Rocco Cooper

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section highlights characters who made their debut in 2006, all introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's nineteenth season was broadcast from 16 January until 1 December 2006. Significant new additions included Amy Mathews as Rachel Armstrong in January, Jessica Tovey portraying Belle Taylor from February, and Sam North as Dom Moran in April. Actors Rodger Corser and Trent Baines joined the cast as Doctor Hugh Sullivan and Macca MacKenzie, respectively. In July, Bobby Morley appeared as Drew Curtis, alongside Chris Sadrinna playing Rachel’s brother, Brad Armstrong. October saw the arrival of Jessica Chapnik as Sam Tolhurst, her son Rory Tolhurst, and the Cooper siblings, Rocco and Johnny, portrayed by Ian Meadows and Callan Mulvey.

Rachel Armstrong

Rachel Armstrong, played by Amy Mathews, made her first appearance on 16 January 2006. Mathews departed from the series in 2010 to explore other career opportunities, with her character’s husband Tony Holden also written out simultaneously. According to the official show website, Rachel is characterized by keen intuition, self-reliance, and a strong personality. Mathews describes her role as an outgoing and intelligent woman who upholds firm principles but possesses a romantic nature beneath her independence. In recognition of her performance, Mathews won the Logie Award for "New Female Talent" in 2007 and earned nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Couple" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. One of Rachel’s standout story arcs involved being kidnapped by a cult that compelled her to give birth while captive.

Belle Taylor

Susan "Belle" Taylor, enacted by Jessica Tovey, first appeared on screen on 3 February 2006. Her major storylines encompassed uncovering her biological mother, struggling with drug addiction, developing a romantic relationship with Aden Jefferies, and coping with a cancer diagnosis. Tovey exited the series in 2009, resulting in Belle’s character being killed off; her last episode aired on 11 August 2009. This role marked Tovey’s television debut at age eighteen.

RTÉ portrayed Belle as a lively, outgoing young woman shaped by a strict and controlling upbringing that left her yearning for parental affection she never received. Her conservative family was taken aback by her rebellious tendencies.

Throughout her tenure, Tovey received multiple award nominations for portraying Belle, including "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards, "Most Popular Actress" in 2010, and "Sexiest Female" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. In 2009, she was nominated for both "Best Actress" and "Best Storyline" for the drug addiction narrative. The wedding between Belle and Aden was shortlisted in the Bride and Doom category at the 2010 All About Soap magazine awards. Additionally, Belle’s funeral episode earned a nomination for an Australian Writer's Guild Award in 2010. According to Virgin Media, Belle and Aden ranked among "Soaps' sexiest couples," while fans voted them as Home and Away's Hottest Couple in a poll conducted by Holy Soap.

Dom Moran

Dominic "Dom" Moran, brought to life by Sam North, first appeared on 20 April 2006 and exited the series on 14 February 2008.

Dom is employed by his uncle Ray (Damien Garvey) at Moran Motors. He engages in hazardous pranks targeting Ric Dalby (Mark Furze), causing him injuries on two occasions—once involving battery acid and another time with a defective jack that nearly crushes Ric. Dom also antagonizes Ric's girlfriend Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), sparking several confrontations. Ultimately, Ray dismisses Dom, considering him too risky to keep around.

When he returns the following year, Dom supplies Drew Curtis (Bobby Morley) with illicit car components for "The Beast" and becomes involved in drag racing alongside local troublemaker Denni Maitland (Joshua Helman). A drag race featuring Denni leads to the tragic death of Lisa Duffy, Lucas Holden’s former partner. To avoid being implicated in parts theft, Dom steals Drew’s car and sets it ablaze. He agrees to assist Drew in clearing his name only if Belle agrees to kiss him; she does so reluctantly. Eventually, Dom admits his wrongdoing and is incarcerated.

After his release, Dom kidnaps Belle. Drew and Ray intervene to save her, injuring Dom in the process, but he manages to flee. Later, Dom visits Belle’s room, leaving behind a ring before disappearing again. Several weeks later, he collapses at the diner; Belle rushes him to the hospital where Drew warns him to stay away. A tense confrontation leads to emergency surgery; during recovery, Belle tells Dom she loves him but later confesses to Drew that her words were meant to aid his healing. Following surgery, Dom begins rehabilitation with physiotherapist Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), who unknowingly encourages his pursuit of Belle. While working at the diner, Dom mocks Drew for repeating Year 12.

Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) and Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby) arrange for Dom to have an interview with Irene’s daughter Finlay (Tina Thomsen) as a means to distract him from Belle. However, Dom sabotages this chance and departs for the city, promising he will return for Belle.

Clayton Smales from The Townsville Bulletin criticized North’s portrayal as a "woeful turn," describing Dom as a "flannel-shirted, sparsely bearded Lothario."

Hugh Sullivan

Hugh Sullivan, played by Rodger Corser, made his first appearance on 5 April 2006 and last appeared on 12 June 2007. In October 2020, Corser was spotted with other Home and Away cast members in Coogee, fueling rumors about a potential comeback since his character was never killed off.

Hugh arrives in Summer Bay as both a friend and former romantic interest of Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews). After meeting Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), he asks her out; she initially declines but later agrees—only to ultimately reject him again due to lack of genuine feelings.

Months later, Hugh returns and develops affection for Rachel, who is now married to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). He supports Rachel during her marital struggles and even organizes a picnic with Kim present. When Rachel sets Hugh up with Nurse Julie Cooper (Lisa Hayson-Phillips), the date proves awkward. Hugh denies any residual feelings for Rachel but moves out after she admits uncertainty about her marriage.

On an evening out, Hugh meets Ingrid Lynch (Leigh Shorten) but confesses he is emotionally unavailable. Rachel confronts him about this, and he admits his feelings for her—feelings she attributes to their shared history. After Rachel separates from Kim following a dispute, she stays with Hugh, leading to their first kiss.

Hugh receives a job posting in Johannesburg and demands Rachel decide between staying or joining him. After her hesitation, he leaves for South Africa. Months later, Hugh emails Rachel—now engaged to Tony—but she declines an invitation to meet.

Inside Soap readers expressed preference for Hugh over Kim as Rachel’s partner, with 57% casting votes in his favor.

Macca MacKenzie

Michael "Macca" MacKenzie, played by Trent Baines, first appeared on 7 April 2006 and departed on 23 February 2007.

Macca's narrative focuses on his volatile relationship with Cassie Turner (played by Sharni Vinson) and his recurring pattern of domestic violence. Baines emphasized the societal importance of addressing such issues, encouraging those in abusive situations to seek assistance.

Introduced as the brother of Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), Macca arrives in Summer Bay and quickly forms a friendship with Cassie, supporting her boxing endeavors. Despite Martha’s worries about his history with women, Macca accepts a courier position and commits to maintaining a long-distance relationship with Cassie. However, the pressures of the job lead him into drug use, which is uncovered by Ric Dalby (Mark Furze). When Cassie confronts him about his substance abuse, she becomes the victim of his violence.

The abuse intensifies, prompting Cassie to attempt to leave Macca. After intervention from Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), Macca turns himself in to the authorities and seeks treatment. Although banned from attending Martha’s wedding, he demonstrates heroism during an explosion, suffering injuries from falling debris. He later discharges himself to join a search effort, rescuing Ric from a dangerous fall despite his wounds before eventually leaving.

Several months later, Macca returns, claiming he has completed counseling. He resumes an affair with Cassie even though she has reconciled with Ric, leading to a confrontation that results in Macca being evicted from the caravan park. After a brief stay with Amanda Vale (Holly Brisley), whose romantic advances he declines, Macca receives a desk job offer in the city and plans to move there with Cassie. However, local crises involving Sally and Ric cause Cassie to return home. When she refuses to leave, Macca assaults her once more and subsequently surrenders to law enforcement.

Drew Curtis

Drew Curtis, portrayed by Bobby Morley, made his debut on 7 July 2006 and exited on 21 March 2008. Prior to joining Home and Away, Morley appeared in Angels with Dirty Faces and was scouted by the show's casting team. Although older than the character he played, Morley was cast as Drew and relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for filming. He admitted feeling nervous adapting to the rapid pace of production. Morley left at the end of 2007 and later described his experience as feeling like a "meat puppet" due to frequent shirtless scenes.

The official series website characterized Drew as "brooding" with a significant "chip on his shoulder." Morley’s portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2007 Logie Awards. Critics described Drew as a "teenage tearaway" and a "bad-boy heart-throb," underscoring his appeal among younger viewers.

Brad Armstrong

Bradley "Brad" Armstrong, enacted by Chris Sadrinna, appeared from 11 July 2006 until 13 November 2007. Introduced as a source of support for Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) following her husband Flynn Saunders' passing, Brad’s storyline included personal loss and intricate relationships. His arrival in Summer Bay follows the death of his mother Elaine Armstrong, where he assists his sister Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) and oversees their mother’s funeral arrangements.

Brad marries his partner Emily Vincent (Libby Richmond) in an intimate beach ceremony; however, Emily soon succumbs to leukaemia, leaving Brad heartbroken. He develops a closer connection with Sally during her period of mourning. As principal of Summer Bay High, Brad faces numerous challenges including disputes with students such as Rocco Cooper and tensions involving Rocco’s brother Johnny Cooper. After Sally survives a stabbing incident, their relationship deepens, leading Brad to move in with her.

Complications arise when Naomi Preston (Tiffany Preece) accuses Brad of mismanaging her involvement with student Lucas Holden, resulting in Brad’s suspension from his principal role. Though Sally initially agrees to marry him, she ultimately jilts Brad at the altar, prompting him to move out. Later, a severe storm strands Brad and others at sea; they are eventually rescued unharmed.

Family secrets emerge when Brad and Rachel learn their father Robert Armstrong had an affair resulting in a half-sister named Tamsyn. With their mother Heather entering rehabilitation, Brad becomes Tamsyn’s primary caregiver but loses a job opportunity due to Tamsyn’s behavior. Supporting Sally through her own family difficulties, Brad eventually decides to relocate to Tasmania and invites Heather and Tamsyn to join him.

Chris Sadrinna received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards and was nominated alongside Ritchie for Best Couple. The episode depicting Sally jilting Brad won an Australian Writer's Guild award in 2008, while the storm-at-sea installment earned a Digital Spy Soap Awards nomination for Best Single Episode.

Rocco Cooper

Rocco Cooper, played by Ian Meadows, made his first appearance on 11 October 2006 and departed the series on 6 February 2007.

After transferring to Summer Bay High, Rocco faces skepticism from principal Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) due to his gang affiliations. However, Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) overrides Brad’s concerns, impressed by Rocco’s determination, and later provides him with accommodation.

Rocco's elder sibling, Johnny (Callan Mulvey), exerts pressure on him to remain entangled in gang-related activities, issuing threats. Although Rocco initially supports Johnny’s criminal endeavors, he ultimately betrays him by informing the authorities following a fabricated Credit Union heist. Under coercion from Johnny, Rocco assaults Sally with a knife; she survives the attack.

As Johnny's intimidation intensifies, a violent altercation ensues where Rocco suffers severe injuries and subsequently succumbs while in a coma. His funeral is attended solely by Sally, Brad, and a guarded Johnny. Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) is mistakenly convicted of Rocco’s murder but is later freed when Johnny’s culpability comes to light.

This narrative arc received a nomination for "Best Storyline" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Sam Holden

Sam Holden, portrayed by Jessica Chapnik, first appeared on 17 October 2006. Chapnik secured the role unexpectedly and exited in 2008 to further her career in the United States. She characterized Sam as a multifaceted individual "riddled with self-loathing" and "destined for failure," whose tragic downfall was both compelling and difficult to rationalize.

Eleven Magazine remarked that Sam generated considerable upheaval in Summer Bay, while Scott Ellis from the Sun-Herald labeled her a "murderous psycho," emphasizing the character’s intense influence on the storyline.

Johnny Cooper

Johnny Cooper, enacted by Callan Mulvey, appeared from 19 October until 25 March 2008. Mulvey earned nominations for "Best Bad Boy" at the Inside Soap Awards in both 2007 and 2008 due to this portrayal.

Rory Tolhurst

Rory Holden (originally Deeks, formerly Tolhurst) was featured between 20 October 2006 and 14 April 2008, initially portrayed by Ed Willis before Jack Rickard assumed the role.

Introduced as the son of Sam Holden's patient Jack Holden, Rory quickly forms a strong connection with Jack, who soon becomes romantically involved with Sam. The three live together until Sam is abducted, prompting Rory to intervene but being restrained by Jack's father, Tony. After Sam’s rescue, she and Rory leave Summer Bay but return following her injury.

Rory is kidnapped by his father Shane Deeks, an escaped prisoner, resulting in a police pursuit that ends with Shane's death; Rory emerges unharmed and comes to see Jack as a paternal figure.

Academically gifted, Rory skips ahead to Year 7 but becomes the target of bullying until Aden Jefferies defends him in exchange for Rory manipulating an election. When this deceit is revealed, Rory faces detention. During a school excursion, Rory and Annie Campbell become lost but are eventually found.

Excited by Jack and Sam’s engagement, Rory inadvertently reveals their plans. He earns top marks for an essay about Jack but causes trouble after stealing Jack's firearm and nearly shooting Dr. Lewis Rigg. His behavior deteriorates following Martha’s warning to Jack against marrying Sam; nevertheless, Rory gives his mother away at the wedding.

The family’s cohesion unravels when Johnny Cooper attacks Sam. She takes Rory to stay with her sister Britt before passing away weeks later; at her funeral, Rory blames Jack and distances himself.

Ed Willis received a Digital Spy Award nomination in 2008 for his work as Rory.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
24 January–28 February	Rebecca Tate	Janneke Arent	Ex-member of Mumma Rose's cult, The Believers. Robbie Hunter locates her to alert Tasha Andrews about the cult’s intentions. After being abducted, Rebecca assists Tasha and Jonah in escaping, contacts authorities, then vanishes.
15 February–22 March	Brian Helpman	John Noble	Senior physician at Northern Districts Hospital who harasses Rachel Armstrong and escalates to blackmail concerning her relationship with Kim Hyde. Rachel reports him to CEO Geoff Olivetti.
22 February–2 March	Judge Gilroy	Elizabeth Gentle	Oversees Alf Stewart’s fraud case and sentences him to nine months imprisonment after a guilty verdict.
2 March–13 April 2012	James Gibson	Richard Sydenham	Prosecutor handling significant cases including trials of Alf Stewart, Angelo Rosetta’s settlement, Casey Braxton’s arson charge, and Sasha Bezmel’s murder trial.
2 March–5 July 2009	Geoff Olivetti	Barry Quin	CEO of Northern Districts Hospital responsible for managing staff concerns such as Rachel Armstrong’s harassment complaint, nurse James Dalton’s drug issues, and malpractice allegations.
21–26 April	Robert Armstrong	John Gregg	Estranged father to Rachel and Brad Armstrong; appointed Regional Director of Emergency at Northern Districts Hospital. Attempts to exploit Rachel’s testimony about a previous car accident for personal benefit but is refused.
21 April–5 November 2007	Ray Moran	Damien Garvey	Owner of Moran Motors garage; deals with staff problems involving Ric Dalby and nephew Dom Moran; implicated in workforce cuts connected to illegal fighting operations.
25 April–20 June	Elaine Armstrong	Julie Hudspeth	Mother of Rachel and Brad Armstrong who suffers severe amnesia after a car crash caused by Robert Armstrong; later dies due to injuries from a gas explosion.
5 May–1 June	Doris McKinnon	Julie Herbert	Elderly woman whose health deteriorates following improper medication oversight by grandson Charlie McKinnon, leading to cardiac arrest and death.
5 May–6 June	Charlie McKinnon	Matt Levett	Initially antagonistic but becomes attached to Rachel Armstrong and Kim Hyde; displays obsessive tendencies culminating in kidnapping Rachel and subsequent psychiatric admission.
11 May–28 November	Lee Morton	Natasha Lee	Teenage mother impregnated by science teacher Steve Braeburn; gives birth to son Joe and temporarily leaves him with Rachel Armstrong; returns to reclaim Joe before leaving Summer Bay.
23 May–20 June	Tracey Thompson	Sarah Enright	Police detective aiding a stalking case; revealed as an accomplice of antagonist Eve Jacobsen; both perish in a gas explosion.
5 June–23 March 2007	Kitty Landsdowne	Geraldine Turner	Amanda Vale’s mother who deceives Belle Taylor regarding her birth; involved in family disputes over adoption secrets and financial extortion.
6 June–11 September	Evan Rice	Matthew Starling	Police constable at Yabbie Creek station; implicated in framing Drew Curtis through blackmail; faces charges of arson and bribery.
15 June	David Taylor	Mark Pegler	Belle Taylor’s adoptive father who extorts Kitty Landsdowne by threatening to expose family secrets; rejected by Belle.
23 June–17 July	Colin Page	Shane Withington	Helicopter pilot transporting key figures to the burns unit; survives crash leaving the group stranded until rescue arrives.
13–19 July	Steve Braeburn	Sam Lyndon	Science teacher who impregnates student Lee Morton; attempts coercion and kidnapping thwarted, resulting in his arrest.
3 August–1 May 2008	Betty Allsop	May Turner	Associate of Colleen Smart involved in community activities such as aerobics classes and social competitions.
3 August–5 September	Tara O'Neill	Cashelle Dunn	Gym member who falsely accuses Kim Hyde of sexual assault seeking attention from her police officer father, causing legal complications and social tension.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
3–28 August	Mel Harris	Sara Zwangobani	Counsellor at a troubled teens camp supporting Matilda Hunter's recovery from bulimia; assaulted by another camper.
3 August–27 September	Dean Silverman	Gary Brun	Troubled adolescent who forms a bond with Matilda Hunter; falsely accused of arson but later exonerated; comes out about his sexuality and reconciles with partner before leaving town.
3–10 August	Vanessa Covacs	Emma Terracini	Troubled camper exhibiting anger issues who assaults counsellor Mel Harris and attempts suicide; transferred for specialized treatment.
18–23 August	Hal Enpace	Leigh Scully	Influences Lucas Holden into rebellious behavior including vandalism that leads to financial penalties.
	LawrenceTemplate:Anchor Lawrence	Uncredited	Associate of Hal Enpace involved in acts of defiance.
21 August–15 September	Emily ArmstrongTemplate:Anchor Emily Armstrong	Libby Richmond	Brad Armstrong's fiancée diagnosed with leukaemia; they marry before she passes away peacefully.
21 August–5 September	Gordon O'NeillTemplate:Anchor Gordon O'Neill	Andrew Tighe	Local police superintendent embroiled in false assault claims against Kim Hyde made by his daughter Tara O'Neill; later apologizes for oversight.
21 August–10 October	Ella HunterTemplate:Anchor Ella Hunter	Zoe Littler, Indya Bottomsley, Paris Steen, Matina Commes, Toby Wormer, Jack Thompson	Newborn daughter of Tasha Hunter and Robbie Hunter targeted by cult leader Mumma Rose; kidnapped but ultimately safe before family relocates to Boston.
28 August–27 September	Gareth WestwoodTemplate:Anchor Gareth Westwood	Benjamin Ronczka	Introduced as Dean Silverman's brother at troubled teens retreat; revealed as his partner prior to their departure together.
4 September	Grace CarterTemplate:Anchor Grace Carter	Elaine Smith	Ex-wife of Gordon O'Neill and mother of Tara O'Neill; confirms Tara’s history of false allegations during court proceedings.
16 October	Dennis GillenTemplate:Anchor Dennis Gillen	Danny Adcock	Criminal adversary seeking vengeance on detective Peter Baker over his wife’s death in prison; presumed dead after gunshot incident while Peter survives.
17 October–7 February 2007	Ash NaderTemplate:Anchor Ash Nader	Ben Geurens	Police officer who starts a relationship with Martha MacKenzie while concealing his marriage and children; relationship ends once truth is revealed.
30 October–28 November, 19 September–3 October 2008	Joe MortonTemplate:Anchor Joe Morton	Declan Ransley, Justin Martin, Olivia Barclay, Sayer Long, Rafferty Grierson, Cooper Brittian, Henry Lucas, Marley Cooke	Son of Lee Morton left under Rachel Armstrong's care; suffers bone cancer and dies amid complex custody disputes involving Lee and Dane Smith.
	31 October 2008 – 24 October 2008	Dane SmithTemplate:Anchor Dane Smith	Cody Kaye	Lee Morton’s boyfriend pressuring her about their child Joe’s care; involved in custody conflicts before Joe's demise from bone cancer.
27 November –	ReverendTemplate:Anchor Reverend	Peter Flett	Local clergyman officiating numerous significant weddings and funerals including Kim Hyde & Rachel Armstrong's marriage and Charlotte King's funeral over several years.
1 December – 7 February 2007	Rianna NaderTemplate:Anchor Rianna Nader	Lotte St. Claire	Ash Nader’s wife arriving with children Declan and Jess unaware of Ash's affair with Martha MacKenzie.
	Declan NaderTemplate:Anchor Declan Nader	Jack Concoran
	Jessica NaderTemplate:Anchor Jessica Nader	Amy Baran

External links

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