Rick Booth

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that first aired on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section details characters introduced throughout 2018, listed according to the order of their initial appearance. All these characters were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 31st season commenced broadcasting on 29 January 2018. In February, Dean Thompson and Colby Thorne made their debuts; April saw the arrival of Lance Salisbury and Ebony Harding; Ty Anderson appeared in May; Chelsea Campbell was introduced in September; Dean’s mother, Karen Thompson, came in October; and finally, Simone Bedford alongside Bella Nixon arrived in November.

Dean Thompson

Dean Thompson, played by Patrick O'Connor, was first seen on 1 February 2018. O'Connor began filming five months prior to the official casting announcement on 13 January 2018. Although he had auditioned for various parts on Home and Away before, this marked his first professional acting role. He characterized Dean as a mischievous figure within the River Boys gang, a group introduced in 2011 alongside the Braxton brothers, embodying the "new bad boy" persona of Summer Bay. O'Connor also noted that Dean’s tattoos reflected his personal interests, which enhanced his enthusiasm for the role.

Colby Thorne

Colby Thorne, portrayed by Tim Franklin, made his debut on 6 February 2018. Franklin’s casting was confirmed in December 2017 after filming took place at Palm Beach, the series’ outdoor set. He discovered he had secured the role on his 27th birthday, describing it as "the best gift." Colby is a police constable whose challenging childhood influenced his decision to join law enforcement. He is a former member of the River Boys surf gang and serves as a romantic interest for Jasmine Delaney.

Lance Salisbury

Lance Salisbury, enacted by Angus McLaren, first appeared on 17 April 2018. His casting was announced shortly before his debut episode aired. McLaren expressed enthusiasm about joining the cast and reuniting with former co-star James Stewart. Lance is an Australian Federal Police (AFP) agent and close friend to Robbo. He plays a key role in helping Robbo recover from amnesia and supports him in seeking justice. The character returned for further appearances in 2019.

Lance assists Robbo in regaining his identity as Ryan Shaw, an undercover federal agent investigating corruption whose family was tragically killed. Robbo’s amnesia left the AFP uncertain about his status. Lance provides Robbo with his official documents and encourages him to consider rejoining the AFP. Together, they work on smuggling investigations, although Robbo declines to return to active duty.

Lance attends Robbo’s pre-wedding celebration and wedding ceremony and later escorts Robbo, Jasmine, and Tori Morgan to a safe house due to threats from those responsible for Robbo’s family tragedy. He deputizes Robbo back into the AFP before resuming his field assignments. Ultimately, Lance is killed by the Ouroboros Gang as a warning directed at Robbo.

Ebony Harding

Ebony Harding (also known as Easton), played by Cariba Heine, made her first appearance on 19 April 2018. Heine landed the role through a recorded audition while abroad. Ebony was introduced as an antagonist driven by vengeance against the residents of Summer Bay, connected to the abduction of Justin Morgan’s daughter, Ava Gilbert. She has ties to the criminal figure Boyd Easton and intends to cause disruption within the community.

Following her brother Boyd’s death, Ebony assumes a false identity as a doctor at Northern Districts Hospital and collaborates with her mother, Hazel Easton, to carry out their revenge. She focuses her efforts on police constable Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), who was responsible for Boyd’s shooting, attempting to destabilize him by interfering with his relationships and revealing incriminating information about his past involvement with gangs. Ebony also threatens Justin Morgan’s business by orchestrating a car accident and demanding compensation, which Justin negotiates down before offering her a position at his brother’s restaurant, Salt.

Ebony further damages Colby’s reputation by exposing his history with the River Boys gang, leading to his suspension. She manipulates Colby’s friendship with housemate Robbo (Jake Ryan), engaging in flirtation and accepting Robbo’s romantic interest. Under Hazel’s direction, Ebony tries to poison Robbo but hesitates after he shares personal grief. Her schemes escalate as she frames Robbo for Hazel’s murder and nearly kills Colby using a muscle relaxant injection before fleeing the area.

Once Colby recovers, Ebony impersonates his sister online to lure him into captivity, threatening arson until Robbo intervenes and authorities apprehend her. Ebony's storyline depicts a calculated vendetta that affects pivotal characters and businesses in Summer Bay.

Ty Anderson

'Ty Anderson, portrayed by Darius Williams, first appeared on 7 May 2018. Williams was signed for a six-month contract starting filming in October 2017. Ty is notable for being Home and Aways first openly gay character since 2009, reflecting the show's commitment to exploring current social themes. He is fostered by John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers and develops significant relationships with Raffy Morrison and Ryder Jackson during his time on the show. After departing on 15 August 2018, Williams expressed interest in returning to further develop Ty’s storylines.

Ty arrives in Summer Bay due to his grandfather's illness, staying with John and Marilyn. Initially reserved, he clashes with Raffy over his demeanor but eventually forms a bond and begins dating her. His friendship with Ryder grows deeper after confessing his feelings for him, creating tension as Ty struggles with his sexuality. Following a physical altercation resulting in injury, Ty comes out as gay to John and Marilyn, leading to a difficult conversation with Raffy who feels hurt by the revelation.

Before Raffy leaves town, Ty tries to mend their relationship. He publicly comes out to defend Raffy against bullying but suffers a panic attack that causes reluctance to return to school. With support from friends, Ty gains peer acceptance when one of his songs is broadcast over the school’s PA system. On his 16th birthday, Ty initially refuses to meet his mother Jodi Anderson but later agrees after encouragement from Marilyn. After revealing his sexual orientation to Jodi, Ty decides to leave Summer Bay with her.

Chelsea Campbell

Chelsea Campbell, portrayed by Ashleigh Brewer, first appeared on 18 September 2018. Brewer secured the role while in Los Angeles through remote auditions and initially agreed to a six-month contract. She chose not to extend her stay due to plans to move back to Los Angeles with her partner.

Chelsea serves as a senior constable connected to established characters; Brewer described her as "extremely kind yet strong-willed," capable of stirring trouble when necessary. A TV Soap journalist labeled her a "feisty police officer" and commended Brewer's casting as bringing fresh energy to Home and Away.

Introduced at the Summer Bay Caravan Park, Chelsea declines romantic interest from Dean Thompson and confronts her ex-boyfriend Colby Thorne at the police station. Despite their complicated history involving Colby’s River Boys gang background, they share moments of reconciliation while working together under Sergeant Phillip McCarthy’s leadership.

Chelsea plays an instrumental role in finding missing teenagers, demonstrating dedication and resourcefulness. Her relationship with Colby faces obstacles due to his secrets and family complications, including criminal activities involving his stepfather Ross Nixon. Chelsea's father disapproves of Colby and pressures him to end their relationship; however, Colby refuses.

After discovering Colby’s involvement in protecting his sister Bella Nixon, Chelsea ends their engagement and applies for a transfer. Persuaded by Colby to remain, they decide to relocate together to the city. Chelsea gains acceptance into a detective training course; they expedite wedding plans and marry in Mangrove River.

Following an incident involving Ross Nixon's kidnapping of Bella Nixon, Chelsea tends to injured victims while Colby confronts Ross. Skeptical of their account after Ross escapes custody, Chelsea later learns that Colby killed Ross and chooses to separate from him—returning her rings and moving back to the city. She files for divorce the following year.

Karen Thompson

Karen Thompson, played by Georgia Adamson, debuted on 4 October 2018. Introduced primarily to expand on her son Dean Thompson's backstory, Karen is depicted as having a troubled history marked by violence and substance misuse that strains her relationship with Dean. Her arrival sparks significant plotlines including Dean's battles with alcohol abuse and emotional distress.

Karen's narrative focuses on erratic behavior and complex family dynamics. After initial appearances in 2018, she returns intermittently through 2019, 2022, 2023, and again in 2025 alongside Dean and Ziggy Astoni. Her interactions involve conflicts with main characters, episodes of instability leading to hospitalization, culminating in a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.

Her subsequent return involves attempts at family reconciliation and community integration. Karen develops relationships with Ben Astoni and Mackenzie Booth; uncovers intricate family secrets regarding Dean's paternity tied to Rick Booth; and secures employment at Salt restaurant despite challenges adapting professionally. These story arcs emphasize themes of healing and personal development within the series' framework.

Simone Bedford

Simone Bedford, portrayed by Emily Eskell, made her debut on 15 November 2018. Eskell—a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art—secured this major television role after several auditions. Simone was introduced as both a special-needs educator and an aspiring chef seeking professional culinary experience; she becomes romantically involved with married character Brody Morgan.

Simone wins a charity auction granting her cooking lessons with Brody which leads to a one-month trial at Salt restaurant where they develop rapport over shared culinary interests. Tensions arise when Brody's wife Ziggy grows suspicious of Simone's motives. Despite maintaining professionalism initially, Simone engages in an affair with Brody that ultimately ends his marriage. Later she accepts employment as a learning support teacher at the local high school.

Brody and Simone's relationship faces opposition from both Astoni and Morgan families. After their affair becomes public knowledge inciting community backlash—including graffiti labeling Simone as a "homewrecker"—she resigns from teaching. The couple decides to leave Summer Bay; Brody sells Salt restaurant while Simone secures new employment elsewhere. They relocate together to Yarra Valley; two years later they announce expecting their first child.

Bella Nixon

Bella Nixon, portrayed by Courtney Miller, debuted on 26 November 2018 after Miller's casting was confirmed earlier that year in September. Bella is introduced as the younger sister long sought by Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin) alongside their father Ross Nixon (Justin Rosniak). Upon reunion, Bella—traumatized from past experiences—initially threatens Colby with a crossbow due to Ross's negative influence painting Colby unfavorably. Miller described Bella as "a troubled child" shaped significantly by her harsh upbringing. The portrayal earned Miller a nomination for the 2019 Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent.

Others

... [Table continues listing additional minor characters involved in legal proceedings, medical care roles, law enforcement duties, or community interactions impacting business-related narratives.]

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
29 January	Nurse	Kate Boladian	Notifies Tori Morgan regarding inquiries about Kat Chapman, hospitalized following a road accident.
30 January	Odette	Romy Poulier	Hires Willow Harris to expose infidelity of her husband; seeks similar assistance for a friend.
1 February 2018 27 February 2020	Nurse Ruby	Christina Falsone	Hospital nurse providing care including treatment of Colby Thorne post-stabbing; initially credited simply as Nurse.
1 February	Devera and Paulo	Mia Karaz and Christian Leiva Fuentes	Mother and brother of Kat Chapman attending funeral services.
1 February	Minister	Richard Saunders	Officiates at Kat Chapman’s funeral.
1–22 February	Taz	Jerome Meyer	River Boys gang member assisting Martin Ashford in tracking down Robbo, involved in altercations ending in arrests.
1–19 February	Bluey	Alex Jewson	Member of River Boys aiding search efforts for Robbo, participating in confrontations resulting in police custody.
1 February	Jimmy Tobias	Kyle Hazebroek	Provides intelligence regarding Robbo’s location; nearly clashes physically with Martin Ashford.
8 February	Bushwalker	Adam Hedditch	Observes fugitive Robbo’s movements; alerts authorities.
8 February	Ambulance Officer Karen	Jerusha Sutton	Responds at scene of car accident involving Justin Morgan, assists rescue operations.
12 February	Lauren, Sophia, and Lucas	Lianne Mackessy, Ava Rose Bowen, Luca Rochaix	Family members of amnesiac Robbo, later revealed victim of home invasion murder.
19 February–13 June	Dr Callan	Virginie Laverdure	Oncologist administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy for Maggie Astoni’s high-grade B-cell lymphoma.
20–22 February	David	Jack Ellis	Stalker ex-boyfriend of Jasmine Delaney, holds hostages before arrest.
26 February–17 May	Barry Johnson	Brad McMurray	Former employer involved in disputes with Dean Thompson, later interacts professionally with Astoni family during construction projects.
28 February, 12 March	Professor Pickford	Lisa Kay	Psychiatrist assessing Robbo’s amnesia; provides expert testimony.
8 March	Joseph and Li Xue	Ishak Issa and Indiana Kwong	University staff assisting Mason Morgan’s academic re-enrollment.
14 March	Dr Lucas and Julian Wells	Grant Cartwright and Tahki Saul	Medical professional treating Dean Thompson; legal advisor consulting Ben Astoni on court matters.
Additional appearances include various legal representatives, healthcare personnel, police officers, and community figures contributing substantively to key storylines involving business operations management, legal conflicts, healthcare delivery systems, and organizational leadership within the series context.