Rex Wilson (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Industry	Television
Founded	1988
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart initially appeared between 25 January and 13 February 1989, portrayed by Alison Mulvaney. Presented through flashbacks as Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) first spouse, the character made a comeback on 27 March 2018 with Belinda Giblin taking over the role; Giblin had previously been part of the series in 1991. Meagher endorsed Giblin for this part, describing her as "the ideal candidate." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Brought back as a feature of the show's 30th anniversary, Alf confides in their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha did not perish by drowning as was assumed but instead vanished due to her unhappiness. Roo's efforts to locate her prove futile until Martha unexpectedly arrives in Summer Bay. The year after, a call from Alf sparks a romantic reunion. Meagher regarded Martha as probably Alf’s greatest love, despite his marriage to Ailsa Stewart. Martha temporarily departs again because of anxiety linked to her borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Martha was married to Alf and is Roo Stewart’s mother (originally played by Justine Clarke). Thought to have drowned in a sailing mishap in 1985, she appeared in flashbacks through Bobby Simpson’s diary, which disclosed that she was acquainted with Bobby’s biological mother and arranged for her adoption.

Years later, after Alf experiences a near-death event, he reveals to Roo that Martha is still alive. Upon arrival, Martha meets family members but initially refrains from explaining her disappearance. She discloses that struggles with BPD compelled her to leave and avoid contact despite feeling guilt and fear. Roo shares that she named her daughter after Martha. Although invited to dine with Alf, Martha first declines but later apologizes and provides her contact information before leaving once more.

Several months later, following Alf's outreach, Martha returns seeking clarity but is asked to leave. Alf admits he has missed her; they reconnect through shared pursuits including painting his portrait. They cautiously explore their relationship until Martha’s anxiety resurfaces due to difficulties in reaching Roo. After receiving treatment for BPD and reassurance from Roo, Martha returns home with Alf joining later. They inform Roo about their renewed relationship and eventually Martha relocates permanently.

Initially struggling with the transition, Martha discusses mental health matters with Alex Neilson, who refers her to a specialist. Following tragic incidents involving Mason Morgan and Robbo, Alf proposes marriage again; after some hesitation, Martha agrees. They wed and leave briefly but maintain residences in both Summer Bay and Merimbula, which occasionally causes friction.

Martha confides in Irene Roberts about her son Kieran Baldivis (Rick Donald) and visits him in Merimbula. Upon returning, she reveals Kieran’s existence to Alf and Roo, explaining their strained relationship and fear of losing them had they known sooner. Kieran soon arrives in Summer Bay.

Martha continues residing in Merimbula while Alf frequently visits.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, first appeared on 22 February 1989. Coburn's father, Norman Coburn, was also part of the series as headmaster Donald Fisher. David Brown from TV Week labelled Vicki "Summer Bay's resident trouble-maker." Although initially hesitant about portraying an unpopular character, Coburn grew fond of the role over time. She appeared on a semi-regular basis and completed filming her final scenes in June 1990, remarking that the role provided consistent work and valuable experience. She particularly enjoyed filming a fight sequence with Dannii Minogue.

Vicki acted as an antagonist within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, bullying peers and clashing with Emma Jackson. When new teacher Grant Mitchell rejected her advances, Vicki falsely accused him of sexual harassment, resulting in his suspension. Emma compelled Vicki to admit the truth, leading to Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki framed Emma for stealing examination papers, causing Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen teamed up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover Vicki’s manipulations, culminating in Vicki’s own expulsion.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her debut on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of Donald Fisher, the school principal. During her stay in Summer Bay, she became romantically involved with Steven Matheson. The production team observed notable chemistry between Hall and Adam Willits, which led to discussions about her character making occasional returns. In 1994, the role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period before Belinda Emmett took over the part in 1996. Emmett's performance garnered multiple 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, enacted by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but made a comeback from 1995 through 1999. Initially, Dannii Minogue auditioned for the role of Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, with Symons assuming the role of Marilyn. According to Holy Soap, Marilyn was characterized as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart entered the series on 14 June 1989. Brendan McKensy's portrayal earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, played by Mat Stevenson, was introduced on 28 June 1989. Prior to this role, Stevenson appeared in the competing soap Neighbours as a minor criminal. He relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to film Home and Away. Stevenson exited the show in 1994, describing Adam as somewhat lazy and preferring leisure over responsibility, though he occasionally showed kindness. An Inside Soap columnist labeled Adam a "happy-go-lucky joker." Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 and contemplated a full-time comeback due to his enjoyment of the character.

Viv Newton

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

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 ultimately cast as Emma. After one year, she left to focus on her music career. Despite rumors in 2007 about her return for the show's 20th anniversary in 2008, she did not rejoin the cast. For this role, Minogue received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Additionally, Holy Soap named her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

30 October–2 November||| Mick, portrayed by Bruce Samazan, is Andrew Foley's friend whose drug addiction causes conflict with Stacey Macklin prior to leaving town.| 31 October||| Chas, played by Richard Huggett, is a pool player hustled by Mick who warns friends about Mick's skills.| 17 November||| Rosemary White, enacted by Zoe Bertram, arrives following Rory Heywood's death revealing his true identity.| 21 November 1989–22 January 1990||| Zac Burgess, played by Mark Conroy, is a shark hunter charging high fees who exposes Gordon Macklin's illegal dumping scheme and makes unwanted advances toward Carly Morris and Pippa Fletcher before being exposed and departing.| 12 December||| Drew Howard, portrayed by Ignatius Jones, is Marilyn Chambers' game show producer attempting to humiliate Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but is outsmarted.|

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
25 January	Les Palmer	Graham Lancaster	Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé appearing in flashbacks set in 1970; they intended to marry before Les died in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March	Nicholas Walsh	Robert Taylor	Visitor to Summer Bay aiming to see Stacey Macklin; conspires with Stacey’s father to acquire the caravan park; frames Roo Stewart with poison pen letters and assaults Stacey before being stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September	Kim Patterson	Jacqui Townsend	Alison Patterson’s younger sister attending Summer Bay Primary; discovers Morag Bellingham's memoirs on floppy disks; disputes local legends with Sally Fletcher.
13 February–20 March	Richard Bellingham	John Bonney	Husband of Morag Bellingham for twenty years; their marriage ends following revelations about Bobby Simpson’s maternity.
20 February–21 November	James Donahue	Richard Morgan	Journalist investigating Morag Bellingham’s history; manipulates locals for information; convinces Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April	Leanne Dunn	Kylie Foster	Dates Martin Dibble who deceives her due to her illiteracy; her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe returns causing her to leave Martin and break his heart.
1 March–12 November	Enid	Jan Oxenbould	Friend of Celia Stewart attending a town meeting regarding a killer shark near the beach.
8 March	Nola Dibble	Denise Roberts	Mother of Martin Dibble; appears when Martin introduces Leanne Dunn to his family.
8 March	Scott Dibble	Uncredited	Martin Dibble’s brother present at a family gathering.
	Errol Dibble	Uncredited	Another brother of Martin Dibble also present at the family meal.
21 March–24 May	Nigel Taggart	Gary Down	Former assistant to Morag Bellingham aiding at Blaxland mansion; befriends Celia Stewart before leaving to gain independence.
28 March	Ross Maybury	John Banas	Late-night talk show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about family matters.
4–5 April	Meat Axe	Joseph Dicker	Leanne Dunn's ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble but departs with Leanne after intervention.
18 April–17 August 1989, 8 September–23 October 1995	Brian "Dodge" Forbes	Kelly Dingwall	Troublemaker stealing from locals and causing a fatal fire killing Philip Matheson; later fostered by Fletchers; bullies Sally Fletcher; frames Simon Yates for arson; arrested for murder; reappears in 1995 seeking vengeance by framing Steven Matheson and kidnapping Kelly Watson before vanishing again.
20 April–16 May	Simon Yates	Christopher Saunders	Ex-convict employed at Bayside diner; dates Roo Stewart; harassed by Steven Matheson and framed for arson due to Dodge's machinations; eventually leaves town.
2–9 May	Andrew Foley Senior	Alan Tobin	Dying estranged father of Andrew Foley seeking reconciliation but warning his son to keep distance; leaves money and apologies in his will.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990	Howard West	Richard Rowe	Childcare Services official overseeing Dodge Forbes’ foster care placement; investigates abuse allegations against John Newton; revokes Donald Fisher’s guardianship of Viv Newton during murder charges but reinstates it after her exoneration.
11 May	Peter Braithwaite	Ron Blanchard	Insurance assessor suspicious of Celia Stewart's fire claim at her store.
18–29 May	Kyoko Sakamoto	Yuka Mitani	Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June	Peter Bedford	Bevan Wilson	Investor approached by Macklin development who initially declines but later agrees after persuasion by Martin Dibble.
2 June	Claire Bedford	Linda Anning	Peter Bedford’s wife attending dinner with Fletchers.
8 June–18 July	Flynn	Mark McCann	Labourer employed by Macklin corporation involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart’s negotiation; assists rescue efforts involving Marilyn Chambers.
13 June	Jay Everett	Andrew Doyle	Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails with Roo Stewart.
6 July–13 September	Nina Olivera	Raquel Suarstzman	Friend of Stacey Macklin forming music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; leaves for promotion work in Los Angeles inviting Stacey later.
11 July	Beulah	Robyn Gurney	Homeless woman aiding Viv Newton during street living period.
19 July	Sgt. Col Baker	Simon Westaway	Police officer questioning Dodge Forbes regarding stolen car accident which Steven Matheson takes blame for.
21 July–1 August	John Newton	John Gregg	Viv Newton’s abusive father whose mistreatment leads to intervention by Donald Fisher and social services; relinquishes custody after supervision orders are imposed.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990	Tammy Newton	Katy Edwards	Younger sister of Viv Newton used by their father to manipulate Viv; later reunites with mother Angela and leaves Summer Bay with family starting anew.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990	Rex Wilson	Barry Donnelly	Matt Wilson’s uncle serving on local council; arranges Matt’s employment as beach inspector; closes Andrew Foley’s advice centre before resigning due to health problems.
9 August	Freddie Hudson	Mark Arbib	Student visiting Andrew Foley’s Youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August	Ross Keating	James Gleeson	Sally Keating’s estranged uncle seeking custody; invites Sally to live with him though she remains with Fletchers eventually.
23–31 August	Louise Keating	Felicity Soper	Wife of Ross Keating and Sally's aunt; unable to have children and initially welcomes Sally before she decides to stay with Fletchers.
29 August 1989, 23 March 1990	Len Baxter	Uncredited / Damian Cudmore	Vicki Baxter’s father who reacts angrily when Vicki accuses teacher Grant Mitchell of misconduct, which Vicki later admits was false.
29 August–10 November	Danny Farnsworth	Justin Connor	Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge on Morag Bellingham by working undercover as her assistant; dates Bobby Simpson while intimidating Morag before being exposed and fleeing town.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996	Chris Hale	John Meillon Jr.	Police constable involved in multiple cases including youth arrests; promoted sergeant; responsible for hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death leading to guilt-driven confession and suspension.
11 September	Doctor Ellis	Marilyn Allen	Hospital physician arranging Tom Fletcher’s transfer after heart attack.
11 September	Doctor Williamson	David Whitford	Diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral hematoma.
18–21 September	Ian McTavish	Noel Trevarthen	Scottish explorer searching for "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it is a hoax involving Martin Dibble dressed in costume.
20 September	Samantha Walker	Fiona Shannon	Youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her revealing family estrangement issues.
11–12 October	Millicent Staples	Julie Haseler	Wealthy young woman who books a charter cruise with Adam Cameron but strands him alone on an isolated island as part of a scheme.
11 October	Henry Whiting	Patrick Ward	Owner of hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble decline purchase offer.
25 October	Sylvia Wilson	Marie Armstrong	Rex Wilson’s wife appearing during council disputes over closure of Matt Wilson's hot dog stand.
26 October–15 November	Rory Heywood	Gregor Jordan	Arrives searching for Fletcher family; stays despite locals’ irritation; dies from shark attack sparking shark hunt storyline impacting local business and community relations.

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 at the Internet Movie Database