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Ric Dalby

From Alfawiki
Ric Dalby
OccupationFictional character
Years active2004–2008 (Home and Away)
Known forHome and Away

Eric "Ric" Dalby is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, broadcast on Channel Seven, and played by Mark Furze. His tenure on the show spanned from 15 September 2004 until 24 July 2008. Furze earned the role following a successful audition and screen test that impressed the producers, who were drawn to Ric's multifaceted nature. Initially introduced as a rebellious bully disrespectful of authority, Ric gradually transforms into one of the series' more honorable characters, though his propensity for anger remains evident. Both Furze and media outlets highlighted Ric's frequent involvement in altercations as a central aspect of his character.

Ric’s aggressive behavior drives several pivotal storylines, including a false accusation of murder and participation in an illicit bare-knuckle boxing circuit that endangers his life. To prepare for this arc, Furze undertook research and physical training, with media commentators likening the plot to the film Fight Club due to thematic parallels. Ric’s backstory involves significant trauma, notably abuse from his father Owen Dalby, which deeply influences his personality. Upon his arrival in Summer Bay, family connections are established when it is revealed he is the grandson of longtime character Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). He is taken under the wing of characters Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy) and Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). Throughout his time on the show, Ric forms important relationships, including romantic involvements with Cassie Turner (Sharni Vinson), Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), and a notable friendship with Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans).

Critics generally responded positively to Ric’s character. Jim Schembri from The Age described Ric’s connection with Matilda as "honourable." Nick Levine of Digital Spy complimented Furze’s physical appeal, while Greg Hassal of The Sydney Morning Herald praised the character’s story arcs. Conversely, Scott Ellis from the same publication observed that Ric frequently irritated many of the regular characters. Furze received several award nominations for his portrayal, including categories such as "Best Actor" and "Most Popular Actor."

Casting

Mark Furze joined Home and Away in 2004 after being informed about the opportunity by his agent. He was attracted to playing Ric Dalby because it represented a "baddie" role, contrasting with his previous acting experiences. After auditioning and completing a screen test alongside established cast members Ray Meagher and Indiana Evans, Furze secured the role. He described his initial involvement as "very daunting."

In 2007, Furze took part in the singing competition Soapstar Superstar and affirmed his ongoing dedication to Home and Away. Nonetheless, he departed from the series in 2008 to pursue a career in music.

Characterisation

Ric’s difficult upbringing, marked by abuse at the hands of his father Owen Dalby, contributed to his early rebelliousness and bullying tendencies. Initial portrayals emphasized his enjoyment in intimidating those who were vulnerable. After moving to Summer Bay, Ric matured into a more respectable individual, leaving behind much of his troubled past. The UK broadcaster Five highlighted his return as being "on the rails," describing him as an enthusiastic sportsman who embraces life.

Furze noted some personal similarities with Ric but stressed that he himself was less aggressive. He found embodying Ric’s fiery temper "awesome," appreciating that the character’s frequent disputes provided compelling drama. Although Ric mellowed over time, he maintained a volatile streak. Furze welcomed this layered characterization and expressed interest in more traditionally masculine scenes to prevent Ric from appearing overly sensitive.

Relationships

Ric's initial romantic involvements include relationships with Cassie Turner (portrayed by Sharni Vinson) and Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey). During his time with Cassie, Belle attempts to disrupt their bond by trying to seduce Ric, injecting humor into the narrative. The producers ultimately concluded Ric's romance with Cassie following a dramatic breakup scene that demanded intense performance, which resonated positively with the audience.

Subsequently, Ric embarks on a relationship with Matilda Hunter (Indiana Evans), centered around the typical trials of adolescence. When Matilda moves in with him, Ric experiences discomfort due to her ongoing schooling and questions her intentions. Their relationship becomes more complicated when a pregnancy scare arises, although Matilda is not expecting.

In August 2007, Simone McAullay joined the cast as Viv Anderson, an older woman who entices Ric into an affair. Viv exploits Ric’s vulnerability after Matilda’s jealousy causes her to prematurely end their relationship. Ric feels remorse for his betrayal, while Viv acknowledges her manipulative conduct.

Though Ric and Matilda reconcile briefly, Viv discloses her pregnancy, creating friction between them. Despite emotional struggles tied to the anniversary of her mother's death, Matilda offers support. This situation places strain on their relationship as Matilda questions their future together, compounded by Ric’s lack of emotional backing.

Matilda opts to relocate to Perth for university studies and encourages Ric to accompany her; he declines, resulting in their breakup. Furze commented that Matilda had anticipated Ric would follow her but became frustrated by his unwillingness to support her goals. Despite mutual affection, maintaining a long-distance relationship appeared impractical.

Ric develops a close friendship with Kirsty Sutherland (Christie Hayes) and mistakenly kisses her under the assumption that Matilda has moved on. While Kirsty provides emotional support to Ric, she does not reciprocate his romantic feelings. Ultimately, Ric’s behavior reveals his unresolved emotions towards Matilda.

Their concluding storyline reunites Ric and Matilda in Perth, serving as their departure from the series.

Bare-knuckle boxing

Ric frequently appears in physical confrontations throughout the series. One storyline involves a violent clash with Rocco Cooper (Ian Meadows) that leads to Ric being incarcerated on a murder accusation. During his time in jail, Ric confronts threats from Rocco’s brother, Johnny Cooper (Callan Mulvey). These scenes were filmed over four days in November 2006 at the historic Maitland Gaol in New South Wales and included several cast members connected to Ric’s arc. Actor Mark Furze noted that Ric’s character often finds himself in fights and anticipated further physical altercations due to his personality.

Following an affair with Viv, who reveals she is pregnant, Ric is pressured by Viv’s husband Noel (Steven Vidler) into taking part in unlawful bare-knuckle boxing matches. Furze welcomed this plotline because it provided opportunities for stunts and action sequences that matched Ric’s fiery temperament. Professional boxer Anthony Mundine assisted Furze during training sessions, complementing Furze’s own commitment to boxing fitness.

On screen, Ric struggles with the fights but feels obligated to continue participating in order to protect Viv’s unborn child from Noel’s intimidation. Noel coerces Ric into fighting to appease his gambling associates, while Ric fears losing his sense of masculinity if he refuses. His opponent, Logan, harbors animosity linked to gang affiliations, raising the stakes further. Meanwhile, Ric collaborates with police officer Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien) to dismantle the illegal fight ring, increasing tension as Ric’s girlfriend Matilda supports his efforts. When law enforcement sabotages the operation, Ric is forced into a perilous bout under duress.

The storyline escalates as Ric takes a job at a jewellery store that becomes the target of an armed robbery by Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell). The combined pressures of the robbery, Viv’s pregnancy, and underground fighting take a toll on Ric’s mental wellbeing. Furze explained that these stressors culminate in a panic attack that breaks through Ric’s typically tough exterior. Recognizing he has reached a critical point, Ric seeks counselling from Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) and begins the process of rebuilding his life.

Storylines

After being expelled from his former school, Ric arrives at Summer Bay High. He targets Henry Hunter for his interest in dancing and sets fire to the Surfclub Kiosk, leading to Henry being wrongfully accused. Tasha Andrews further complicates matters by planting evidence linking Ric to a marijuana plantation. Following abuse from his father, Ric retaliates by pushing him down the stairs, which results in his father having a seizure and Ric facing murder charges. These charges are eventually dropped when it is revealed that his father died of a heart attack. Flynn Saunders discloses that Alf Stewart is Ric’s grandfather, prompting Ric to move in with Alf. However, after a misunderstanding regarding drug use, Ric leaves and takes up residence with Flynn and Sally Fletcher.

Ric's volatile nature, influenced by his father's mistreatment, begins to ease when Matilda Hunter offers forgiveness. They briefly enter a romantic relationship, though Sally advises Ric to maintain some distance. He then develops a close bond with Cassie and starts dating her. Jealousy arises over Matilda’s friend Callan Sherman, whom Ric accuses of drug use and assault. After Callan drugs Matilda and kidnaps her, Ric intervenes to rescue her and forces Callan to leave Summer Bay.

Ric's jealousy creates tension with Cassie, who later dates Aden Jefferies. Following an assault by Aden’s brother Sean, Ric reconciles briefly with Cassie before leaving school to pursue an apprenticeship as a mechanic. He dates Belle but endures bullying from Dom Moran, who physically attacks him and sabotages a car that injures Ric. After breaking up with Belle to be with Cassie—who then betrays him—Ric starts dating Matilda again. When Rocco stabs Sally, Ric assaults Rocco in retaliation and is charged and convicted of Rocco’s murder. While incarcerated, Johnny seeks vengeance against Ric; however, Matilda and Lucas uncover Johnny's role in Rocco's death, leading to Ric’s release.

Ric and Matilda struggle with trust issues; she plans to attend university far away, and after a pregnancy scare, they agree they are not ready for children. Ric receives advances from Viv, a client who attempts to seduce him. Despite initial resistance, they share a kiss witnessed by Matilda. Viv’s husband Noel threatens Ric due to his involvement with Viv. After Matilda ends their relationship, Ric sleeps with Viv; she becomes pregnant but later suffers a miscarriage. Noel manipulates Ric into participating in illegal bare-knuckle fights by threatening their child’s health and sabotaging Ric’s career and personal life. Under duress, Ric competes but eventually contacts the police to expose Noel’s criminal activities, resulting in Noel’s arrest.

Following a gun raid at work, Ric experiences panic attacks. Matilda gains acceptance into university in Perth; they try to maintain a long-distance relationship but ultimately part ways due to its challenges. Alf purchases a ticket for Ric to Perth where he reunites with Matilda, and together they commit to their future.

Reception

For his role as Ric, Furze earned nominations for "Most Popular Actor" at the 2007 and 2008 Logie Awards. Furze regarded this acknowledgment as an honour that validated his acting abilities. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, he was shortlisted for "Best Actor" and later received a nomination for "Sexiest Male" at the 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Jim Schembri of The Age highlighted Ric’s dignified approach to sensitive narratives, emphasizing the show’s skill in depicting complex male characters. Greg Hassal from The Sydney Morning Herald commended both the writing and performances, crediting these storylines for enhancing viewer engagement.

Roz Laws from the Sunday Mercury identified jealousy as a consistent characteristic of Ric while noting his physical appeal to audiences. The entertainment website Digital Spy portrayed Ric positively, referring to him as "fit Ric" and drawing attention to his intense bare-knuckle fighting scenes. In a TV Week poll, the couple Ric and Matilda secured joint third place among favourite Home and Away pairs with eight percent of votes cast.

External links

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