Ryan Baker (Home and Away)
Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their first appearances in 2005, introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's eighteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. The initial character introduced that year was Eve Jacobsen, portrayed by Emily Perry. In March, Isaac Gorman joined the cast as Ryan Baker, alongside Sharni Vinson's debut as Cassie Turner. April saw Doug Scroope take on the role of Graham Walters. By June, Holly Brisley appeared as Amanda Vale, Ryan's mother. August brought Todd Lasance into the series as Aden Jefferies, together with the introduction of the Holden family: widower Tony Holden (played by Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield). November featured James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.
Eve Jacobsen
Eve Jacobsen—also known under the alias Zoe McCallister—was introduced to audiences on 21 January 2005, with Emily Perry in the role. Perry’s casting was announced in TV Week towards the end of 2004; she had previously appeared in minor background roles. She described landing this part as her "biggest break yet" and expressed enthusiasm about portraying Eve.
Eve works as a nurse within a psychiatric hospital and becomes entangled with patient Sarah Lewis (played by Luisa Hastings-Edge). After Sarah’s boyfriend dies from a crystal meth overdose connected to her, Eve assists Sarah in escaping to seek revenge. Following Sarah’s tragic murder-suicide, Eve launches a personal vendetta against Summer Bay. She kills nurse Zoe McCallister and assumes her identity, sets fire to Noah Lawson’s home resulting in Benny Barron’s death, sabotages a seaplane, and implicates Marc Edwards for these crimes.
After confronting Sally Fletcher, Eve attempts several murders but fails to succeed. When a bomb threat at a party is prevented, she retaliates by killing Marc with a crowbar and continues to menace the town through intimidation at events such as the "Miss Groper" beauty contest. Detective Peter Baker grows suspicious that Eve may actually be Sarah returned from the dead. Eve kidnaps Sally but is stopped when police intervene before an explosion occurs.
Though believed dead after the blast, Eve survives by faking her demise using another body. She then moves into Peter’s apartment building under the pseudonym "Maxine Trood"—an anagram for "I Am Next Door"—and orchestrates bomb threats to unsettle residents. She disrupts Jack Holden and Martha MacKenzie’s engagement party with threatening video messages. A tense standoff at an abandoned slaughterhouse results in Eve taking Jack hostage; while Peter negotiates her surrender, she escapes briefly before being captured.
During Jack and Martha’s wedding ceremony, Eve takes Tracey Thompson hostage; however, Tracey is revealed to be her accomplice. A gas explosion subsequently kills both women instantly.
The storyline involving Eve as the Summer Bay Stalker earned nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards and again in 2007 for spoiling Jack and Martha's wedding day. In 2012, Eve was also included in Digital Spy's Serial Killer Poll.
Michael Idato from the Sydney Morning Herald commended Eve’s reign of terror as "the storyline of the moment," noting that her identity as the stalker was cleverly hinted at by her absence from opening credits. An Inside Soap journalist described her plan to bomb the murder mystery party as "bonkers – but nonetheless brilliant."
Ryan Baker
Ryan Baker, played by Isaac Gorman, made his debut on 16 March 2005 and exited the series in 2007, with occasional guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Prior to this, Gorman appeared in the show as Riley Edwards in 2002.
Ryan arrives just before his father Dan is set to marry Leah Patterson, initially hiding his animosity towards Leah. He exhibits disrespectful behavior, including spilling a drink on her and damaging her wedding dress. His hostility escalates to the point of burning the wedding invitations, sparking conflict with Dan and Leah. After fleeing, Ryan returns to apologize and replaces the invitations before going back to his mother Amanda in America.
Later, Dan brings Ryan to live with him and Leah, citing Amanda’s negative influence; however, Amanda eventually retrieves Ryan and takes him back to Los Angeles. Months afterward, they come back to Summer Bay, moving into a mansion alongside Amanda’s previously unknown daughter and Ryan’s half-sister, Belle Taylor. Ryan divides his time between both households amid ongoing family tensions and relocations. Following Dan’s fatal abseiling accident, Ryan and Amanda return for the memorial service. Ryan voices uncertainty about his role within Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance.
Ryan and Amanda attend Belle’s wedding to Aden Jefferies as well as her funeral after her cancer diagnosis before departing for the city once more.
For his portrayal of Ryan, Gorman was nominated for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards.
Cassie Turner
Cassie Turner, portrayed by Sharni Vinson, first appeared on 18 March 2005 and left the series on 2 April 2008. Vinson had previously made guest appearances in 2001 and 2003 portraying different roles. She auditioned for the part of Martha MacKenzie in 2004 but was ultimately cast as Cassie Turner. In July 2007, reports surfaced that Vinson intended to leave the show to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles. By November that year, it was confirmed she had quit to relocate to Los Angeles with her boyfriend, although the show did not comment publicly since Cassie remained on screen into 2008.
Cassie was depicted as "headstrong and fiercely independent," possessing a knack for "winning friends and influencing people." Vinson received a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards for this role. The media often described Cassie as a "sexy soap siren," and Vinson’s departure was regarded as a disappointment particularly among the show's male viewers.
Graham Walters
Graham Walters, portrayed by Doug Scroope, made his first appearance on 22 April 2005 and exited following the character’s death on 3 March 2006.
Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter’s eighteenth birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth Hunter due to emotional distance caused by his Vietnam War experiences. He sells his farm intending to reconnect with family members. Graham becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, a younger woman who had previously dated his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite disapproval from relatives, Graham marries Amanda.
Amanda takes advantage of Graham by avoiding intimacy and frequently leaving her son Ryan Baker in his care. Graham uncovers Amanda's affair with Josh West and enlists Morag Bellingham’s assistance to expose Josh’s illegal Project 56. During a confrontation related to this, Graham suffers a heart attack; although Amanda calls emergency services, she abandons him afterward. Declared brain dead, a dispute arises over continuing life support; Robbie ultimately decides to turn off the machine, ending Graham's life.
Amanda inherits Graham’s estate and holds a wake that is largely ignored in favor of the Hunter family's gathering. She later returns Graham’s war medals to Beth. After Robbie admits responsibility for ending life support, he is found guilty but avoids imprisonment.
Diesel Williams
Diesel Williams, brought to life by Marcus Jacometti, featured on Home and Away from 9 May until 17 June 2005. This marked Jacometti's debut role following his completion of Year 12, with a commitment spanning 20 episodes. To take on the part, he traveled regularly from Kingston, Tasmania, to Sydney. Jacometti described his early days on set as a blend of excitement and anxiety, highlighting the difficulties of sudden public attention and adjusting to a new environment. He depicted Diesel as someone who "falls for the wrong people, stirs up trouble, and then leaves," noting some personal parallels with the character.
Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High and quickly becomes a target for bullying due to his distinctive appearance and a rose tattoo that fuels speculation about his sexuality. To counter these rumors, he dates Matilda Hunter but confides in Cassie Turner that he has no romantic interest in her. The harassment intensifies, escalating into physical violence.
Following conflicts with his foster carers and a period of homelessness, Diesel is offered accommodation by Sally Fletcher and her husband Flynn Saunders, although Flynn initially expresses hesitation. Friction develops between Diesel and Flynn, prompting Diesel to relocate to a hostel arranged by Flynn.
Diesel concocts a false narrative about having an affair with Sally and later makes an unwelcome advance during a tutoring session, which she rejects. He then accuses Sally of sexual harassment without cause, leading to her suspension. Despite attempts by Ric Dalby and Cassie to mediate, Diesel insists Sally must confess her love for him in exchange for withdrawing the accusations.
The situation worsens when Diesel steals Sally's locket and fabricates emails supposedly sent by her. An investigator from the Education Department interviews Diesel and uncovers falsified evidence implicating Sally. When Barry Hyde confronts him, Diesel threatens Sally’s infant daughter Pippa to coerce a declaration of affection. Flynn intervenes as Diesel tries to escape with Pippa, resulting in Diesel’s arrest.
Diesel admits to making up the allegations and framing Sally. During a visit while in custody, he reveals his emotional turmoil linked to the loss of his mother. Although Sally recognizes his pain, she condemns his unhealthy obsession. Diesel apologizes before being transferred to psychiatric care.
Amanda Vale
Amanda Vale, portrayed by Holly Brisley, made her debut on 30 June 2005 and departed in 2007, with brief guest appearances in 2008 and 2009. Brisley returned to the role in October 2007, describing Amanda as someone who "comes and goes." In June 2009, she reappeared for a storyline that discreetly incorporated Brisley’s real-life pregnancy. Amanda is depicted as the quintessential "attention-seeker," known for manipulating others to fulfill her ambitions. For this portrayal, Brisley received a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.
Aden Jefferies
Aden Jefferies, played by Todd Lasance, first appeared on 4 August 2005 as a recurring figure connected to Cassie Turner’s story arcs. Initially auditioning for a different role, Lasance was subsequently cast as Aden and advanced to regular status in 2007. Despite rumors in 2009 suggesting he would leave to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles, he remained until completing his final scenes on 15 January 2010. Lasance described Aden as "a complete bad-arse" and resisted transforming him into a stereotypical "good guy." His performance earned him a nomination for "Best Bad Boy" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and secured him the "Most Popular Actor" award at the 2009 Logie Awards, along with another nomination in 2010.
Jack Holden
Jack Holden, brought to life by Paul O'Brien, made his first appearance on 5 August 2005 and departed on 28 November 2008. O'Brien earned several award nods, securing the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O'Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon received a nomination for "Best Storyline" centered around Jack and Martha's wedding. In 2008, he gained further recognition with nominations for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and alongside Gordon for "Best Couple." Moreover, at the inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards, O'Brien and Gordon were contenders for "Best On-Screen Partnership."
Tony Holden
Tony Holden, portrayed by Jon Sivewright, featured on the show from 5 August 2005 until 11 August 2010. By the year 2010, Sivewright ranked as the joint second longest-serving male actor on the series. Following the departure of co-star Amy Mathews in February 2010, producers chose to write Tony out of the storyline. His character arcs primarily dealt with themes of grief and dedication to family life. The official show website characterizes Tony as kind-hearted and understanding, consistently maintaining optimism in the face of adversity. Noteworthy moments include his decision to reverse a vasectomy in order to conceive children with Rachel Armstrong, portrayed by Mathews.
Lucas Holden
Lucas Holden, enacted by Rhys Wakefield, debuted on 5 August 2005 and exited on 14 February 2008. Wakefield was nominated for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this portrayal. A media reviewer described Lucas as a "stroppy lad" exhibiting typical adolescent turmoil. In 2007, both Home and Away and the Seven Network were subject to investigation by the ACMA after broadcasting scenes considered too explicit for G-rated content, including one where Lucas and Belle decide to engage in sexual activity, resulting in a breach of classification standards.
Michael Abraham
Michael "Jonah" Abraham, played by James Mitchell, first appeared on-screen on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast following his graduation from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 2004 and commended the professionalism observed during filming.
Michael is the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." This cult coerces Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) into joining, with Mumma Rose planning for Jonah to impregnate her. Initially compliant, Jonah later resists and attempts to flee with Tasha but is ultimately apprehended along with his mother.
Upon release from parole, Jonah reemerges under the name Michael Abraham, disclosing that he was adopted by Mumma Rose and subjected to lifelong indoctrination. His infertility clears him of any wrongdoing concerning Tasha. Despite facing animosity from community members such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger), Michael gradually rebuilds his life by taking up work as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood).
Michael’s relationship with Martha develops amid local opposition and personal obstacles, including jealousy over her former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)). Although Martha intends to leave town with Michael, he ultimately departs alone after realizing he cannot compete with Jack’s presence.
Mumma Rose
Mumma Rose, whose real name is Florence White, is portrayed by Linden Wilkinson and first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had earlier featured in the series as Katherine Walker in 1996.
As the head of a cult known as The Believers, Mumma Rose enlists her son, Jonah Abraham (played by James Mitchell), to persuade Tasha Andrews to join their group. Despite doubts expressed by Tasha's friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Tasha remains committed to the cult. Mumma Rose attempts to hinder rescue efforts by pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha’s phone. Although Robbie is eventually found, he lacks evidence to prove he was attacked.
When Rebecca Tate alerts Robbie about Mumma Rose’s intention for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah’s child, Rebecca is abducted. Mumma Rose denies police access to investigate the commune. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to be interested in joining The Believers in an effort to save Tasha but is unsuccessful after being spotted near Rebecca’s location.
Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha, facilitating impregnation without their recollection. After Jonah aids Tasha’s escape, they are captured again and subjected to a purification ritual involving fire. Tasha manages to turn the cult members against Mumma Rose, leading to her arrest; however, she escapes in a concealed vehicle.
Several months later, Mumma Rose reappears, abducting Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) and holding both Tasha and Martha captive while attempting to force Tasha into labor. Rachel tries to sedate Mumma Rose but inadvertently injects Tasha instead. A tip-off results in Mumma Rose’s subsequent arrest.
With help from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose escapes once more, kidnaps Tasha’s infant daughter Ella Hunter, and plans a fiery cleansing ceremony. Charity contacts authorities, which triggers a hostage crisis involving Tasha, Robbie, Martha, and Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). During the confrontation, Mumma Rose falls from a window but is rescued and taken into custody. She is later committed to a secure psychiatric institution.
A writer from the Daily Record described Mumma Rose as "sinister."
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January–31 March | Greg Hill | Alex Sideratos | Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital providing treatment for major characters such as Leah Patterson and Sally Fletcher during critical medical situations. |
| 13–28 January | Gus Phillips | Peter Lamb | Kane Phillips’ estranged father with a history of abuse and debt; his criminal behavior leads to Kane’s wrongful arrest. |
| 14 January–1 April | Marc Edwards | Christopher Hobbs | Arrives following bushfire events; blackmails Josie Russell over her past; storyline ends with his murder and framing for a bombing. |
| 18 January–1 March | Anna McMann | Andrea Moor | Hospital administrator responsible for overseeing Flynn Saunders’ surgical privileges and influencing medical staff operations. |
| 26 January–23 February | Greg Harvey | Steve Vella | Criminal associate of Gus Phillips involved in intimidation and legal proceedings affecting Kane Phillips. |
| 26 January–12 September 2008 | Lara Fitzgerald | Rebecca George | Constable stationed at Yabbie Creek Police; undertakes ongoing assignments and mentors Charlie Buckton during maternity leave. |
| 4–7 February | Benny "Red" Barron | Colin Borgonon | Pilot of a charter flight that crashes, resulting in his death. |
| 17–25 February | Arthur Gordon | Alan McGuiness | Journalist who exploits Colleen Smart for information regarding the Summer Bay Stalker; ultimately rejected. |
| 3–25 March | Lisa Stanniford | Zoe Tuckwell-Smith | Engaged in a complicated relationship with Scott Hunter while concealing her marital status; eventually leaves town alone. |
| 7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020 |
Celebrant Claire | Mary Regan | Local celebrant officiating numerous significant weddings and funerals including those of Dan Baker and Leah Patterson. |
| 12 March–9 April 2008 | Darren McGrath | Kim Knuckey | Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station involved in community law enforcement activities. |
| 17 March | Alan Stanniford | Don Atkinson | Visits Summer Bay intending to see his wife Lisa, unaware of her affair with Scott Hunter. |
| 18 March–26 April | Joy Foxton | Elaine Lee | Grandmother of Cassie Turner who arrives to revive a beauty pageant but suffers a fatal stroke. |
| 28 March–16 September | Alison Free | Larisa Chen | Physician at Northern Districts Hospital involved in critical medical treatments and uncovering paternity test results before her untimely death. |
| 6–12 April | Samantha Morton | Felicity King | Brief romantic interest of Robbie Hunter used to provoke jealousy. |
| 11 April–3 August | Clare Brody | Katrina Campbell | Senior Detective managing the Summer Bay Stalker investigation; has a complex relationship with Peter Baker. |
| 11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006 | Dale Browning | Barry Shepherd | Manager of local storage facility connected to discovery of bomb materials during stalker investigation. |
| 15–26 April | Ben Foxton | Craig Elliot | Appears following his mother’s stroke; revealed as an abuser leading to legal consequences. |
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pauline Bennett | Beth Armstrong | Aunt of Cassie Turner; part of family drama involving abuse allegations against Ben Foxton. | |||
| Carla Bennett | Ashleigh Johnson | Family member involved in Bennett family storylines. | |||
| Liam Bennett | Uncredited | Family member appearing in related story arcs. | |||
| Zoe McCallister | Uncredited | Nurse murdered by Eve Jacobsen who assumes her identity to conceal the crime. | |||
| Jason Pappa | Joshua Biagi | Student engaged in bullying incidents impacting key characters at Summer Bay High. | |||
| Jim Wallace | Harold Hopkins | Retired police officer linked with past cover-ups involving Josie Russell; dies under unexplained circumstances. | |||
| Callan Sherman | Kain O'Keeffe | Friend turned adversary of Ric Dalby; involved in drug-related conflicts and assault accusations. | |||
| Carl Summons | John O'Hare | School inspector investigating allegations against Sally Fletcher leading to significant legal actions. | |||
| Mystery Man | Lleyton Hewitt | Brief role attempting to attract Hayley Lawson's attention. | |||
| Terry Rawlings | Laurence Coy | Suspected kidnapper of Matilda Hunter; arrested after investigation reveals troubled background. | |||
| Noelene Baker | Kris McQuade | Mother of Peter and Dan Baker involved in wedding preparations and family reconciliation events. | |||
| Troy Peters | Christian Willis | Ex-boyfriend stalking Chloe Richards; initially suspected in her death but later cleared. | |||
| Kevin Baker | Andy Anderson | Father of Peter and Dan Baker who reconciles with family during wedding festivities. | |||
| Judith Lane | Jane Fullerton Smith | Mediator involved in custody dispute concerning Olivia Richards. | |||
| Michael Maleto | Antony Grey | Lawyer assisting with custody battle over Olivia Richards. | |||
| Kevin Green | Scott Hall-Watson | Physician at Northern Districts Hospital attending major patients including Flynn Saunders during health crises. | |||
| Tom Anderson | Don Halbert | Former lover of Kerry Hyde; visited by Kim Hyde during search for his mother. | |||
| Harry Chambers | Rodney Dobsen | Accuses Jack Holden of causing his daughter’s death prompting community tensions resolved by Jack’s explanation. | |||
| Leo Simms | Johann Walravan | Burglar involved in poisoning attempts and blackmail; dies accidentally during confrontation with Amanda Vale. | |||
| Lorraine Robertson | Gael Ballantyne | Sister of Barry Hyde engaged in family deception relating to Kerry Hyde’s death revelations. | |||
| Brian Robertson | Paul Coolahan | Husband of Lorraine Robertson unaware of family secrets involving Hydes. | |||
| Corey Henderson | Adam Saunders | Probationary constable involved in various investigations; revealed as poisoner targeting Irene Roberts and jurors; arrested after exposure. | |||
| Sean Jefferies | Gabriel Egan | Older brother of Aden Jefferies responsible for violent assault on Ric Dalby leading to hostage situation and imprisonment. | |||
| Greg Matthews | Josef Ber | Colleague of Flynn Saunders diagnosing terminal melanoma and attending funeral services. | |||
| Len Green | Gary Baxter | Local mayor framed by Josh West through scandal involving Amanda Vale affecting mayoral elections. | |||
| Pat McGrath | Uncredited | Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially at Noah's bar with other characters. | |||
| Kylie Kopperton | Leah Etkind | Employee at nudist camp introducing Kim Hyde to drug use resulting in overdose incidents affecting key characters. | |||
| Bert Biddle | Zachary Garred | Intern at Northern Districts Hospital unwittingly involved in Amanda Vale's schemes related to paternity testing deception. | |||
| Noah Hunter | Multiple actors | Newborn son central to paternity dispute between Scott Hunter and Kim Hyde resolved through medical testing leading to family reconciliation. | |||
| Dudley Shepherd | Terry Serio | Bookmaker involved with Dan Baker's gambling debts leading to kidnapping and hostage situations resolved by police intervention. | |||
| David Knotts | Alan Dukes | Gun dealer facilitating illegal firearm purchase by Martha MacKenzie resulting in accidental shooting witnessed by law enforcement officers. | |||
| Jimmy Knox | Paul Caesar | Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over unpaid gambling debts escalating threats against his family. | |||
| Derek Young | Charlie Hopkins | Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ retirement due to terminal illness. | |||
| Charity Fernbrook | Charlotte Gregg | Member of The Believers cult involved in hostage situations, obstructing rescues, kidnapping related to cult beliefs; ultimately arrested following intervention by local residents. |