Perri Hayes
| Industry | Television |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
| Products | Fictional characters |
Valerie Beaumont
Valerie Beaumont, brought to life by Courtney Clarke, made her first appearance on 29 January 2024. Announced on 15 January, Clarke's involvement was a brief guest role focusing on the narrative surrounding Leah Patterson. Clarke discussed the difficulty of entering an established series and expressed gratitude for the support received from co-star Ada Nicodemou during filming. Valerie is introduced as Leah’s closest friend and former roommate from a mental health facility, with the goal of assisting Leah’s transition back into the Bay community. She encourages Leah to renew her connection with her partner, Justin Morgan.
Clarke underscored the depth of Valerie’s friendship with Leah, noting that although Valerie creates some tension within the community, her motives remain well-meaning. The character carries a distinctive and traumatic history, which Clarke explored thoroughly in preparation. Valerie’s look was crafted to reflect a darker aesthetic, featuring dyed red hair and a bold fashion style that contrasts with the usual Summer Bay appearance.
Valerie enters into a romantic involvement with Theo Poulos; however, their relationship contributes to his descent into drug addiction. Valerie’s departure occurs following the arrest of Theo and his band for drug possession when police discover her stash inside their vehicle.
Stevie Marlow
Stevie Marlow, played by Catherine Văn-Davies, first appeared on 29 February 2024 as a film actress introduced alongside series regular Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright), who becomes her personal bodyguard after losing his police position. Stevie also becomes romantically linked to Remi Carter (Adam Rowland). Văn-Davies described Stevie and Cash as "an unlikely pair," but considered Remi "a better match." Stevie’s life is tightly controlled due to a stalking threat, contrasting with the freedom she pursues through her relationship with Remi. Her storyline involves a complex "love square" when Remi’s ex, Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin), begins dating Stevie's director and former partner Nelson Giles (Mahesh Jadu).
In a promotional crossover with Sunrise, host Matt Shirvington made a cameo interviewing Stevie about her latest film All Our Tomorrows. Văn-Davies viewed this as validation of Stevie’s career advancement, although the stalking situation jeopardizes her promotional activities.
Stevie’s storyline concludes on 28 May 2024 when she is fatally shot by her stalker Sidney Wickham (Joshua McElroy). Digital Spy speculated this plot development was part of a sorrowful narrative arc for Cash. The character left a notable mark in Summer Bay, significantly affecting Remi and attracting Nelson’s attention, raising questions about her influential role in local relationships.
After losing a former co-star to a stalker now threatening her, Stevie hires Cash Newman for security. Despite initial disagreements and Cash advising her to cancel public appearances, he accepts the position and even offers for her to stay at his home for safety. While shooting in Summer Bay, Stevie dates Remi but eventually dismisses Cash as her bodyguard, feeling secure enough for a promotional event. Sidney attacks at this event; Cash intervenes and Sidney is apprehended. Stevie relocates her film production, including director Nelson Giles, to Summer Bay—where Nelson begins dating Bree Cameron. Following Sidney’s release from custody, he shoots Stevie during filming; despite medical efforts, she succumbs to her injuries in hospital.
Rory Templeton
Rory Templeton, enacted by Joshua Orpin, made his first appearance on 27 June 2024. Orpin's involvement was revealed in March 2024, with further character insights shared by June. Having experience working abroad, Orpin regarded this Australian role as a significant career step and adjusted to the rapid filming pace of the series, which he found demanding yet beneficial for his skills. Rory was initially portrayed as a "bad boy" and is affiliated with the River Boys surf gang, embroiled in disputes with the Allen gang. Orpin emphasized the layered nature of Rory beneath his rough demeanor and underscored themes of love and loyalty central to his narrative. Additionally, Rory acts as a romantic interest for Felicity Newman. His storyline culminated on 31 July 2024 when Rory was apprehended for the murder of a police officer; Orpin confirmed that this marked the conclusion of his guest role.
Perri Hayes
Perri Hayes, portrayed by Cantona Stewart, debuted on 10 July 2024. Stewart's casting was announced simultaneously with the character introduction. Perri is presented as a "troubled teen" who joins Tane Parata’s youth initiative aimed at supporting at-risk adolescents. Characterized as both "vulnerable yet self-assured" and street-smart, Perri’s arc delves into issues of cultural identity, reflecting Stewart’s own Māori background and experiences growing up distanced from traditional cultural roots. Tane plays a mentor role, helping Perri navigate her personal difficulties.
Abigail Fowler
Abigail "Abby" Fowler, played by Hailey Pinto, arrived on 8 August 2024 as the fourth member of the Fowler family introduced since 2022. Pinto secured this part shortly after signing with an agency, marking her first prominent acting opportunity. Abigail is depicted as lively, feisty, and determined, arriving in Summer Bay burdened by personal challenges that fuel dramatic storylines. Her debut coincides with her sister Eden’s engagement celebration, where early signs of Abigail’s internal struggles become apparent. Pinto’s portrayal earned her a nomination for the 2025 Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent.
Claudia Salini
Claudia Salini, brought to life by Rachael Carpani, first appeared on 29 August 2024. Carpani was attracted to this role due to its creation by Louise Bowes, known for her work on McLeod's Daughters. Claudia is portrayed as a pragmatic businesswoman who becomes involved with the Morgan family after a car accident. She holds Justin Morgan and Theo Poulos accountable for defective brakes and intends to pursue legal action for negligence following an arm injury that necessitates a six-week cast. Carpani highlighted that Claudia’s anger is justified and not driven by personal vendettas.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 January | Sabrina | Harriet Gordon-Anderson | Leader of SES coordinating Eden Fowler's search at Crystal Gorge; manages teams and gathers intel from Cash Newman. |
| 15 January | ICU Nurse | Louis Henbest | Provides critical care to Remi Carter including extubation and ICU transfer under Bree Cameron's supervision. |
| 19 February | Montana Kennedy | Millie Ford | Social media influencer performing community service under Rose Delaney; initially reluctant but later creates positive content about her experience. |
| 20 February–25 April | Imogen Fowler | Georgia Blizzard | Levi Fowler’s spouse; plays a key role in family dynamics involving Levi and Eden Fowler. |
| 22 February–11 April | Baby Maia/Poppy Rickard | Various | Infant discovered by Tane Parata; temporarily fostered before reunification with biological mother Sonia Rickard. |
| 4–11 April | Sonia Rickard | Olivia Beardsley | Mother of Poppy Rickard; regains custody following initial abandonment and hospital care issues. |
| 4 April– | Officer Reynolds | Drew Wilson | Police officer involved in investigations and arrests related to Poppy Rickard’s case and incidents involving Mali Hudson and Nat Allen. |
| 10 April– | Sergeant Callan | Grant Lyndon | Senior law enforcement official overseeing investigation into Poppy Rickard's removal; assumes control amid concerns over case progress. |
| 17 April–6 June | Nelson Giles | Mahesh Jadu | Film director collaborating with Stevie Marlow; develops relationship with Bree Cameron; exits following Stevie's death. |
| 17 April–29 May | Sidney Wickham | Joshua McElroy | Stalker responsible for threatening Stevie Marlow, assaulting her, and causing her death; apprehended after confrontation involving Cash Newman and Eden Fowler. |
| 5 June–2 July | Iluka Hudson | Dion Williams | Mali Hudson’s brother engaged in theft from criminal family leading to hostage situation and violent conflict; later departs Summer Bay. |
| 10 June–9 July | Bronte Langford | Stefanie Caccamo | Fraudulent individual who deceives Irene Roberts with fabricated terminal illness claims; exposed and arrested after kidnapping Dana Matheson. |
| 20–27 June | Nat Allen | Takes part in criminal retaliation linked to Iluka Hudson's theft; involved in home invasion resulting in violent altercation and police intervention. | |
| Gordie Allen | |||
| Campbell Allen | |||
| 27 June–30 July | David 'Dingo' Lewis | JK Kazzi | Member of River Boys gang assisting Mali Hudson during conflict with Allen criminal family. |
| 18 July 2024, 25 June 2025– | 'James "Jimmy" Fowler' | Aaron Jeffery | Father of Eden and Levi Fowler; estranged due to past infidelity; seeks reconciliation amid ongoing family tensions. |
| 21 August–25 September | 'Carl Hayes' | Matthew Holmes | Father of Perri Hayes involved in criminal activity; dies during self-defence by Perri who is later acquitted. |
| 19–26 September | 'Michelle Bowden' | Mercy Cornwall | Recipient of Felicity Newman's organ donation; briefly connects with Felicity's brother Cash Newman before moving away. |
| 24 September | 'Eric Salini' | Cameron Pascoe | Husband of Claudia Salini; accuses Justin Morgan of infidelity involving Claudia causing interpersonal conflict. |
| 3 October– | 'Tim Russell' | George Pullar | Therapist to Abigail Fowler; begins relationship with her sister Eden Fowler. |
| 17–18 October | 'Magistrate' | Hannah Waterman | Oversees trial of Perri Hayes for Carl Hayes’ murder. |
| 17–24 October | 'Kaia Hayes' | Akina Edmonds | Mother of Perri Hayes; testifies at trial influencing outcome; briefly reconciles before departing Summer Bay. |
| 11 November 2024–6 February 2025 | 'Nerida Mullins' | Ellie Gall | Former patient under Tim Russell’s care contributing to therapeutic storylines. |
| 14 November 2024 – 15 January 2025 | 'Dr Liz Shaw' | Mandy Bishop | Medical practitioner managing Harper Matheson’s post-surgery contractions coordinating care alongside Levi Fowler and Tane Parata. |
External links
- Cast and characters available on 7plus