Ollie Phillips (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
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 broadcasting on 28 January 2008. In February, Bob Baines debuted as the key character Martin Bartlett. March saw the arrivals of Axel Hay, portrayed by Trent Dalzell, Ross Buckton played by David Downer, and Melody Jones brought to life by Celeste Dodwell. April introduced Nicole Franklin, played by Tessa James. May featured the additions of Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) and Oliver Phillips (Oliver Davis). June welcomed both Charlie and Ruby Buckton, portrayed by Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds, respectively. On 8 July, Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano joined as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen. Later in November, David Jones-Roberts began his role as Xavier Austin.
Martin Bartlett
Martin Bartlett, played by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. Introduced as a Science teacher and the new deputy principal at Summer Bay High, he replaces the former principal, Donald Fisher. Following the stabbing incident involving Sally Fletcher, Martin is promoted to principal by the school board.
Martin initially hires Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) as his secretary but dismisses her shortly after she attempts to blackmail him due to witnessing him at an illegal fight linked to Ric Dalby (Mark Furze). Subsequently, Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes) takes over the secretarial position. Martin becomes strongly attracted to Kirsty and accepts responsibility when her son Oliver suffers a broken arm while under his babysitting care. He reveals that he was raised by a single mother, drawing parallels with Kirsty’s circumstances, especially as her father Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell) is incarcerated.
Upon learning about Kirsty’s involvement with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), Martin terminates her employment but provides a reference that helps her secure work at the Sands resort. Tensions arise when Miles discovers that Kirsty is working as an escort there—a venue where Martin is also a client—leading to conflict between the two men. Martin further complicates the situation by admitting he is Kirsty’s secret benefactor.
During a senior formal event organized by Martin at the Surf Club, Kane's vehicle crashes through a wall, sparking chaos. Martin is knocked down and trampled in the incident, sustaining fractured ribs; both he and Kane are hospitalized but eventually recover.
Martin later coordinates a commemorative school trek marking the anniversary of Dan Baker’s (Tim Campbell) death. The situation escalates when students Jai Fernandez and Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) go missing during the trek, culminating in Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey) holding everyone hostage by placing a bomb beneath their bus. The bomb is successfully defused by Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). After these events, Martin leaves for a cruise, appointing Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) as his successor before departing.
Axel Hay
Axel Hay, brought to life by Trent Dalzell, made his first appearance on 19 March 2008.
Prior to Axel's departure, both he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the scene. Todd Lasance, known for his role as Aden Jefferies, disclosed that Axel is hospitalized with critical injuries, whereas Jai escapes with minor harm. Neither can recall the event clearly but both remember a silver estate car, prompting Aden to suspect his father.
Axel initially appears alongside classmate Aden and attends 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), leading to Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) threatening him. After being found beaten on the beach, suspicion falls on Geoff and Aden. Belle later identifies Aden as the assailant due to his indifferent reaction. Axel’s reputation takes a hit; however, he apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Axel ultimately dies in a car accident caused by Aden’s father and later appears as a vision in Melody’s nightmares.
Ross Buckton
Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, first appeared on 21 May 2008 as a police officer investigating the death of Sam Holden. He interviews key individuals such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon), suspecting foul play despite evidence suggesting suicide.
Ross attempts to implicate Jack and Martha but withdraws charges after Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) establishes that Sam’s death was self-inflicted. Ross rekindles a past relationship with Morag, overcoming challenges including concealing the death of his wife Elsie and resistance from his daughter Charlie. He proposes to Morag, and they marry in an intimate ceremony followed by a honeymoon in Europe.
After returning, Ross shows signs of memory loss and stress, which Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) diagnoses as Alzheimers. Following several risky incidents, Ross consents to enter care with Morag’s support.
When Grant Bledcoe’s body is discovered, suspicion falls on Charlie; however, Ross admits to killing Grant after learning he had raped Charlie during their youth. Ross faces murder charges and awaits trial until his death in 2011; his funeral takes place in Summer Bay.
Melody Jones
Melody Jones, played by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 shortly after completing her drama HSC. Dodwell originally auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which eventually went to Tessa James. Her agent informed her about Melody’s "character breakdown," which sparked her interest. Dodwell later departed from the series to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.
Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin, brought to life by Tessa James, made her first appearance on 18 April 2008. The announcement of James' casting came in January 2008, with Executive Producer Cameron Welsh commending her as a "dynamic talent" who would likely connect well with viewers. To take on the role, James moved to Sydney, describing the opportunity as an invaluable learning experience and a form of apprenticeship. Interestingly, fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell had initially tried out for Nicole. Among Nicole's significant plotlines are reigniting a romance while stranded on a desert island and being taken hostage by a murderer before her father intervenes. Media outlets characterized Nicole as a "flighty minx from the city" and dubbed her a "fiery favourite." TV Week recognized James as one of the series’ most promising performers, suggesting she was poised for roles in Hollywood.
Jai Fernandez
Jai Fernandez, portrayed by Jordan Rodrigues, first appeared on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described the role as a novel challenge and appreciated the audience recognition it brought. Jai’s background includes surviving the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami that claimed his entire family, which creates a bond with established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who endured similar loss. This shared history prompts Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay, though their relationship is tense due to past feelings of abandonment. Rodrigues observed Jai’s anger and difficulty adapting to life in the coastal town.
Rodrigues departed the show in 2009 to join ABC's Dance Academy. His performance earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.
Jai initially resides in an urban shelter before relocating to Summer Bay with Miles. He faces challenges fitting in both socially and academically but eventually bonds with fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell). Following Axel’s death in a scooter accident caused by a drunk driver, Jai develops reckless tendencies, engaging in dangerous acts like leaping from Jump Rock and climbing school rooftops. He also begins a romantic relationship with Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best), despite initial resistance from their guardians.
The couple endures several difficulties, including Annie becoming trapped in a storm drain and harassment from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey), who falsely accuses others of wrongdoing. Jai responds by threatening to reveal Trey’s personal problems if he does not withdraw the allegations.
Their relationship breaks down after Jai drunkenly confesses at Ruby Buckton's (Rebecca Breeds) birthday party that he desires to sleep with Annie, leading to their split. Soon after, Jai is accidentally shot with an old shotgun found on Martha MacKenzie's (Jodi Gordon) farm but hides his injury until he collapses during a school hike. He recovers but struggles with jealousy over Annie’s growing interest in Dexter Walker (Tom Green).
Jai’s spirits lift when foster friend Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) arrives at Summer Bay House. However, Romeo’s feelings for Annie complicate matters further, prompting Jai to accept an exchange student opportunity in Japan. After supporting Kirsty Phillips (Christie Hayes) through a miscarriage, Jai suggests Annie take his place on the trip; ultimately, both depart for Japan together after bidding farewell to their friends.
Oliver Phillips
Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty and Kane Phillips. His introduction occurs when Irene Roberts picks him up following a report about his high temperature. Although Ollie needs hospital care, he remains uncommunicative despite efforts from medical staff and law enforcement. Kane, who is on the run, secretly visits Ollie prior to Kirsty withdrawing him from the hospital after Kane’s unsuccessful robbery attempt and subsequent capture.
Ollie and Kirsty initially reside with Irene, but Ollie's challenging behavior creates strain, prompting Kirsty to relocate them to a caravan park near her previous home. They eventually establish a family unit alongside Miles Copeland and Jai. After Kane is released from prison, he reconnects with Ollie and Kirsty; however, difficulties in their relationship lead them to return to Summer Bay. Ollie becomes upset when Kane departs for good but feels happy being back home.
Kirsty later reveals she is expecting another child, which Ollie greets with excitement at the thought of a sibling; unfortunately, she suffers a miscarriage. Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland when she arrives to support Kirsty, who then decides to move with Ollie back to the city.
Charlie Buckton
Charlie Buckton made her first appearance on 6 June 2008, portrayed by Esther Anderson. Anderson, previously a model, was cast to bring additional "sex appeal" to Home and Away. As a longtime admirer of the series, she expressed great excitement upon landing the role. In November 2011, Anderson departed from the show to explore acting prospects in Hollywood.
For her portrayal of Charlie, Anderson received several award nominations including "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards, "Best Daytime Star" in 2010, as well as nods for "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards. The episode depicting Charlie’s death was nominated by the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics have referred to Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and one of the soap’s "cutest crime fighters".
Ruby Buckton
Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, debuted on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as carefree yet emotionally reserved, maintaining a strong exterior while mourning her mother’s passing. In contrast to her sister, Ruby tends to keep her feelings inside, presenting herself as independent and private. Breeds described Ruby as spirited, deeply devoted to family, and resilient.
In June 2012, Breeds filmed her final scenes and exited Home and Away, although she noted that Ruby’s storyline was left open-ended. Breeds earned a Logie Award nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards in 2009 and later received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. She was also nominated for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards. Among Ruby’s significant storylines were dealing with her father’s illness and a memorable prank involving Skype and skinny-dipping.
Angelo Rosetta
Angelo Rosetta, brought to life by Luke Jacobz, first appeared on 8 July 2008. Jacobz secured this part following the conclusion of his recurring role in McLeod's Daughters. Initially planning to take up work as a labourer in Sydney, he accepted the role under an initial six-month contract. In February 2011, it was announced that Jacobz had completed filming and would be leaving the series after several more episodes aired.
The character comes from a tightly bonded family with three brothers and was initially perceived as loudmouthed and unlikely to succeed. Jacobz received nominations for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards for his depiction of Angelo.
Elliot Gillen
Elliot Gillen, brought to life by Paul Pantano, featured on Home and Away between 8 July and 26 August 2008. Pantano was recognized in Digital Spy's gay spotlight segment. Within the plot, Elliot poses a threat to Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), and Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis). Motivated by vengeance for his brother Mark’s demise, Elliot holds Roman accountable and menaces Nicole. He wounds Geoff using a speargun and orchestrates a hazardous ordeal for Roman.
Elliot arrives in Summer Bay intent on locating Roman, whose brother Mark had served alongside him in the SAS before perishing in Afghanistan. Skeptical of the official explanation surrounding Mark’s death, Elliot manipulates Roman by initiating a relationship with his daughter Nicole. Following the breakdown of their romance, Elliot abducts Nicole and demands a ransom from Roman. During their attempted escape via boat, Geoff intervenes but suffers injuries inflicted by Elliot.
Roman complies with Elliot’s conditions yet faces a succession of lethal traps set by Elliot in the wilderness. Despite sustaining injuries and confronting peril, Roman ultimately subdues Elliot, who is then taken into custody. While detained, Roman confesses that he shot Mark to prevent his surrender and protect their squad, which led to Mark’s capture and subsequent death at enemy hands. Elliot subsequently reveals Nicole’s whereabouts and is charged with kidnapping and attempted murder.
Xavier Austin
Xavier Austin, portrayed by David Jones-Roberts, made his debut on 20 November 2008 and departed on 3 July 2012, relocating permanently to Goulburn from Summer Bay. Jones-Roberts earned the role after attending four auditions, describing the eventual casting as "all the more awesome" given the wait. He received the casting notification while surfing, through a payphone call. The soap opera platform Holy Soap identified Xavier’s most notable moment as witnessing Brendan cause a serious car accident involving a catapult.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 January–11 February | Aaron Copeland | Timothy Walter | Father to Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland, Aaron appears in flashbacks revealing family turmoil due to alcoholism and domestic violence. After fleeing with Miles, he attempts to regain custody of Sally following her mother Diana's death but ultimately leaves her with the foster family, the Fletchers. Aaron passed away in 2000 from complications related to alcoholism. |
| 11 February | Diana Wilson | Uncredited | Mother of Sally and Miles; her troubled marriage to Aaron ends when she marries Derek Wilson; both perish in a boating accident. |
| 11 February | Mrs Keating | Uncredited | Diana Wilson’s mother, shown in 1988 flashbacks living in a care facility due to Alzheimer's disease. |
| 18 February–23 August 2010 | Anasthesist | Philip Dodd | Medical practitioner attending key characters after violent incidents at Northern Districts Hospital. |
| 28 February–23 May | Gavin Johnson | Daniel Feuerriegel | Editor at Coastal News and supervisor of Belle Taylor; known for controversial editorial decisions affecting staff dynamics. |
| 4 March–13 June | Cara Phillips | Holly Robinson | Schoolmate who spies on Miles Copeland's date; involved in various school conflicts. |
| 18 March | Steve Bradford | Nicholas Holland | Donates $100,000 to Leah Patterson-Baker as gratitude for saving his son's life. |
| 20 March–16 April | Joe Stephens | Terence Hepburn | Bartender hired to assault Sam Holden; later provides information during inquiries into her death. |
| 25 March–12 May | Logan Roth | Radek Jonak | Associate of Johnny Cooper; participates in underground fighting leading to police intervention. |
| 10 April–27 January 2009 | Matthew Lyons | Ross Pirelli | Year 9 student notorious for bullying and online deception; suspended following harassment incidents; negatively influences peers. |
| 14 April | Britt Grey | Meagan Drury | Estranged sister of Sam Holden who gains custody of nephew Rory Tolhurst amid investigation into Sam's death. |
| 6–13 May | Danielle Hay | Katrina Risteska | Sister of Axel Hay involved in school disputes and academic suggestions. |
| 7 May–26 February 2009 | Christine Jones | Elizabeth Alexander | Mother of Melody Jones who challenges school curriculum and staff; causes familial conflicts; departs for New Zealand to rebuild relationship with Melody. |
| 19 May | Peter Randall | Richard Gyoerffy | Runs a teen refuge; informs Miles Copeland about Jai Fernandez’s withdrawn behavior. |
| 30 May | Jamie Cooper | Shardyn Fahey-Leigh | Son of Julie Cooper; engages in community sports activities overcoming fears. |
| 12 June–5 November 2012 | Georgina Watson | Jaclyn Albergoni | Police officer stationed at Yabbie Creek; advances from conflict with Charlie Buckton to sergeant after Charlie's death. |
| 14 June–27 August | Jimmy Crawford | Adam Booth | Psychiatric patient with recurrent hospital stays; forms attachment to Rachel Armstrong influencing her professional choices. |
| 20–27 June | Pat Jenkins | Lachlan Buchanan | Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend whose past relationship causes family tension; ends relationship due to doubts about future prospects. |
| 11 July | Mrs. Hay | Amelia Longhurst | Axel Hay’s mother who experiences loss following son's fatal accident. |
| 15–24 July | Daisy Alexander | Jessica Smith | University roommate influencing Matilda Hunter’s social decisions and relationships. |
| 15–24 July | Nathan Cunningham | Andrew Lees | Resident advisor on university campus involved in interpersonal conflicts with Matilda Hunter and Ric Dalby. |
| 1 September–6 October | Edward Jones | Errol Henderson | Husband of Christine Jones and father of Melody; involved in Melody’s mental health challenges and family disputes. |
| 2 September 2008 – 3 February 2009 | Bridget Simmons | Joy Smithers | Engages in a one-night stand with Tony Holden; becomes embroiled in a scam involving Alf Stewart's Bait Shop leading to legal consequences. |
| 3–4 September | Earl Pincus | Alan Cinis | Homeless man assisted by Miles Copeland; later involved in petty theft causing community concern. |
| 15 September–10 November | Murray Buchanan | Ben Tari | Council worker exposing corruption over toxic waste at development site before disappearing under threat. |
| 26 September 2008 – 27 January 2009 | Tim Coleman | Keiran Darcy-Smith | Developer engaged in illegal activities including hiring Aden Jefferies and orchestrating murder; arrested following investigation by police officers including Charlie Buckton. |
| 22 October–5 November | Natalie Franklin | Adrienne Pickering | Roman Harris’s former girlfriend and Nicole Franklin’s mother; relationship tensions resolved prior to leaving Summer Bay. |
| 23 October 2008 – 3 February 2009 | Brian Lawler | Ric Herbert | Con artist collaborating with Bridget Simmons on scams involving Leah Patterson-Baker’s family; arrested after kidnapping incident implicating Bridget. |
| 18–24 November | Eric "Nobby" Nobbes | Mark Casamento | Involved in criminal activities connected to Tim Coleman; killed after being used as an informant by police officer Angelo Rosetta. |
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 listed at the Internet Movie Database