Ricky Sharpe (Home and Away)

Ricky Sharpe
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Ricky Sharpe is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap Home and Away, brought to life by actress Bonnie Sveen. Prior to this role, Sveen made a guest appearance as Hayley Doven in 2010 and had auditioned for the character Bianca Scott before being selected to play Ricky in early 2013. Her first episode aired on 2 April 2013, and she departed the series on 7 June 2016 after a three-year tenure to explore other acting opportunities.

Ricky is depicted as sincere, lively, competent, and compassionate. Sveen highlighted several qualities she shares with the character, such as an enthusiasm for surfing. Introduced as the younger sibling of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes), Ricky was initially entwined in Adam's plan for revenge against Darryl "Brax" Braxton (Steve Peacocke). Over time, she formed a meaningful relationship with Brax, which encompassed storylines involving awaiting his imprisonment, experiencing a miscarriage, a short-lived romance with Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), and the arrival of their child. For her portrayal, Sveen received the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2014.

Casting

The 30 March – 5 April 2013 issue of TV Week revealed Bonnie Sveen’s casting as Ricky Sharpe, introduced as a new romantic interest for Darryl Braxton. Having previously appeared on the show in 2010 and auditioned for Bianca Scott, Sveen described landing this role as a significant milestone in her career and expressed excitement about joining Home and Away, a series familiar to her family. Her debut episode was broadcast on 2 April 2013.

Characterisation

Ricky’s backstory includes being raised amidst criminal influences due to her older brother Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes). During her adolescence, she rebelled against that environment. Actress Bonnie Sveen mentioned investing much of herself into the character, portraying Ricky as energetic and playful with a sharp sense of humor alongside vulnerability and kindness. Sveen also observed parallels between her own life and Ricky’s, such as their shared passion for surfing and having mostly male companions. To authentically represent Ricky’s professional surfing skills, Sveen undertook surfing lessons to competently handle the boards.

Introduction

Ricky made her entrance into Summer Bay at the engagement celebration of Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing), reconnecting with the Braxton family. Steve Peacocke (portraying Darryl Braxton) described her as the cheeky younger sister who had matured well. Following the party, Ricky and Brax shared a one-night encounter that sparked a connection hinting at Ricky’s potential to bring happiness back into Brax's life. Nevertheless, Ricky concealed a secret that caused her to hesitate before deepening their relationship. Brax became increasingly curious when law enforcement sought to question her, prompting him to confess his feelings in hopes of encouraging openness. It was later disclosed that Adam was alive and manipulating Ricky as part of his vendetta against the Braxtons, whom he believed had abandoned him.

As genuine emotions grew between Ricky and Brax, she chose to end their relationship to shield him. During Adam’s recovery from an accident, Ricky visited him and began questioning his narrative about the Braxtons’ betrayal. Part of Adam’s scheme involved Ricky transferring funds from Brax’s laptop into Connie Callahan's (Celia Ireland) account to sow discord among the brothers. Feeling remorseful over her involvement, Ricky attempted to persuade Adam that Brax cared for him; however, Adam threatened violence if she defied him. With Ricky’s cooperation, Adam framed Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes) for armed robbery, resulting in Casey’s arrest. Recognizing that matters had escalated dangerously, Ricky urged Adam to cease his vendetta.

When Ricky threatened to disclose the truth to Brax, Adam took her and Tamara Kingsley (Kelly Paterniti) hostage, forcing Brax to decide whom to rescue. Tamara was stunned upon discovering Ricky’s initial involvement in Adam’s plan. Ricky convinced Tamara to place trust in her and attempted an escape by seducing their captor but was recaptured; both faced death threats from Adam. After Brax and Kyle rescued an injured Tamara, Brax confronted Adam at a warehouse where he saved Ricky but was shot despite warnings about a trap. During the subsequent trial, Ricky faced potential imprisonment. Peacocke explained that Brax avoided testifying against her by acknowledging their romantic involvement. When Tamara testified recalling Ricky’s efforts to assist her, Ricky received a suspended sentence.

Darryl Braxton

Sveen recognized the expectations placed on her as Brax’s romantic partner, especially following his well-known relationship with Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson). She encouraged viewers to perceive Ricky as a distinct individual with her own connections to the Braxton family. After forgiving Ricky for her involvement in Adam's revenge plot, Brax invited her to live with him, which created tension within the family. Although initially reluctant to disrupt Casey’s feelings, Ricky agreed to Brax’s proposal. Sveen remarked that Ricky was "still processing" how Brax’s affection overcame past conflicts, and she was cautious not to interfere in Brax and Casey’s dynamic, which led to some discord.

Several months later, Ricky grew concerned about Brax’s unusual conduct following the arrival of the Barrett brothers. She suspected Josh Barrett might be Brax’s son, but Brax revealed he had accidentally caused the death of Josh’s father, Johnny Barrett. Sveen described Ricky as "heartbroken" and apprehensive about Brax’s journey toward redemption. Despite Ricky urging him to keep quiet, Brax turned himself in and received a fifteen-year sentence for manslaughter. During their initial prison visit, Ricky confronted the reality of their separation and was overcome with emotion.

Following another visit, Ricky fainted and sought assistance from Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor), who suggested she could be expecting a child. A positive pregnancy test confirmed this, and Kyle helped her maintain confidentiality. Sveen explained Ricky’s internal struggle: although she had maternal instincts, she had never anticipated becoming a mother but understood that a child would strengthen her connection with Brax. Before she could inform Brax, he ended their relationship; Sveen described these scenes as emotionally challenging. Tragically, Ricky later experienced a miscarriage.

When they discovered Adam had been present at Johnny’s death, Ricky and Casey approached him in prison and convinced him to admit the truth, resulting in Brax’s release. Although optimistic about reconciling, Brax found Ricky involved with Nate; he made it clear he intended to win her back. When Ricky relocated to London for work, Brax followed and professed his love; she rejected him initially, but he persisted, even disrupting her professional duties. Sveen characterized this behavior as both romantic and detrimental to her career. After Brax was hospitalized due to a health issue, Ricky contemplated renewing their relationship. They eventually reunited after some hesitation and guidance from Hannah Wilson.

In 2015, Peacocke announced his departure from Home and Away. Brax’s exit storyline involved being wrongfully imprisoned for murder. During a prison transfer escape attempt that went awry—when their vehicle was forced into a river—Brax allowed everyone to believe he had died in order to protect Ricky and their infant son, confiding only in his friend Ash (George Mason). Sveen found Brax’s choice "frustrating," knowing Ricky would have wanted to accompany him. She described Ricky’s grief as deep: Brax was not only a lifelong partner but also her closest friend and father figure. Sveen anticipated it would be "disturbing" if Brax ever returned but believed Ricky would welcome his support in raising their child.

Nate Cooper

Nate stood by Ricky during her miscarriage and the traumatic hospital bombing. After she ended things with Brax, Ricky opted to pursue a relationship with Nate, drawn to his straightforward nature and support for her ambitions. Sveen remarked that Ricky anticipated criticism from the Braxton family but was determined not to let their opinions define her. Although her feelings for Brax had not completely faded, the physical separation made moving forward more manageable.

Sveen found the scripts detailing Ricky’s romance with Nate to be demanding, as they illustrated Ricky’s path toward autonomy beyond the Braxtons' influence. Nate introduced fresh possibilities for Ricky, rekindling her enthusiasm for photography. When Brax reappeared, Nate requested that he keep his distance, which Ricky perceived as patronizing and aggravating. Eventually, she told Nate to leave her alone, fearing she had lost him.

After Nate arranged a photography position for Ricky in London, she chose to inform Brax first. Upon her return, Ricky resolved not to be involved with either man. Later, Nate declared his love for her at Angelo's, but ultimately Ricky reconciled with Brax. Sveen reflected that the relationship with Nate had served as a valuable distraction from the pain of her miscarriage.

Motherhood

In April 2014, Sveen began portraying a pregnancy arc for Ricky, who was ecstatic to discover she was expecting Brax’s child. Before revealing the news, Ricky learned of Casey’s shooting and death, which delayed her sharing this information with Brax. She confided in Phoebe Nicholson, who encouraged her to embrace the pregnancy despite its difficulties.

To realistically depict pregnancy, Sveen wore a prosthetic belly representing five fetal development stages over approximately eight to nine months in real time. She conducted research at the Royal Hospital for Women and consulted a midwife to authentically capture Ricky’s experiences throughout gestation.

Sveen described this storyline as one of her most unforgettable and enjoyable roles. Filming birth scenes toward the end of 2014 showed Ricky going into labor alone at home and seeking assistance from neighbor John Palmer. Sveen emphasized Ricky’s fear and desire for control during labor without Brax present, highlighting her strong matriarchal qualities. Despite obstacles such as a flat tire on the way to the hospital, Kyle supported Ricky during childbirth. Sveen noted the profound emotional significance when Ricky held her newborn son, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

A week after giving birth, Ricky introduced their son to Brax while maintaining a positive front despite his impending return to prison. They named their child Casey in honor of Brax’s late uncle. Following this, Ricky’s cheerful facade faded as she struggled with loneliness and despair. After Brax passed away weeks later, Ricky faced emotional turmoil and found it challenging to calm Casey, who appeared sensitive to her distress. When Marilyn Chambers offered overnight care for Casey, Ricky took time alone to mourn. Sveen highlighted that although Ricky cared deeply for Casey, she was navigating a very dark period emotionally.

Marriage to Nate and Brax's reappearance

Ricky and Nate Cooper reconciled, with Sveen describing this period as "the happiest she's experienced in a long time." During the wedding reception of Zac MacGuire and Leah Patterson-Baker, Nate surprised Ricky with what Sveen termed "a fairy-tale proposal," which she accepted without hesitation. Soon after, Ash and Phoebe revealed to Ricky that Brax was actually alive, a revelation that left her stunned and furious because Brax had allowed her to believe he was dead for six months. This shattered her seemingly perfect life. Nate found it difficult to cope with the news, and although Ricky reassured him that it did not alter her feelings for him, he ended their engagement so she could come to terms with Brax’s unexpected return. Sveen highlighted that while Ricky still harbored feelings for Brax, learning he was alive reinforced her love for Nate.

In a key two-person episode, Ricky confronted Brax when he showed up unannounced. He disclosed his reasons for faking his death and abandoning her and Casey, but Ricky rejected his justification, feeling deeply betrayed that he did not trust her enough to share the truth. Despite Brax seeking forgiveness and attempting to kiss her, Ricky pulled away, affirming that Nate was the right partner for her. Brax then proposed they run away together; she declined, and after reconnecting with Casey, he departed. Sveen expressed enjoyment in filming this episode, especially working once again alongside Peacocke.

Exit

On 5 April 2016, it was announced that Sveen would be departing from Home and Away following her casting in the drama series The Secret Daughter. She conveyed appreciation toward the cast, crew, and audience, acknowledging that portraying Ricky had a significant influence on her professional journey. Ricky’s exit took place on 7 June 2016 after reuniting with Brax.

Storylines

Ricky arrives in Summer Bay during Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott’s engagement celebration and reconnects with her former crush Darryl Braxton, leading to a one-night encounter. They continue meeting sporadically, although Ricky often disappears, citing work commitments. Brax discovers police interest in Ricky, who reveals she is managing the estate of her deceased brother Adam. Ricky transfers $100,000 from Brax’s business account to Connie Callahan, grandmother of Heath’s daughter. When Kyle Braxton notices the missing funds, Ricky claims Brax is experiencing financial difficulties. After Brax confesses his love for her, Ricky rejects him and meets Adam, who is manipulating her as part of a vendetta against the Braxtons. She pays Kyle to collect a package containing a firearm and plants it in Casey Braxton's apartment. Adam frames Casey for armed robbery; when Ricky threatens to expose the scheme, Adam takes both her and Tamara Kingsley hostage.

Ricky manages to escape by overpowering their guard but is recaptured by Adam and taken to a warehouse. She persuades Adam to release Tamara. Brax rescues Ricky but suffers a gunshot wound inflicted by Adam. At the hospital, Ricky informs police about Adam’s plan and admits her involvement. She confesses love for Brax, who later proposes they live together. During Ricky’s trial, Brax refuses to testify; nevertheless, she receives a two-year suspended sentence after Tamara supports her testimony. When Brax invites Josh Barrett to stay with them, Ricky initially suspects Brax might be Josh’s father. Brax admits responsibility for Johnny’s death and is arrested, receiving a fifteen-year prison sentence; Ricky agrees to support Josh. Subsequently, she clashes with Kyle over his interference with her friend Nate Cooper.

After fainting following a visit to Brax in prison, Ricky confirms she is pregnant. Her family learns of the pregnancy; however, before she can inform Brax, he ends their relationship. After experiencing bleeding but being cleared at the hospital, she is caught in an explosion caused by a bomb; she miscarries as a result. Ricky grows closer to Nate and begins dating him following Heath’s advice not to wait for Brax. Adam contacts Ricky revealing he was responsible for Johnny's death, leading to Brax's release just as Ricky accepts a photography job in London. She invites Bianca along; Heath, Casey, and Brax follow them there. Brax pleads for another chance but is rejected; Bianca and Heath then inform Ricky that Brax has been struck by a car.

Back in Summer Bay, Ricky ends things with Nate despite his declaration of love and rekindles her relationship with Brax after sharing news of her miscarriage. She expresses desire to have a child with him; initially hesitant due to fears of repeating his father’s mistakes, Brax eventually changes his mind. On the day Casey is killed by Jake Pirovic, Ricky discovers she is pregnant again and urges Brax to cease his revenge efforts. Ash arrives as a friend from prison causing friction between Ricky and Brax when he misses an ultrasound appointment due to assisting Ash. They learn they are expecting a boy. Ricky helps organize Phoebe Nicholson’s record launch trip; however their coach crashes injuring several people.

Brax is arrested for the murder of Dean Sanderson; Ricky blames Ash and assists in distracting Katarina Chapman while Brax and Ash briefly flee town. Initially agreeing to an eight-year deal but pleading not guilty later on, Brax transfers ownership of Angelo's gym to Ricky and Kyle before receiving a twenty-year sentence. Experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions as Nate fakes an emergency so she can warn Brax about prisoner Trevor "Gunno" Gunson targeting him. Phoebe and Denny Miller arrange a baby shower for Ricky; emotional during the event she later goes into labor at home giving birth with Kyle, Ash, and Denny present. She names her son Casey after taking him to visit Brax.

Ricky struggles when Casey won’t stop crying; Nate suggests the baby senses her anxiety. Kyle informs her about Brax's jailbreak plan; however Kat reveals that after a transfer vehicle crashed into a river, Brax is presumed dead. Accepting his passing, Ricky holds a memorial service and leaves Casey with Marilyn Chambers while grieving away from home. Upon returning she hosts Casey’s naming ceremony and grows close again to Nate—prompting Kat’s suspicion. After admitting mutual feelings and becoming intimate, Kat reacts angrily but later reconciles with Nate despite his feelings for Ricky. Eventually Nate ends things with Kat to pursue a relationship with Ricky.

Discovering Nate is estranged from his father Gavin Cooper prompts Ricky to contact Gavin who visits Summer Bay. She encourages Nate to rebuild ties with Gavin but becomes uneasy when Gavin makes inappropriate advances while intoxicated; Nate expels him from town. When Gavin suffers injuries from a car crash requiring hospitalization, Ricky convinces Nate to visit him. Following a pregnancy scare they agree on trying for a child later; she also finds an engagement ring in Nate’s pocket which she accepts shortly afterward. Soon after discovering that Brax is alive leads Nate to end their engagement.

Casey falls ill with viral meningitis bringing Nate and Ricky closer once more; they set their wedding date despite Ricky’s reservations fueled by messages from Brax wishing her well as she prepares for marriage.

Reception

Sveen received a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2014 Inside Soap Awards due to her role as Ricky, and she also secured the Most Popular New Talent award at the 2014 Logie Awards. In the subsequent year, she was again nominated for Most Popular Actress at the Logies and earned another Best Daytime Star nomination at the 2015 Inside Soap Awards. The pairing of Ricky and Brax was honored with the TV Week and Soap Extra #OMGAward for Favourite Couple. Sveen continued to gain recognition with a further Most Popular Actress nomination at the Logies in 2016.

A writer from TV Week described Ricky as "a formidable presence since her arrival in Summer Bay." Tony Stewart of the Daily Record highlighted her participation in major plotlines, while another columnist from TV Week emphasized the strong chemistry between Ricky and Brax. Shannon Molloy from news.com.au acknowledged Ricky as one of the series’ most beloved characters, noting that she and Brax were "solid fan favourites." The Inside Soap Yearbook referred to her as "the luckiest girl in Australia" for her relationship with doctor Nate, and in 2016, Inside Soap lauded her as "Mum, businesswoman, and romancer of Hunky Doctor Nate."

In 2018, TV Week included Ricky in their list of the "Top 20 Home And Away characters of all time," highlighting her sincerity, compassion, and role as part of an iconic super-couple alongside Brax. Their turbulent journey—from imprisonment to miscarriage, marriage, and parenthood—secured their status as Summer Bay’s royalty.

In November 2021, three critics from The West Australian ranked Ricky at number 39 in their "Top 50 heroes we love and villains we hate" feature. They commended her as the beloved sweetheart of the Bay whose dramatic romance with Brax engaged viewers despite obstacles such as his time in jail, a miscarriage, her short-lived marriage to Cooper (Kyle Pryor), and raising their child together.

External links

• Ricky Sharpe on the Official Home and Away AU website