Patrick Stanwood
Beth Ellis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elizabeth Ellis |
| Occupation(s) | Character in Home and Away |
Riley Hawkins
Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on 31 January 2017. Introduced as a surgeon at Northern Districts Hospital and the former boyfriend of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee), Riley is responsible for performing a critical operation on Justin Morgan (James Stewart). His presence uncovers previous ties, revealing that Tori and her siblings have been under witness protection, which comes as a surprise to him. Professional rivalry and jealousy arise from fellow physician Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who has a past romantic relationship with Tori.
Riley's narrative explores both his career and personal life complications: he expresses regret over his earlier betrayal of Tori and attempts to mend their relationship. Although their reunion begins cautiously, Riley’s unethical behavior—manipulating patient records to falsely accuse Nate—leads to their breakup once discovered. After mounting conflicts and a physical confrontation with Justin, Riley chooses to resign from the hospital and leaves town.
Scarlett Snow
Scarlett Snow, portrayed by Tania Nolan, first appeared on 8 May 2017. At the time, Nolan was residing in Los Angeles but traveled to Sydney for an audition, ultimately securing a six-month role. She described Scarlett as somewhat enigmatic with a painful history, which inspired her decision to relocate for the part.
Within the storyline, Scarlett becomes entangled with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood), who is evading law enforcement due to his struggles with drug addiction. Initially detaining Brody at her home, she later assists him in reconnecting with his family and offers him shelter. Scarlett disapproves of Justin Morgan (James Stewart)’s approach to managing Brody's addiction. When Brody relapses and steals from her, Scarlett loses her residence but finds work at Alf Stewart’s bait shop and moves into a caravan park.
Scarlett endures threats from Bruno Addlen, who was hired by her estranged husband Caleb Snow to track her down. Facing financial difficulties, she pays Bruno after receiving help from Brody’s family. She develops a close bond with Justin’s daughter and reveals that she had a son named Max, who passed away a year earlier—a loss that profoundly affects her life.
Her relationship with Justin grows amid various challenges, including a boating accident and emotional struggles related to Max’s death. Although Scarlett tries to pursue a romantic connection with Justin, he initially resists due to unresolved feelings for his former fiancée but eventually agrees to explore their partnership. Their bond faces strain from Scarlett’s ongoing issues and the arrival of Caleb Snow (Josh McConville), who desires reconciliation.
After a violent event at a bush cabin where Scarlett is injured, Justin ends their relationship, citing Caleb’s presence as an impediment. Ultimately, Scarlett accepts this reality and decides to leave Summer Bay alongside Caleb.
Ziggy Astoni
Ziggy Astoni, portrayed by Sophie Dillman, was introduced on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The Astoni family marks the first nuclear family introduced in the soap opera in 17 years, following the Sutherlands in 2000. Ziggy is depicted as a rebellious teenager and "wild child," positioned as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan.
Ben Astoni
Ben Astoni, portrayed by Rohan Nichol, made his initial appearance on 20 June 2017. To be near the filming site at Palm Beach, Nichol moved from Melbourne to Manly. Ben, along with his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco and Ziggy, relocates to Summer Bay. The Astoni family signified the return of a traditional nuclear family to the series after a 17-year absence. Nichol characterized Ben as devoted, affectionate, and an easily relatable "good guy."
Maggie Astoni
Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi's involvement was announced earlier that year, with character details released on 4 June. She mentioned that adapting to the fast-paced television filming schedule was a notable change from her film experience. Maggie moves to Summer Bay alongside her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astoni family marked the first introduction of a nuclear family in the soap since the Sutherlands in 2000.
Coco Astoni
Coco Astoni, portrayed by Anna Cocquerel, debuted on 21 June 2017 as the youngest daughter of Ben and Maggie Astoni. The Astoni family was the first complete nuclear family introduced in nearly twenty years. Coco’s story arcs cover issues such as suspension due to cyberbullying, struggles with an eating disorder, and intricate romantic relationships, including her involvement with Ryder Jackson.
In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming commitments to focus on completing Year 12 studies. Coco’s narrative explores challenges like bullying, binge eating, receiving a bulimia diagnosis, and family conflicts stemming from her sister Ziggy's history. She forms close friendships with Raffy Morrison and experiences romantic developments with VJ Patterson and Ryder Jackson.
Supporting her mother Maggie through a cancer diagnosis, Coco plays a key role in significant family moments, including Ziggy’s wedding. After navigating various relationship challenges, she opts to attend boarding school in Cairns. She briefly returns for Raffy’s birthday celebration, where she confronts Brody Morgan about his affair with Simone Bedford before heading back to boarding school.
Robbo
Robbo (also known as John Doe), enacted by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. Prior to his debut, Ryan lost 13 kilograms aiming to fill the "heart-throb" gap left by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Initially introduced as an enigmatic amnesiac, Robbo’s backstory gradually emerged through intricate storylines involving identity crises, criminal elements, and undercover missions. The character was written out in early 2020; Ryan commented that his exit felt timely and fulfilling.
Robbo is first found hiding on an island with no memory of his past and using several aliases. After being discovered by locals including Alf Stewart and Kat Chapman, he receives treatment for head injuries and is permitted to stay in Summer Bay. Although he tries to leave initially, Robbo remains after rescuing Raffy Morrison and begins piecing together his identity with assistance from Kat and others.
His quest leads to perilous confrontations, including a violent encounter with Dennis Novak who reveals Robbo’s true name as Beckett Reid. After killing Novak in self-defense, Robbo becomes the prime suspect but escapes custody with Kat’s help. Following a severe car crash and personal tragedies—including Kat’s death along with their unborn child—Robbo goes into hiding while grappling with his past.
Eventually recalling his real identity as Ryan Shaw, an undercover Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer whose cover was erased to protect his mission targeting those responsible for his family's murder, Robbo returns to Summer Bay supported by AFP resources. His assignment involved protecting Kat; however, memory loss complicated this duty. Choosing not to rejoin the force, he purchases the local gym instead.
Robbo forms a close bond with Jasmine Delaney, leading to an engagement despite complications involving Tori Morgan's IVF pregnancy and miscarriage. Although trust issues cause a temporary breakup, they reconcile and marry. During their wedding reception, AFP agents intervene to place them under protection.
Undergoing hypnotherapy to recover memories related to Dylan Carter’s case, Robbo survives surgery following another car accident but ultimately succumbs to a fatal hemorrhage. His death concludes a dramatic storyline intertwining undercover operations, personal loss, and complex relationships within Summer Bay.
Jennifer Dutton
Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Santariga's involvement was confirmed in June 2017 while filming took place in Palm Beach, New South Wales. Introduced as a high school student and antagonist to Coco Astoni, Jennifer later develops a romantic connection with Hunter King (Scott Lee).
At first, Jennifer targets Coco with bullying, teasing her after her mother and school principal Maggie Astoni use an embarrassing nickname. She escalates her harassment by placing trash in Coco's locker and ridiculing her social media posts. Raffy Morrison steps in to defend Coco, which leads to a physical altercation resulting in both girls being suspended. Jennifer then uncovers Coco’s eating disorder and manipulates her into arranging a date with VJ Patterson, causing friction between Coco and Raffy.
Jennifer joins VJ and Coco for a surfing lesson, assisting Coco when she faints. At Olivia Fraser Richards' fashion launch event, Jennifer encourages Raffy to drink excessively, creating tension among the group. During Summer Bay's Glow Day event, Jennifer injures her wrist on an obstacle course and flirts with Mason Morgan while he tends to her injury. The two later work out together at the gym, where Jennifer kisses Mason; however, he rejects her due to his ongoing grief over his deceased girlfriend.
Following Hunter King's breakup with Olivia, Jennifer offers him support and eventually begins dating him, much to Olivia’s disapproval. After attending a university party where Hunter is confronted by Jennifer’s father Nick about supplying her with alcohol, Jennifer runs away from home and moves into Summer Bay House with Hunter. Alf Stewart later evicts her after catching them kissing. When Hunter ends their relationship, Jennifer finds herself homeless until she returns to live with Nick, bidding farewell to Hunter before departing.
Beth Ellis
Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, first appeared on 31 August 2017. Apps landed the role five months after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. Although initially unsure about her audition, she was cast and described Beth’s storyline as "moving." She characterized Beth as "cheeky," "layered," and "quirky," emphasizing her aim to inspire those around her. Beth was introduced as a romantic interest for Mason Morgan.
Beth’s debut occurs in the hospital where she overhears Mason expressing frustration about his paralysis. Disguised in nursing attire, she lifts his spirits by encouraging him to race through the corridors using his wheelchair. It is later revealed that Beth is actually a patient battling cardiomyopathy and awaiting a heart transplant. She confesses to Mason that she pretended to be a nurse to avoid sympathy, leading them to rebuild their friendship.
Beth inspires Mason to forgive his brother Brody for causing his accident. After discovering Beth’s bucket list, Mason arranges for them both to get tattoos and they share a romantic dinner followed by skinny dipping. During a casino outing organized by Mason, Beth faints due to breathing issues and is rushed back to the hospital by Tori Morgan. After recovering, Beth officially becomes Mason’s girlfriend.
When Mason meets Beth’s parents Alan and Jackie Ellis, he learns that Beth had kept their relationship hidden because of their concerns about her health. Alan demands that Mason stay away from Beth; however, she refuses to end things with him. As Beth’s condition worsens requiring a stent and moving her higher on the transplant list, she suffers a fatal arrhythmia during an outing arranged by Mason where he presents her with a promise ring.
After Beth’s funeral, Mason experiences a vision of her encouraging him to move forward with his life.
Ryder Jackson
Ryder Jackson, played by Lukas Radovich, made his first appearance on 25 October 2017. The announcement of both the character and casting occurred on 23 October. Radovich landed this role soon after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his initial professional acting engagement. Ryder is introduced as the son of Quinn Jackson (Lara Cox) and the grandson of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). His storyline begins with him breaking into the Surf Club and attempting to steal from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, which ultimately reveals his familial link to Alf Stewart. Due to Ryder’s unwillingness to disclose Quinn’s whereabouts, his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) suspects he may have run away.
Willow Harris
Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, debuted on 14 November 2017. Prior to landing this role, Roberts auditioned for the parts of both Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She traveled from Melbourne to Sydney for auditions and participated in a chemistry read with James Stewart, who plays Justin Morgan. Roberts describes Willow as a resilient, independent, fiercely loyal character who injects a sense of trouble and mischief into Summer Bay. Portrayed as a "bad girl" motivated by loyalty, Willow often makes tough choices to protect those important to her. She quickly develops into a romantic interest for Justin Morgan.
Jasmine Delaney
Jasmine Delaney, enacted by Sam Frost, first appeared on 18 December 2017. Frost’s casting was revealed on 17 July 2017 after she auditioned while participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite facing considerable competition, she secured the role following a second audition. Frost referred to this opportunity as a dream come true, marking her debut in acting. Her casting attracted some criticism from actors who perceived it as primarily a publicity move. Jasmine’s early storyline centers around a car accident that results in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost characterized Jasmine as "guarded" with an underlying "anxious energy," concealing secrets and a troubled past.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January–23 November | Luc Patterson |
|
Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings, conceived after Mick sexually assaulted Billie. She allows her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he is her father until their wedding day. Luc is born following Billie's escape from a bushfire and named after Billie's late brother Luke Ashford. Mick kidnaps Luc but she is returned by his mother Irene Roberts. After Billie is diagnosed with terminal cancer and passes away, VJ struggles with caring for Luc, who then stays with Irene. Ash applies for temporary custody successfully, placing Luc with Kat Chapman and Patrick Stanwood. Luc experiences bowel torsion and septicaemia but recovers post-surgery. Mick returns but accepts he cannot parent Luc; after Irene collapses, Mick takes Luc without informing others. Ash retaliates by kidnapping Mick; ensuing custody disputes follow. Eventually, VJ departs the country with Luc, raising her in Cyprus. |
| 1 February– | Constable Corelli | Nick Cain | Constable Corelli assists Kat Chapman in investigating an arson case and later uncovers CCTV footage linking Dylan Carter to Robbo's abduction at the marina. |
| 2 February | Lactation Consultant | Gail Knight | The Lactation Consultant provides support to Billie Ashford during the nursing of her newborn daughter. |
| 23 February–1 May | Ambulance Officer | Rob Baird | The Ambulance Officer transports John Palmer following a seizure and later attends to Zac MacGuire after he sustains a head injury from a fall. |
| 27 February–8 May | Patrick Stanwood | Luke McKenzie | Patrick is revealed as the presumed deceased brother of Billie and Martin Ashford who faked his death due to depression after military service. He suffers from PTSD which affects his interactions with Luc Patterson. Following intervention by Kat Chapman and Ash, Patrick seeks treatment and develops a relationship with Luc. |
| 7 March–15 August | Lena Ascot | Felicity McKay | Lena is involved in university activities and drug dealing at Salt nightclub. She briefly dates Brody Morgan, contributing to his drug addiction storyline before being dismissed for drug use. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
- Full cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
- Ben Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away website
- Coco Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away website
- Ziggy Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away website