Peta Janossi

Peta Janossi
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Peta Janossi is a character from the Australian television soap Home and Away, played by Aleetza Wood. She made her debut on 27 May 1999 and exited the series on 14 July 2000.

Initially a background figure in the community, Peta undergoes a transformation thanks to Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright). She briefly becomes romantically involved with Will Smith (Zac Drayson). Living with her brother David (Philip Edwards), Peta concocts a tale involving a homeless woman, Annie Matthews (Carole Skinner), who impersonates her deceased grandmother. Eventually, she is taken in by foster parents Joel (David Woodley) and Natalie Nash (Antoinette Byron). Her concluding storyline centers on her relationship with goth Edward Dunglass (Stephen James King) and her support for him following his diagnosis with Huntington's disease.

Casting

At the time of auditioning for the role of Peta, Wood was pursuing drama studies. She was elated upon receiving the part. Working alongside Zac Drayson, she was taken aback when fans requested autographs during location filming.

Russell Webb, the series producer, chose Wood for her youthful yet mature appearance, which suited the portrayal of a 16-year-old. In May 2000, Wood revealed she would be leaving after just over a year on the show, having completed her final scenes. She intended to spend the remainder of the year in the UK and expressed contentment with Peta’s well-developed exit plot.

Storylines

Peta enters the storyline when Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright) is invited by her friend Heather (Camilla Freeman) to partner in a skincare competition. After Peta discovers that Heather approached Hayley but dismissed her as too plain, Hayley teams up with Peta instead. Following Peta’s makeover, she catches the attention of Hayley’s brother Will, who asks her out. Due to misunderstandings, Peta leaves temporarily, but Hayley and Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) orchestrate a reunion between her and Will.

Concerns arise about Peta’s living situation when she claims to reside with her grandmother, whom no one has met. It is uncovered that Peta’s grandmother passed away overseas in Poland the previous year; however, Peta and her brother David concealed this fact to prevent separation through foster care, continuing to claim her pension. When a jury summons arrives addressed to the late grandmother, Peta and Will recruit Annie Matthews (Carole Skinner), an elderly homeless woman suffering from bronchitis, to impersonate her. The plan goes awry as Annie takes on the role earnestly. To resolve matters, Peta and Will locate Annie’s daughter Frances Kennedy (Alice Livingstone), but the truth comes out after intervention by Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger).

Irene arranges for Peta to stay with Travis (Nic Testoni) and Rebecca Nash (Belinda Emmett), who soon depart Summer Bay. Subsequently, Travis’ brother Joel (David Woodley) and his wife Natalie (Antoinette Byron) become official foster carers for Peta and fellow foster child Justine Welles. Peta’s relationship with Will deteriorates due to his lingering connection with ex-girlfriend Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper). Following a car accident, tensions escalate when Will covers for Gypsy but not others involved. Ultimately, Will and Peta end their relationship; he reconciles with Gypsy.

Edward Dunglass (Stephen James King) arrives in Summer Bay and begins dating Peta. After she regrets missing her grandmother’s funeral, Edward organizes an impromptu memorial service that is interrupted by Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood). Edward confides that his father died from Huntington's disease, causing him to worry about his own future health and prompting risky behaviors such as diving off Jump Rock. Peta insists he stop or their relationship will end; Edward initially leaves but later returns and they reconcile. They begin self-defence classes together; Edward encourages Peta to continue despite his own uncertainties. The couple hold an unofficial wedding ceremony at the caravan park despite opposition; Edward’s mother Judith Ackroyd (Anna Hruby) consents to them living with her.

Following Edward’s official Huntington's diagnosis, Peta stands by him and agrees they should travel together. They depart Summer Bay to live with Judith’s sister in Rome. Will visits them the subsequent year.

Reception

Wood earned a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Female Talent in 2000 due to her portrayal of Peta. Reflecting on the relationship between Peta and Edward, Herald Sun reviewer Jackie Brygel highlighted Peta's challenges, emphasizing her repeated failures to capture the affection of the unconventional Edward.