationship, Jennifer briefly faces homelessness before returning to live with her father, concluding her storyline in Summer Bay.

Beth Ellis

Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps was cast soon after completing her studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She described Beth as "cheeky," "complex," and "quirky," highlighting the character’s aim to uplift those around her. Beth was introduced as a romantic partner for Mason Morgan.

Beth is a hospital patient suffering from cardiomyopathy and awaiting a heart transplant. Initially, she pretends to be a nurse to avoid receiving pity from others. She forms a connection with Mason through shared experiences and encourages him to reconcile with his brother Brody. Their bond strengthens through activities such as getting tattoos together and visiting a casino. However, Beth’s health declines; she faints en route to the casino and requires urgent medical attention.

Mason meets Beth’s parents, Alan and Jackie Ellis, who express concerns about their relationship due to Beth’s fragile health. Despite their disapproval, Beth insists on continuing her relationship with Mason. Her condition worsens, necessitating a stent procedure and an accelerated placement on the transplant waiting list. During an outing, Mason presents Beth with a promise ring; shortly afterward, she experiences a fatal arrhythmia and passes away. After her funeral, Mason envisions Beth encouraging him to move forward with his life.

Ryder Jackson

Ryder Jackson, played by Lukas Radovich, made his debut on 25 October 2017. Radovich secured the role shortly after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his first professional acting job. Ryder is the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His early storyline features him breaking into the Surf Club and attempting to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, which reveals his familial link to Alf. His refusal to provide Quinn’s contact details prompts his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) to suspect that he has run away from home.

Willow Harris

Willow Harris, also known as Ranger, is portrayed by Sarah Roberts and made her debut on 14 November 2017. Prior to landing this role, Roberts auditioned for the parts of Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She traveled from Melbourne to Sydney for her audition, which included a chemistry test alongside James Stewart, who plays Justin Morgan. Roberts described Willow as a "strong female figure"—independent, fiercely loyal, and spirited—who injects "mischief and a hint of trouble" into Summer Bay. Willow is depicted as a "rebellious" character who often makes tough decisions to protect those she cares about. She quickly becomes romantically linked to Justin Morgan.

Jasmine Delaney

Jasmine Delaney, brought to life by Sam Frost, first appeared on-screen on 18 December 2017. Frost's casting was revealed on 17 July 2017, after she was invited to audition while participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Competing against numerous actresses, she secured the role following a second audition round. Frost described landing the part as a dream fulfilled and noted it marked her debut in acting.

Her casting stirred controversy among some actors who dismissed it as a publicity stunt. Jasmine's initial storyline centers around a car accident that leads to the death of Kat Chapman, played by Pia Miller. Frost characterized Jasmine as "reserved," carrying an "anxious vibe," harboring secrets, and having "a troubled history."

Additional Characters

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
31 January–23 November	Luc Patterson	Eva Lockyer, Piper Dickson, Annabel May Sealey, Tayari Gee, Archie Freeland, Sterling McKenna Foster, Anastasia Lee Hayes, Sierra Sila, Lucas Bowman	Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived following an assault on Billie by Mick. Billie allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is Luc’s father until their wedding day. Luc is born shortly after Billie escapes a bushfire. Named after Billie’s late brother Luke Ashford, Luc is kidnapped by Mick but later returned by his mother, Irene Roberts. After Billie succumbs to terminal cancer, VJ struggles with Luc’s care; she initially stays with Irene before Ashford gains temporary custody. Luc experiences bowel torsion and septicaemia but recovers post-surgery. Mick returns but concedes he cannot parent her; VJ eventually relocates with Luc to Cyprus.
1 February–	Constable Corelli	Nick Cain	Assists Kat Chapman in investigating an arson case; later uncovers CCTV footage connected to Robbo’s hostage incident involving Dylan Carter.
2 February	Lactation Consultant	Gail Knight	Provides breastfeeding support to Billie Ashford for her newborn daughter.
23 February–1 May	Ambulance Officer	Rob Baird	Transports John Palmer and later Zac MacGuire to hospital following medical emergencies.
27 February–8 May	Patrick Stanwood	Luke McKenzie	Introduced as Billie and Martin Ashford’s presumed-deceased brother, Patrick struggles with PTSD impacting his family relationships including with Luc Patterson. Following a near self-harm event, he commits to treatment and develops a bond with Luc.
7 March–15 August	Lena Ascot	Felicity McKay	A university student involved in drug dealing at Salt; briefly works as a waitress. Has a short romantic involvement with Brody Morgan before dismissal due to drug use. Subsequently attends rehab alongside Brody.
7 March	Byron	Benjamin Winckle	Encourages Olivia Fraser Richards to participate in social events; has conflicts with Hunter King over Olivia.
9 March	Local Woman	Meagan Caratti	Confronts John Palmer about fires he started; defended by Marilyn Chambers.
	Local Man	James Caitlin
13 March–18 April	Jess Kearney	Jess Bush	Meets Olivia Fraser Richards for study sessions; participates in social activities with Hunter King and Olivia.
21 March	Cal Whitman	Craig Scott	Resident displaced by bushfire; appreciates John Palmer’s apology and assistance offer.
22 March, 6 December	Terry Diamond	Rob Flanagan	Restaurant critic who initially challenges then praises chef Brody Morgan; returns for subsequent dining experiences.
29 March–3 April	Donna Fields	Melissa Bonne	Musician friend of Phoebe Nicholson; critiques Phoebe’s new lifestyle but later reconciles; invites Phoebe on US tour.
29 March–29 August	Lachlan Piers	Warwick Allsopp	Legal representative for John Palmer; advises on defense strategy before being dismissed. Later informs Ben Astoni about heritage considerations affecting pier development plans.
29 March–20 April	James Mayvers	Tim Ross	Roo Stewart’s boyfriend from Hawaii; involved in pregnancy storyline where Roo opts for single parenthood after miscarriage.
3 April–30 August	William Zannis	Caleb Alloway	Drug dealer entwined in Brody Morgan’s addiction arc; engages in violent incidents and kidnapping attempts before arrest.

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
• Ben Astoni featured on the Official AU Home and Away website
• Coco Astoni listed on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Ziggy Astoni profile available at the Official AU Home and Away website