Paulie Rosetta
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | 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 details characters introduced throughout 2010, listed according to their initial appearance, all brought in under the guidance of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 23rd season commenced on 25 January 2010, with Mitzi Ruhlman making her debut as Rabbit two days later. February saw the arrival of Mink Carpenter and Elijah Johnson, followed by Justin Jefferies in March. In May, Mink's mother, Jill, was introduced. June featured Christian Clark and Rhiannon Fish joining the cast as Penn Graham and April Scott, respectively. April's sister, Bianca, appeared in July, with Paolo Rosetta added in August. The month of September brought in Mitzy Fraser, Vittorio Seca, and Daria Hennessy.
Rabbit
Amber "Rabbit" Copeland, portrayed by Mitzi Ruhlman, made her first appearance on 27 January 2010. This role marked Ruhlman’s television debut and was developed to inject "a bit of fun" into the character arc of Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart). Tart explained that the plotline addresses psychological themes and mental health issues while retaining a playful innocence appropriate for younger audiences.
Rabbit manifests to a hungover Miles following a beach night and takes up residence at Summer Bay House. She conveys visions involving fire and peril, which Miles initially dismisses until he encounters related events firsthand. Rabbit cautions Miles that sleeping will result in his death; after dozing off at school, he narrowly avoids harm from a falling ceiling fan. A wave of graffiti vandalism occurs throughout the Bay, seemingly connected to Rabbit’s presence. Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) experiences dreams featuring Rabbit alongside visions of her deceased son Byron Fisher.
Marilyn identifies Rabbit’s true name as Amber upon witnessing Miles engaging in graffiti tagging. Miles confesses that Rabbit is his daughter who perished during the Boxing Day Tsunami along with her mother, Louise Copeland. He has been haunted by visions of Rabbit for several months. Following a psychiatric evaluation, he is prescribed medication that causes Rabbit to vanish; however, she reappears when he discontinues the treatment. Concealing these hallucinations leads to Miles being suspended from school.
Rabbit foresees danger involving Elijah Johnson (Jay Laga'aia), Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), and children threatened during an outing due to a gas leak. Acting on this vision, Miles breaks down a door to rescue them. The narrative concludes with Miles releasing his hold on Rabbit’s apparitions after seeing a vision of Louise; Rabbit then disappears into the ocean.
A reporter from the Daily Record commended Rabbit for bringing an element of mystery to Home and Away, highlighting her positive influence since introduction. The episode depicting Miles’ release of his visions earned the Australian Writers' Guild Award for "Best Episode in a Television Serial" in 2010, credited to writer Sam Meikle.
Mink Carpenter
Mink Smith (formerly known as Carpenter), played by Matylda Buczko, made her first appearance on 1 February 2010. Buczko relocated to Sydney with co-star Luke Mitchell, who portrayed Romeo Smith, to pursue acting roles. Initially auditioning for a goth rock persona, Buczko was ultimately cast as Mink, a professional surfer and Romeo's sister. To authentically embody her character, she underwent physical training and surfing lessons. Buczko made a brief return to the show in November 2011.
Mink is an accomplished surfer recently released from juvenile detention for an undisclosed offense. Buczko characterized her as both spirited and vulnerable, with a rebellious nature and a complex history involving separation from her brother Romeo. Media outlets described Mink as a "stroppy surf chick" with a mysterious aura, streetwise attitude, and an underlying tenderness. She reappears unexpectedly after a year, seeking financial assistance from Romeo.
Mink arrives in Summer Bay searching for Romeo and it is revealed she served time for killing their abusive stepfather to protect their mother, Jill Carpenter. Xavier Austin offers her accommodation with his family; however, she steals money from his brother Hugo but returns it following confrontation by Romeo. She briefly dates Xavier but departs once her past comes to light. Upon returning the following year, Mink borrows $2,000 from Romeo and competes in a surfing contest but performs poorly due to Ménière's disease, effectively ending her competitive surfing career. Despite encouragement to stay, she leaves again, leaving a note for Romeo.
Elijah Johnson
Elijah Johnson, portrayed by Jay Laga'aia, first appeared on 11 February 2010 as a local reverend and potential romantic interest for established character Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou). Laga'aia’s casting was announced in November 2009. Although he departed the series in 2010, he later returned after co-star Nicodemou advocated for his comeback. Laga'aia described Elijah as an unconventional clergyman who is often mistaken for a rugby player when not wearing his clerical attire. By February 2012, reports indicated that Laga'aia had completed filming the previous year. In an Inside Soap poll ranking soap opera clergymen favorites, Elijah received nine percent of votes, placing him last.
Justin Jefferies
Justin Jefferies, played by Matthew Walker, debuted on 19 March 2010 as the brother of existing character Aden Jefferies (Todd Lasance). His initial scenes featured Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), filmed early morning outdoors. Walker expressed excitement about working alongside Symons, whom he regarded as a "legend."
Due to his strong performance, producers considered offering Walker a recurring role. A show representative commented they were "impressed" by his portrayal.
Justin arrives after Marilyn discovers him bloodied and disoriented. He recalls being involved in a car accident but little else. Upon visiting Aden, he reveals his army service and encourages Aden to enlist; however, Aden declines due to their grandfather Stan's abusive behavior. It later surfaces that Justin caused the fatal accident that killed their father Larry (Paul Gleeson). Justin wishes to report it, but Aden suggests concealing the body. After Justin admits the truth, Aden moves Larry’s body and tells police he found Larry deceased alone. Both are charged with conspiracy to commit murder but are defended by Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), resulting in the charges being dropped. Subsequently, Justin and Aden leave for the city without notifying anyone.
Jill Carpenter
Jill Carpenter, played by Josephine Mitchell, made her first appearance on 14 May 2010. Mitchell, who had a previous role in the soap during 1990, was cast to portray Jill, a "high functioning alcoholic" and the mother of Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell). Jill’s character is multifaceted, managing her daily alcohol consumption while striving to maintain a semblance of normalcy. To ensure an authentic representation, Mitchell undertook thorough research into alcoholism.
Financially, Jill relies on a life insurance settlement from her deceased abusive spouse, with a significant portion of the funds spent on alcohol. She arrives in Summer Bay with the intent to rebuild her relationship with Romeo, who cares deeply for her but is frequently embarrassed by her conduct and desires her to achieve stability. Their interactions form a key narrative thread, emphasizing Romeo’s role as the more responsible party.
The storyline delves into Jill’s battles with relapse, especially following rejection by John Palmer (Shane Withington), which triggers depression and escalated drinking. Romeo turns to Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), a fellow recovering alcoholic, for assistance, but Jill remains reluctant to acknowledge her addiction. Ultimately, Romeo distances himself, urging Jill to confront the repercussions of her choices.
Upon arriving, Jill’s use of life insurance money intended for Romeo’s stepfather creates tension. Though she offers Romeo $50,000 as compensation, he declines the offer. Jill forms a supportive bond with John Palmer, which causes friction with Gina Austin and leads to disputes involving their families. After promising to attend an AA Meeting, Jill unexpectedly departs from Summer Bay the following day.
Penn Graham
Penn Tiberius Graham, portrayed by Christian Clark, first appeared on 14 June 2010. Announced on 7 June 2010, Penn was introduced as an enigmatic newcomer who quickly drew attention in Summer Bay. Clark had planned a trip to Los Angeles but chose this role instead, describing Penn as "the epitome of cool" and a character full of energy.
Penn’s storyline linked him to Summer Bay through his paternal connection and he was depicted as having a mischievous and mysterious nature, marked by a "glint in his eye" that hinted at trouble ahead. Clark regarded Penn as one of the most distinctive characters on the show and cited classic "cool" icons such as James Dean and Steve McQueen as inspirations for Penn’s persona.
Shortly before his arrival, it was revealed that Penn would become romantically involved with Nicole Franklin (Tessa James). Clark spoke about their instant chemistry, noting that Nicole’s vulnerability attracted Penn. In October 2010, Penn became central to a suspenseful plot when he vanished under dubious circumstances following altercations with locals; blood discovered in his hotel room fueled suspicions of foul play.
Penn’s storyline featured numerous conflicts: he was caught kissing Hayley Doven (Bonnie Sveen), falsely accused Colleen Smart of theft, and created mistrust by insinuating that Sid Walker still harbored feelings for Nicole. His manipulative behavior resulted in eviction from the Caravan Park. A significant incident involved Penn planting a syringe that pricked Nicole’s hand, leading her to undergo HIV testing and treatment. Following this event, Penn was attacked and hospitalized; Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) was initially suspected but cleared when Penn identified other perpetrators.
Further complexity arose when it was revealed that Penn was the son of Tulip O'Hare (Kimberley Hews), who had an affair with Alf Stewart in the past. Penn held Alf responsible for Tulip's suicide after their relationship ended. After Penn disappeared and blood evidence was found, his body eventually washed ashore, escalating suspicions against Alf. Ultimately, Will Smith (Zac Drayson) admitted to stabbing Penn in self-defense, with assistance from Daria Hennessy (Samantha Tolj) in disposing of the body; Will was subsequently arrested.
Nicole later gave birth to George, Penn’s son.
Critics labeled Penn as a "mysterious, nasty newcomer," with Holy Soap emphasizing his notable involvement with Nicole. His murder storyline was extended significantly and featured among Channel 5's "Top 20 Aussie Soap Moments of 2011."
April Scott
April Scott, played by Rhiannon Fish, made her first appearance on 15 June 2010. Her casting was revealed on 23 May 2010, with filming commencing soon after. April is depicted as "worldly, intelligent, and quick-witted," possessing a "fun-loving" and passionate nature. She maintains a fiery yet supportive bond with her elder sister, Bianca (Lisa Gormley).
Bianca Scott
Bianca Scott, portrayed by Lisa Gormley, debuted on 9 July 2010. Gormley secured the role shortly after graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Bianca, introduced as April's sister, is characterized as confident, strong-willed, and outspoken, with a tough exterior that conceals a gentler side. She arrives in Summer Bay nursing a broken heart and eventually develops a relationship with Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead). Gormley's performance led to a long-list nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2011 Logie Awards.
Paulie Rosetta
Paolo "Paulie" Rosetta, brought to life by Ryan Johnson, first appeared on 24 August 2010. His arrival was announced shortly before his debut. Paulie is the younger sibling of Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), appearing unexpectedly in Summer Bay. Their relationship is strained due to Paulie having started a fire at their parents' restaurant—a crime Angelo took the blame for, resulting in his exclusion from the family business. Paulie later took over the establishment but found managing it challenging.
Johnson described Paulie as an "idealistic dreamer" whose reckless schemes often lead to complications that Angelo must resolve. Angelo is displeased when Paulie arrives, particularly after he attempts to flirt with his girlfriend, Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). Paulie's presence uncovers deeper problems, including a $30,000 debt owed to loan sharks.
Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Paulie is mistaken for a food critic by Irene Roberts and Colleen Smart. He confesses his financial troubles to Angelo, who despite his own difficulties agrees to assist. Charlie offers an illegal loan, which Angelo opposes; she later withdraws the offer. Loan sharks threaten to set fire to Angelo's restaurant if debts remain unpaid. The brothers place bets at the races—initially winning but losing later when Paulie risks the family business as collateral.
Angelo confronts their parents, who offer to settle Paulie's debts. Despite ongoing tensions, the brothers reconcile, with Angelo driving Paulie back to the city.
Mitzy Fraser
Mitzy Fraser, portrayed by Helen Dallimore, first appeared on 3 September 2010. Mitzy is a psychic who forms a friendship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) during Marilyn’s struggle with cancer and mourning her son. She arrives in Summer Bay following a vision foretelling Marilyn’s death; however, her "dark predictions" are met with skepticism, especially from Marilyn’s partner, Sid Walker (Robert Mammone). Dallimore described Mitzy as an isolated figure stigmatized for her abilities who finds solace in Marilyn.
Mitzy suffers a fatal stroke amid disputes over her questionable prophecies. On her deathbed, she admits to Marilyn that she fabricated the prediction of her death date but tells Sid otherwise. Yvette Chegwidden of TV Week described Mitzy as "eccentric."
Mitzy visits Summer Bay House to warn Marilyn about her impending death; Sid dismisses this warning. She offers cryptic counsel to Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) regarding his romantic life and confronts Dexter Walker (Charles Cottier) about his feelings for Marilyn—kissing him to establish boundaries. Mitzy's prediction deeply unsettles Marilyn, prompting Sid to urge her to stop disrupting Marilyn’s life.
After feeling unwell, Mitzy reveals she has lung cancer. Later diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, Sid accuses her of misleading Marilyn and withdraws as her physician. Mitzy tells others she expects to find love soon but privately admits this was untrue. When Marilyn questions this claim, Mitzy suffers a stroke. At the hospital, she confesses lying to Marilyn but tells Sid differently before passing away.
Vittorio Seca
Prince Vittorio Seca, brought to life by Richard Brancatisano, made his first appearance on 17 September 2010. An Italian royal and former fiancé of Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley), Vittorio's infidelity in Italy led Bianca to return to Australia. Upon arriving in Summer Bay, he seeks her forgiveness and attempts to rekindle their relationship, becoming entangled in a romantic rivalry involving Bianca and Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead). A reporter from the Sunday Mercury described him as a "charming man known as Prince Vittorio."
Although initially rejected, Vittorio remains determined; Bianca ultimately agrees to his marriage proposal. He cautions Liam to keep his distance, convinced Bianca still harbors feelings for him. However, on the wedding day, Bianca realizes her true love is Liam and abandons Vittorio at the altar. When Vittorio tries to force her back, Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) intervenes with a punch, prompting Vittorio's departure from Summer Bay.
Daria Hennessy
Daria Hennessy, portrayed by Samantha Tolj, debuted on 30 September 2010 under the name Shandi Ayres. Her real identity as Daria was revealed later in the storyline. Tolj characterized her as a straightforward, warm-spirited, free-spirited hippie who embraces living in the moment. She quickly captures the attention of Summer Bay locals, notably engaging in a brief romance with Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), described as an eccentric pairing.
A con artist by nature, Daria adopts her friend Shandi’s identity. After her van breaks down while traveling to Summer Bay, she flirts with Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), who offers her a ride. She deceives John Palmer (Shane Withington) into believing she is his estranged daughter and later dates Will Smith (Zac Drayson), creating friction with his daughter Lily.
Daria eventually leaves but is arrested for fraud by Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson) and Angelo. During interrogation related to Penn Graham's (Christian Clark) murder case, it emerges that Penn assaulted Daria; Will stabbed Penn in defense, and together they disposed of the body at sea.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 January | Priest | Gary Woods | Conducts the funeral service for Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 February | Drunks | Dean Jeffrey | A group of racist drunks assault Hazem Kassir (Ben Kermode) and his companions before setting fire to the pier diner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Joshua Griffin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 February | Patrick Grady | Gary Woods | Covers the riots on Australia Day outside the Pier Diner; instructed by superior Kristina Cantar (Mel Grob) to interview Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kristina Cantar | Mel Grob | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 February | Nira Kassir | Lenita Vangellis | Hazem Kassir’s mother; invites Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) and her son VJ (Felix Dean) to stay following Hazem’s attack. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 March–15 April | Britt Hobart | Diana Glenn | Fashion instructor who plagiarizes Nicole Franklin's (Tessa James) swimwear line, threatens legal action; resigns after students protest. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25 March–13 April | Michael Patton | Jack Campbell | Counselor for Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson); prescribes medication to Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart) during his hallucinations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 April–22 June 2011 | Bishop Pitt | Danny Adcock | Elijah Johnson’s (Jay Laga'aia) superior; initially disapproves of Elijah's relationship with Leah Patterson-Baker but later retracts opposition. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 May | Louise Copeland | Uncredited | Deceased spouse of Miles Copeland; appears in a vision linked to the Boxing Day Tsunami tragedy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27 May–4 June | Killer | Mirko Grillini | Criminal seeking vengeance against Hugo Austin; kidnaps family members and attempts murder; ultimately subdued and fatally shot by police. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4–9 June | Gordon Eaves | Lewis Fitz-Gerald | Senior detective investigating Hugo Austin and Killer; involved in violent incidents leading to Killer’s death and his own arrest. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4–29 June | Lijuan Johnson | Mémé Thorne | Elijah Johnson’s adoptive mother; evaluates Leah Patterson-Baker’s suitability through traditional customs before granting approval. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5–29 June | Song Johnson | Jon-Claire Lee | Adoptive father of Elijah Johnson. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30 June | Gordon Stewart | Ray Meagher | Father of central characters; appears in flashbacks revealing past affairs affecting family relationships. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debra Stewart | Madison Hopkins | Younger sister of Alf Stewart; featured in flashback sequences. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Clown | Troy Carlson | Performer at Alf Stewart’s fifth birthday party flashback. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8–9 July | Hayley Doven | Bonnie Sveen | Guest at caravan park involved with Penn Graham storyline; dies during childbirth attended by Sid Walker. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 July | David Stone | Hamish Briggs | "Husband of Hayley Doven; informed about her death during labor." | 2 September | "Councillor Leary'" | "Victor Kline" | "Local council member who approves John Palmer's water bottle initiative by reallocating funds from the Highway to Summer Bay project." | 10–16 September | "Tulip O'Hare'" | "Kimberly Hews" | "Mother of Penn Graham; appears in flashbacks revealing an affair with Alf Stewart followed by suicide." | 14–15 September | "Emmanuelle'" | "Fifi Box" | "Hosts the Fashions in the Field event; commends Charlie Buckton’s efforts that lead to her victory." | 1–14 October | "Adrian Hall'" | "Phoebe Tonkin" | "Employee at pet store who briefly dates Dexter Walker before ending contact." | 18 October–4 November | "Alexander Pitt'" | "Marcus Jacometti" | "Driving instructor who engages in inappropriate flirtation with Ruby Buckton; confronted and compelled to apologize." | 19 October–26 November | "Detective Graves'" | "Eryn-Jean Norvill" | "Leads investigation into Penn Graham’s disappearance and murder; interacts with Dexter Walker for information." | 1–9 November | "Nina Bailey'" | "Clare Bowen" | "Introduced as Liam Murphy's partner; departs after realizing his unresolved feelings for Bianca Scott." | 19–26 November | "Joanna Scott'" | "Tara Morice" | "Mother of Bianca and April Scott; arrives for Bianca's wedding then returns April to Europe amid family conflicts." |
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 at the Internet Movie Database