Peter Bedford (Home and Away)

Martha Stewart
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	1989, 2018–present
Known for	Character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. She appeared through flashbacks as the first wife of Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). The character was brought back on 27 March 2018, with Belinda Giblin taking over the role; Giblin had previously appeared in the series as Cynthia Ross in 1991. Meagher recommended Giblin for the part, describing her as "the ideal choice." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Reintroduced during the show's 30th anniversary celebrations, it was revealed that Martha had not died as was once believed but had vanished due to dissatisfaction with her circumstances. Their daughter Roo Stewart attempted to locate her, and Martha eventually made her way back to Summer Bay. Although she and Alf rekindled their romantic relationship, Martha's borderline personality disorder (BPD) caused anxiety that led to occasional absences.

Martha, married to Alf and mother to Roo, was thought to have drowned following a sailing mishap in 1985. Flashbacks revealed she was aware that Alf’s sister Morag Bellingham was Bobby Simpson’s biological mother and had arranged for Bobby’s adoption.

Years later, Alf confided in Roo that Martha was still alive. Upon her arrival in Summer Bay, Martha met with Alf and Roo and explained that she had left because of her BPD. After undergoing treatment, feelings of guilt delayed her return despite knowing Roo would be well cared for. Roo invited Martha to dinner with Alf; although Martha apologized, she found reconnecting difficult.

Several months later, Alf reached out to Martha, which led to a tentative romantic reunion. Martha painted a portrait of Alf and confessed her love for him. Her BPD-induced anxiety emerged when she struggled to connect with Roo while teaching remotely. After regaining composure, she chose to return home but continued maintaining a relationship with Alf.

Upon returning to Summer Bay, they publicly announced their relationship. Initially finding it challenging to move in with Alf, Martha sought support for her mental health. Following the deaths of Mason Morgan and Robbo, Alf proposed again; Martha accepted. They wed and visited Alf’s sisters but kept Martha’s residence and studio in Merimbula, which caused friction when Alf wanted her to sell it. Martha regarded Merimbula as a place of healing.

Martha was contacted by her son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald), whom she confided about to Irene Roberts. She traveled to Merimbula to see Kieran and informed him about her marriage to Alf. Upon returning, she shared details about Kieran with Alf and Roo, admitting she feared losing them if they had known earlier. Kieran soon arrived in Summer Bay.

Martha continues residing in Merimbula while Alf frequently visits.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her debut on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, also featured in the series as headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week described Vicki as "Summer Bay’s resident trouble-maker." Initially reluctant about portraying a disliked character, Coburn eventually embraced the role. She appeared semi-regularly until filming her final scenes in June 1990, which included a notable fight sequence with Dannii Minogue.

Vicki served as an antagonist within Steven Matheson’s class at Summer Bay High, bullying fellow students Carly Morris and Viv Newton while clashing with Emma Jackson. After new teacher Grant Mitchell rejected Vicki’s advances, she falsely accused him of sexual misconduct, resulting in his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, leading to Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing exam papers, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen uncovered Vicki’s deceit by contacting her cousin Anna, culminating in Vicki’s expulsion from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher was first portrayed by Jane Hall beginning 3 April 1989. Introduced as the daughter of school principal Donald Fisher, she became romantically linked with Steven Matheson. The producers recognized the compelling dynamic between Hall and Adam Willits, prompting considerations for Rebecca’s occasional reappearances. In 1994, the character was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period, followed by Belinda Emmett taking over in 1996. Emmett’s performance garnered several Logie Award nominations, including Most Popular New Talent (1997), Most Popular Actress (1998, 1999), and the prestigious Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, played by Emily Symons, made her debut on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but returned to the series from 1995 until 1999. Initially, Dannii Minogue auditioned for Marilyn but was cast as Emma Jackson, allowing Symons to secure the role. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn is characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician," emphasizing her charming and lively personality.

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart first appeared on 14 June 1989. Actor Brendan McKensy received a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards, demonstrating industry acknowledgment of his work on the series.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, portrayed by Mat Stevenson, joined the cast from 28 June 1989. Stevenson, who had previously appeared in a guest role on rival soap Neighbours, relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this part. He exited in 1994, describing Adam as a "layabout" who favors leisure over responsibility—a contrast to his own more dependable nature. An Inside Soap columnist described Adam as a "one-time joker" and "happy-go-lucky." Stevenson returned for a guest appearance in 1999 and expressed interest in resuming the role full-time, reflecting both audience enthusiasm and his personal connection to the character.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, enacted by Mouche Phillips, debuted on 5 July 1989 and left the show on 25 May 1990. Phillips started filming soon after Justine Clarke’s departure from the series. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned enjoying staying active during filming, often making it difficult for others to find her on set.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, first appeared on 22 September 1989 and departed on 22 August 1990. Although Minogue originally auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers, she was cast as Emma instead. After one year, she left to concentrate on her music career. Despite speculation about a return for the show's twentieth anniversary in 2008, Minogue did not reprise her role. Her portrayal earned her a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Award, and Holy Soap named her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

31 October|||Chas|||Richard Huggett||| Pool player hustling Martin Dibble’s friend Mick at The Corner Pocket pool hall. 17 November|||Rosemary White|||Zoe Bertram||| Rory Heywood’s sister revealing his real name Colin posthumously after his death. 21 November 1989–22 January 1990|||Zac Burgess|||Mark Conroy||| Shark hunter demanding payment related to capture efforts linked to local environmental sabotage; makes unwanted advances toward Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher causing community tension before being exposed and departing town. 12 December|||Drew Howard|||Ignatius Jones||| Producer managing Marilyn Chambers on game show "Cheap Shots"; attempts humiliation of Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but fails when Marilyn turns tables on him.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Les is Celia Stewart’s late fiancé appearing in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart's diary; they celebrate their engagement before Les dies in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Nicholas visits Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin; conspires with her father Gordon to acquire the caravan park; after arrest for indecent exposure, he frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters and assaults Stacey before being stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Kim, Alison Patterson’s younger sister, attends Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham’s memoir disks and disputes local myths with Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Richard, Morag Bellingham’s husband, separates upon learning she is Bobby Simpson’s mother; warns Roo Stewart against Morag.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag’s secret; manipulates Celia Stewart and convinces Lance Smart to falsely report a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Leanne dates Martin Dibble; seeks etiquette lessons; struggles with illiteracy; confronts violent ex-boyfriend Meat Axe who returns; leaves Martin after intervention.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart attending town meeting about a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Martin Dibble's mother meets Leanne Dunn during family dinner arranged to discourage marriage plans.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble’s brother appearing at family meal.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Personal assistant to Morag Bellingham; befriends Celia Stewart but resigns seeking independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Host of 'The World Tonight' talk show featuring Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson; reveals Morag as Bobby’s mother while discussing a novel.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn's ex-boyfriend returns seeking reconciliation; fights Martin Dibble; leaves with Leanne after she intervenes.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker in Summer Bay involved in theft and arson causing Philip Matheson’s death; foster child of Fletchers manipulating Steven Matheson into framing Simon Yates; arrested for murder; paroled in 1995 committing further crimes including murder and kidnapping before disappearing after cliffside altercation.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Works at Bayside diner despite criminal history; dates Roo Stewart; harassed by Steven Matheson and falsely accused of arson due to Dodge Forbes’ schemes.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Estranged father seeking reconciliation with son Andrew Foley before passing away; leaves money and apology letter.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official managing foster placements including Dodge Forbes; investigates abuse allegations against John Newton; ends Donald Fisher’s guardianship of Viv Newton amid legal issues.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor probing Celia Stewart’s store fire claim suspiciously requesting double payout.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor initially refusing then agreeing to Macklin development contracts after encouragement from Martin Dibble.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Peter Bedford's wife attending dinner with Fletchers.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer for Macklin corporation involved in strike negotiations resolved by Roo Stewart; aids rescue involving Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Temporary motivational manager at Macklin office influencing Martin Dibble positively but failing to engage Roo Stewart amid family issues.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Music promoter assembling band Image featuring Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, Marilyn Chambers; departs for Los Angeles job inviting Stacey Macklin later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman helping Viv Newton during street living period.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car accident; Steven Matheson takes blame.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton whose mistreatment leads to custody battles and eventual loss of custody under social services pressure.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Viv Newton's younger sister abused by their father; escapes abuse to live with mother Angela following social worker involvement.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; facilitates Matt's beach inspector job; closes Andrew Foley's advice center; resigns due to health concerns.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley's youth advice center at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Sally Keating's estranged uncle seeking custody rights; initially welcomed but Sally chooses to remain with Fletchers; departs town with wife Louise.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Ross Keating's wife unable to have children who builds rapport with niece Sally before leaving Summer Bay.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter's father reacting strongly against allegations toward teacher Grant Mitchell demanding removal before allegations are disproved.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge on Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father; infiltrates her home undercover; holds Morag hostage but escapes after intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable then sergeant involved in multiple investigations including arrests of key characters; responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish’s death; later confesses guilt resulting in suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital doctor coordinating Tom Fletcher’s transfer following heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	City physician diagnosing Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering hoax involving Martin Dibble in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her amid family estrangement issues.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy client booking Adam Cameron for charter cruise who deceives him leaving him stranded on remote island.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after rejecting offer from Lance Smart and Martin Dibble.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife appearing during council disputes concerning closure of Matt Wilson’s hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Visitor searching Fletcher family under false identity irritating locals before being killed by shark; storyline noted as memorable by cast member Judy Nunn.
30 October–2 November	Mick	Bruce Samazan	Friend of Andrew Foley staying with him and Stacey Macklin revealed as drug addict causing conflict before leaving town.

External links

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