Pam Edmondson

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia, United Kingdom
Key people	John Holmes (executive producer)
Products	Soap opera television series
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 1998, all under the guidance of executive producer John Holmes. The show's 11th season premiered on the Seven Network on 12 January 1998. The year began with the arrival of Will Smith, portrayed by Zac Drayson. Shortly thereafter, the Nash family—consisting of parents Joel and Natalie along with their children Tom and Gypsy—made their first appearance. In April, Olivia Fraser Richards was born on-screen. By September, Byron Fisher and Will's sister Hayley, played by Bec Cartwright, were introduced. October featured a guest role from Scott Major as the armed robber Murray, followed by the November debut of David D'Angelo.

Will Smith

Will Smith, brought to life by Zac Drayson, made his debut on 13 February 1998. He remained a series regular until 2002 and made several guest appearances through 2005. Both Drayson and the character returned in 2010, reappearing on-screen on 14 October alongside his daughter. Initially cast in the role of Tom Nash, Drayson was reassigned to portray Will—a character with a more rebellious edge—before production commenced. Will's narrative arc culminated in his marriage to Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper), which prompted his exit from Summer Bay. Between 2003 and 2005, Drayson reprised this role multiple times before making an official comeback in 2010.

At the outset, Will was depicted as a "hot-headed troublemaker" who arrived to reconnect with his siblings Hayley (Rebecca Hewitt) and Nick (Chris Egan). Over time, his character evolved into a dependable "good bloke" prior to departing the Bay.

Natalie Nash

Natalie Nash, portrayed by Angelica la Bozzetta, first appeared on-screen on 18 February 1998. Following Debra Lawrance’s exit as Pippa Ross in 1997, producers introduced the Nash family to oversee the caravan park—a central location within the series. The family comprised Natalie and Joel Nash (David Woodley) along with their children Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper) and Tom (Graeme Squires). La Bozzetta left the show late in 1998 to dedicate time to her daughter; she was succeeded by Antoinette Byron at the start of the 1999 season. Channel 5 in the UK later recognized the episode marking the Nash family's return as one of its top moments over a 25-year span.

Joel Nash

Joel Nash, enacted by David Woodley, first appeared on 18 February 1998 and departed on 11 October 2000. Prior to his acting career, Woodley served as a federal police officer based in Melbourne. He had previously guest-starred in the series in 1996 portraying Barry, who was romantically linked to Finlay Roberts.

Gypsy Nash

Gypsy Nash, played by Kimberley Cooper, debuted on 18 February 1998 and originally left in 2002 before briefly returning between September and October of 2011. The introduction of the Nash family followed Debra Lawrance’s departure, aiming to refresh storylines centered around the caravan park. The family relocated from Hong Kong seeking a fresh beginning in Summer Bay. Cooper described Gypsy’s comeback in 2011 as "dramatic," returning alongside her daughter Lily. At the 41st Logie Awards, Cooper earned "Most Popular New Female Talent," becoming that category’s first-ever winner. Gypsy’s kidnapping storyline received a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards; additionally, Cooper won "Best Aussie Actress" in 2000. The soap opera website Holy Soap ranked Gypsy among the "Sexiest Home and Away girls ever," noting her kidnapping ordeal and motherhood as defining moments.

Tom Nash

Tom Nash, brought to life by Graeme Squires, made his first appearance on 18 February 1998. Initially, the role was intended for Zac Drayson, but producers decided to assign Drayson to the character Will Smith, believing it suited him better. After two years on the show, Squires departed in early 2000, with his final episode airing on 16 May 2000. He made a brief comeback for the series' 3,000th episode special in 2001. Reflecting on his time on the show, Squires appreciated the opportunity, viewing it as his breakthrough role following a career in modeling.

Tom is portrayed as an athletic and attractive "ladies' man," actively participating in cricket and rugby. Squires commented on shared traits between himself and Tom, such as creativity and a love for outdoor activities, though he described Tom as more extroverted. His performance earned him a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the Logie Awards of 1999. Critics referred to Tom and his sister Gypsy as "attractive siblings," emphasizing their relationship as one of the most compelling storylines. Magazines like Inside Soap and Soaplife celebrated Tom’s charm, dubbing him "the darling of Summer Bay" and "tasty Tom."

Olivia Fraser Richards

Olivia Fraser Richards entered the storyline on 20 April 1998 as the daughter of Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright). Following Chloe’s death, Olivia was taken away by her uncle James (Michael Piccirilli). The character reappeared in 2005, this time portrayed by Ivy Latimer, and returned once more in October 2015 with Raechelle Banno assuming the role. Upon her latest return to Summer Bay, Olivia sought support from her mother's former foster guardian Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) due to difficulties experienced at school in London. Banno described Olivia as assertive, especially noticeable in her interactions with VJ Patterson (Matt Little).

Hayley Smith

Hayley Smith was portrayed by Rebecca Cartwright between September 1998 and September 2005, with a brief stint by Ella Scott Lynch following Cartwright’s departure for personal reasons. The character was hailed by The Sun-Herald as one of Australian television drama’s most beloved figures. Cartwright earned the 2005 Logie Award for Most Popular Actress for her portrayal and received a nomination for a Gold Logie that same year. Hayley was depicted as a "trouble-prone" individual and an "artistic young widow who has overcome a graffiti problem," underscoring her multifaceted and resilient nature.

Byron Fisher

Byron Fisher, played by multiple child actors over time, initially appeared on 16 September 1998 as a figment of his mother Marilyn’s (Emily Symons) dream during pregnancy. Born on 16 February 1999, he was portrayed by Brittany Jones and Joel Sanders-Aguius. Later, Nathanial Davey took on the role of an 11-year-old Byron appearing as a vision.

Byron is the son of Marilyn and Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), receiving the middle name Vincent after Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten) rushed Marilyn to hospital during labor. Marilyn initially experiences post-natal depression, creating distance between herself, Byron, and Donald; however, she later forms a close bond with Byron following the departure of his nanny, Ellen Porter (Anne Grigg). The family faces turmoil when Byron is diagnosed with cancer; Marilyn takes him to America for treatment. To finance the medical expenses, Donald sells a valuable painting. Despite their efforts, Byron passes away. Donald attends Byron’s funeral alone after Marilyn disappears once more and subsequently writes a book titled Letter to Byron, which is illustrated by Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).

Byron later appears as an 11-year-old apparition to Marilyn during her interactions with the late Amber Copeland (Mitzi Ruhlman). The episode featuring Byron’s birth was selected by Channel 5 as one of their "Best Ever" episodes.

Murray

Murray, brought to life by Scott Major, made his first appearance on 20 October 1998 as a guest role. Characterized as "a young man who is both armed and dangerous," his plotline revolved around a tense robbery at the Bayside diner following his rejection for employment. This particular episode was recognized by Channel 5 as one of the standout moments in the series.

Upon arriving at the beach, Murray loads a firearm and proceeds to the diner where he orders breakfast but admits he lacks funds. When Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) tries to alert the authorities, he takes her hostage. Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) steps in but fails to disarm him. Murray escapes with cash from the register but becomes frantic when police officers Joel Nash and Terri Garner arrive, firing a shot that wounds Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). He then flees to a cave, where he holds captive teenagers Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright). Hayley's brother Will (Zac Drayson) and his partner Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) are also taken hostage.

The following morning, the teenagers attempt to break free but are recaptured. Will appeals to Murray's troubled history, which leads to negotiations resulting in Gypsy's release and Murray's eventual surrender. He is subsequently arrested by Joel and Constable Barry Dennis. Later, Murray appears as a vision within Ailsa's subconscious when she encounters a customer resembling him.

David D'Angelo

David D'Angelo (also known as Robert Perez) debuted on 9 November 1998, initially portrayed by Valentino Arico, followed by Ross Pennissi (in the form of the shadowy "Mr. X"), and later Tony Poli until the character's departure on 13 October 1999.

David’s storyline focuses on his quest for vengeance against Joel Nash (David Woodley), who had imprisoned him for 15 years in Hong Kong. He deceives Joel's daughter, Gypsy (Kimberley Cooper), by posing as her tutor before abducting her. Cooper described working alongside Poli as "quite frightening" but praised his professional support.

Upon arriving in Summer Bay, David covertly records conversations within the Nash family, adopts the alias Robert Perez, dates Gypsy, and advertises himself as a mathematics tutor hired by Joel and Natalie (Angelica la Bozetta) to help improve Gypsy’s academic performance. His suspicious relatives eventually discover his true identity; David kidnaps Gypsy, holding her captive for three weeks while sending cryptic messages to the Nashes. He also takes Joel hostage, assumes his identity, drains his bank account, and sets fire to the Nash residence with Natalie (now portrayed by Antoinette Byron), Tom, and Gypsy trapped inside. During the blaze, he holds Natalie hostage but is ultimately captured after Joel rescues her.

Following his incarceration, David escapes custody to reclaim stolen money buried in the bush but finds it has been taken by Duncan Stewart and Gazza Boyd. He threatens Duncan and Ailsa (Judy Nunn) and takes Duncan hostage while attempting to flee with accomplice Lauren Healy (Merridy Eastman). Joel intervenes just in time to prevent David from falling off a cliff. David files a false assault claim but is re-imprisoned after Joel proves his innocence.

Rachel Browne of The Sun-Herald listed David’s vendetta among the top television cliffhangers of 1998 and described him as a "Hooded Psycho bent on revenge" ahead of the 1999 season. The storyline involving kidnapping and stalking received a nomination for "Most Dramatic Storyline" at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
19–20 January	Gordon Macleay	Danny Adcock	An illicit arms trader discovered drifting at sea; hospitalized by Travis Nash (Nic Testoni).
22 January	George Baker	James Hagan	Legal representative for Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher); recommends settling with Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) outside court for $10,000.
23 January–2 February	Sludge	Steve Pate	Companion of Sam (Ryan Clark); serves as an alibi during ram-raid criminal acts.
22 January	Warren Hickson	Andrew Marshall	Childcare official advising Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrence) on foster care alternatives.
30 January	Christine McKenzie	Linda Newton	Conservative politician advocating for immigrant deportation; encounters community protests.
2 February–30 October 2000	Barry Dennis	Mark Shaw	Local police officer frequently interacting with Joel Nash (David Woodley) on law enforcement matters.
3 February	Darren	Jordon Askill	Drummer trying out for the band led by Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) and Aaron Welles (Ritchie Gudgeon).
25–27 February	Carol Williams	Diana Davidson	Neighbor generating conflict between Lachlan Fraser (Richard Grieve) and Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright).
10–11 March	Ralph Marchant	Nicholas Garsden	Tour guide whose group causes a boating accident involving Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten) and Travis Nash (Nic Testoni).
18 March–24 April	Jason Duncan	Paul Kelman	Bonza Burger manager involved in an affair that leads to separation from his pregnant wife Tamara; employs Vinnie Patterson who attempts to get dismissed; eventually departs Summer Bay.
18–25 March	Tamara Duncan	Sarah Aubrey	Wife of Jason Duncan; ends their relationship after learning about his infidelity; denies him contact with their unborn child.
26 March	Chris Brown	Luke Jacobz	Student at Summer Bay High injured during physical education class by jealous Will Smith (Zac Drayson).
30 March	Geoffrey Burns	Ben Price	Encounters Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert) in Africa; aids her recovery back in Ironbridge.
	Bill Burns	Michael Carter	Geoffrey's father; shows brief romantic interest in Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger); later invites her for an extended stay.
	Waitress	Lorraine Brown	Waitstaff serving Bill Burns and Irene Roberts at a dining establishment.
	George	Richard Clohessy	Colleague of Geoffrey Burns; participates in social interactions with Selina Roberts and Steven Matheson.
31 March–2 April	Pam Edmonson	Rebecca O'Dare	Competitor at surf carnival meeting Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark); wins the under-18 girls' race.
3–6 April	George Berry	Rhiannon Mason	Temporary foster child placed with Travis and Rebecca Nash; displays behavioral challenges; later relocated elsewhere.
8 April–28 May	Bruce "Chook" Fowler	Shannon Cooper	Friend of Sam Marshall involved in pranks and drug-related incidents affecting local youth.
9–21 April	Sugar O'Donnell	Brooke Gissing	Engages in a relationship with Tom Nash (Graeme Squires); ends it when she leaves him for Ben (Tony Gibson).
9–17 April	Candy O'Donnell	Bianca Gissing	Sugar's twin sister; romantically linked to Aaron Welles (Ritchie Gudgeon).
15–24 April	Nigel Whittaker	Stephen Holford	Interior designer hired to renovate Bayside Diner for Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn).
17 April	Ben	Tony Gibson	Band's lead vocalist; Sugar O'Donnell leaves Tom Nash to be with him.
20–21 April	Dr Matthew	Alan Lock	Physician delivering Lachlan Fraser and Chloe Richards' newborn daughter Olivia Fraser Richards.
22 April	Christina	Marina Finlay	Editor of "Cheeky Magazine"; awards Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) $1000 prize for essay competition.
	Isabella	Kylie Watson	Assistant to Christina during magazine event.
22–23 April	Policeman	Reg Cribb	Pulls over Kylie Burton (Roslyn Oades) for speeding; she impersonates Rebecca Nash (Belinda Emmett) to evade detection.
1–20 May	Harry MacKintosh	Sam O'Dell	Senior student supplying narcotics to Lillian Reynolds; intimidates Gypsy Nash and Will Smith until Natalie Nash intervenes.
12 May–5 June	Leila	Michelle Fondacaro	Iranian Year 11 pupil courted by Aaron Welles and Tom Nash; ultimately declines both suitors.
20–25 May	Professor Dunstan	David Nettheim	Neurosurgeon managing Lachlan Fraser's brain tumor operation and associated complications including coma state.
22 May–18 February 2000	Emily O'Kane	Rochelle Eardley	Companion of Rachel McGregor (Sarah Mumcu).
22 May–12 June	Mardi O'Kane	Kelly Cawley	Mother of Emily O'Kane; briefly involved romantically with Jesse McGregor before parting due to unresolved issues.
19 June–22 October	Daria Ellis	Tamra Williams	Surfer dating Sam Marshall; experiences difficulties revealing epilepsy diagnosis and family conflicts involving parents Sean and Tanya Ellis. Relationship ends when Sam leaves her for Hayley Smith.
19 June–4 September	Sean Ellis	Mark Gerber	Daria's father; opens a surf shop and dates Sally Fletcher despite age difference. Relationship dissolves after wife's return and subsequent separation. Departs Bay seeking fresh start elsewhere.
24 June–17 March 2003	John Wilson	Bryan Wiseman	Physician practicing at Northern Districts Hospital.
Mark Hollis	Matt Juarez	Abducts Rachel McGregor from shopping center alongside accomplices Jason and Mrs Hollis (his mother).
Jason	Shaun Losesby
Mrs Hollis	Felicity Soper
9 July –14 August	Colt	Brendan Cowell	Frontman of rock band Monkey Jam; recruits Aaron Welles causing family discord. Engages romantically with Tiegan Brook during tour before her return.
13 –29 July	Phil Flatley	Benjamin Hawker	Drummer critical of Aaron Welles' musical style within Monkey Jam.
15 –30 July	Judith Wade	Lyn Lovett	Owner of mall store irritated by local youths including Will Smith, Gypsy Nash, Tiegan Brook, and Sam Marshall. Charges against Will dropped following clarification.
	Mr. Wade	David Whitford	Husband explaining wife's paranoia stemming from previous mugging incident.
Douglas Dawson	Ivar Kants	Conducts computer classes attended by Irene Roberts, who is surprised to discover he is gay.
Mike Carter	Stephen Leeder	Detective Inspector leading investigations at Yabbie Creek police station over five years prior to replacement by Peter Baker.
Max	Steve McCarthy	Douglas Dawson's partner introduced to Irene Roberts at diner setting.
	Margaret Burton	Lynne Turner	Mother of Kylie Burton attending her daughter's funeral.
Eddie	Tim McCunn	Chantal's boyfriend who blackmails Marilyn Fisher; both are arrested after plot fails.
Tanya Ellis	Antonia Murphy	Sean Ellis's ex-wife and mother of Daria; briefly reconciles with Sean before leaving again due to disagreements.
Catherine Clements	Belinda Giblin	Visually impaired caravan park visitor who befriends Alf Stewart, rescues him during fire, then departs following his reunion with Ailsa Stewart.
Suzie Morris	Lauren Dubois	Year 11 student interested in Tom Nash, causing conflict with his girlfriend Justine Welles over school play casting.
John Simpson	Bryan Marshall	School inspector who dates Irene Roberts but frames her for theft after their breakup; exposed and arrested following harassment revelations.
25 November	Dana	Uncredited	New partner of Lachlan Fraser seen during family Thanksgiving in California; later marries Lachlan before his death from brain hemorrhage.
	Charlie	Ben Read
	Father	Jim Converse

External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away site
• Cast and characters on the Internet Movie Database