Stephen Ross (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television, Entertainment
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Alan Bateman
Area served	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera. Below is a compilation of characters who made their first appearances in 2003, listed chronologically, all introduced under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's sixteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. That year marked the arrival of the Hunter family: Scott (played by Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), and his younger siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), who were introduced between January and November. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, while in November, Maggie Kirkpatrick returned portraying Viv "The Guv" Standish.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, brought to life by Kip Gamblin, made his debut on 23 January 2003 and exited the series on 25 November 2005. For his portrayal, Gamblin received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Awards. Linda Barnier from the Newcastle Herald described Scott as a "beefcake" and highlighted his entrance atop his horse Jacko as an iconic "Man from Snowy River" style moment.

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, previously Sutherland), portrayed by Clarissa House, first appeared on 17 April 2003 and departed on 30 January 2007. According to the official website, Beth is characterized as "open-minded" with strong principles and integrity, gradually revealing a "delicious sense of humour" as her story unfolds. Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald reviewed an episode centered on Beth’s wedding, suggesting it mainly appealed to dedicated fans due to its lackluster plot, inconsistent dialogue, and uneven acting.

Kit Hunter

Kit Hunter, played by Amy Mizzi, was introduced on 25 April 2003 and remained a regular until February 2004, with occasional returns until 3 July 2007. Although Isabel Lucas auditioned for this role, Mizzi was ultimately cast. Mizzi earned a nomination for "Best New Female Talent" at the 2004 Logie Awards.

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, portrayed by Isabel Lucas, first appeared on 31 July 2003 and exited the show on 10 October 2006. Discovered by talent scout Sharron Meissner, Lucas initially tried out for Kit Hunter’s character; however, Series Producer Julie McGuaran created the role of Tasha specifically for her. This opportunity required Lucas to move from Melbourne to Sydney, where filming takes place. At the 2004 Logie Awards, Lucas won Most Popular New Female Talent. Brian Courtis of the Sunday Age referred to Tasha as a "Blonde Princess" prior to her wedding storyline. The character’s involvement with a cult-like group called the Believers prompted commentary from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who criticized media portrayals of religion as exaggerated and misleading.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, enacted by Maggie Kirkpatrick, first appeared on 11 November 2003 and left on 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick, renowned for her role as Joan "The Freak" Ferguson in Prisoner: Cell Block H, was introduced as part of Dani Sutherland's (Tammin Sursok) storyline involving incarceration for the attempted murder of Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell). Filming took place at the historic Maitland Gaol.

Kirkpatrick described Viv as a former children’s court magistrate who was wrongfully imprisoned after exposing a pedophile ring involving judges, lawyers, and politicians. Viv is portrayed as intelligent and resilient. Kirkpatrick expressed interest in reprising this role in the future.

Initially intimidating Dani, Viv grows fond of her over time, affectionately calling her "princess," believing Dani does not belong in prison. When Dani becomes involved in an escape plan, Viv pressures those truly responsible, ultimately aiding Dani’s release. Later, Viv orchestrates an assault on Felix Walters (Josh Lawson), which leads to an extended sentence.

Months later, Viv's deteriorating heart condition is revealed during a visit from Dani’s father, Rhys (Michael Beckley). She entrusts Dani with her autobiography manuscript; however, it is destroyed in a fire caused by Ric Dalby (Mark Furze) and Wazza Stevens (Israel Cannan). After reconstructing her notes, Dani campaigns for Viv’s compassionate early release with assistance from Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), who recognizes Viv from her past relationship with her brother, Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher).

An emotional reunion occurs between Alf and Viv; she discloses that she was pregnant with Alf’s child but gave the baby up for adoption to Marion and Marianne Dalby in Yabbie Creek. Alf forgives her before she peacefully passes away in his arms. Their son, Owen Dalby, later died from a heart attack during an altercation with his son Ric.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, played by Jason Smith, first appeared on 25 November 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Chris Hemsworth originally auditioned for the part of Robbie but was ultimately cast as Kim Hyde. Smith regarded the role as an exciting chance and appreciated becoming part of a well-established series. He earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards of 2005.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Notes
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	Oversees the Drop-in centre during Flynn Saunders' absence; inadvertently causes a child abuse probe due to misunderstandings before leaving following a critical event.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	Editor of Northern District University's campus paper; briefly involved romantically with Noah Lawson, creating tension with Hayley Smith.
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts brain surgery on Alf Stewart after his sudden collapse.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	TAFE student who pursues a romantic interest in Irene Roberts, which does not develop further.
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Coastal news reporter engaged in major plots including the firing of Angie Russell and heritage protection of the Caravan Park.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	Official from the education department involved in principal appointments at Summer Bay High.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	Former acquaintance of central characters; embroiled in legal issues involving Nick Smith manipulated by Angie Russell.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Ex-wife of Scott Hunter, whose arrival complicates Scott's current relationship.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	Estranged daughter of Colleen Smart, reconnects and briefly dates Alf Stewart.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating the murder of Angie Russell, resulting in her son's arrest.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Mother of deceased Angie Russell, offers emotional support to the family.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	Drug user receiving care at Drop-In Centre; dies from overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Member of local girls' soccer team coached by Alex Poulos.
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Leah Patterson's eldest brother, involved in family conflicts and later connected to his son's relocation to Summer Bay.
23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Child of main characters, born during a significant social occasion.
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer engaged in various investigations including traffic violations and drug-related incidents impacting main characters.
4–9 July	Courtney	Emily Sexton	Contestant on a reality show who manipulates situations against fellow participant Nick Smith.
	Damien	Simon Mullard	Reality show contestant antagonistic toward Nick Smith.
11 July 2003 – 10 September 2004	Andrew Hilton	James Camden	Student attending Summer Bay High School.
11 July–17 November	Eloise Lennox	Suzanne McEachern	Student diagnosed with leukemia; forms friendship with Max Sutherland who supports her until her passing.
11 July–3 October	Mr. Lennox	Christopher Burken	Eloise Lennox's father; participates in school events supporting his daughter.
6 August–15 October	Ross McLuhan	Angelo D'Angelo	Communications lecturer personally involved with student Dani Sutherland, leading to complications and rejection.
5 September 2003 – 30 June 2004	Norman Shadbolt	David Whitford	Bookstore owner who develops a relationship with Colleen Smart, later ending their engagement due to personal reasons.
11 September 2003 – 10 August 2005	Gary Rogers	Leigh Martin	President of Summer Bay High's P&C committee, frequently clashing with staff and parents over school policies and community matters.
19 September–21 October	Toby Clark	Richard Kessell	School janitor who briefly dates Jade Sutherland; fabricates details about his background leading to their breakup.
24 September 2003 – 22 November 2012	Gloria Clayton	Maria Matteo	Nurse at Northern Districts hospital, regularly involved in emergency medical situations affecting principal characters.
24 September	Mrs Lennox	Bernadette Cogin	Mother of Eloise Lennox; participates in family-related occasions.
2–15 October	Baz Fulsome	Stuart Fenton	Steroid dealer implicated in false accusations against Jesse McGregor before admitting involvement.
8 October 2003 – 3 May 2004	The Dean	Philip Holder	University dean responsible for academic oversight and disciplinary proceedings involving students like Noah Lawson and Dani Sutherland.
9 October	Jack Hunter	Ian Lind	Deceased Hunter family patriarch appearing in visions during key family moments.
13 October	Matt Owen	David Francis	Drifter who steals from Seb Miller before dying in an accident, causing confusion about Seb's fate among others.
21 October	Mr. Clark	Andrew Hunter	Relative of Toby Clark appearing during family visits involving Jade and Kirsty Sutherland.
	Mrs. Clark	Trudi-Ann Tierney
	Jimmy Clark	Will Blackney
	Toby's Sister	Amy Blackney
22 October 2003–11 June 2004	David Callahan	Felix Williamson Nicholas Cassim	Shelley Sutherland's fiancé; acts as legal representative for Dani Sutherland but ends relationship due to personal apprehensions.
29–31 October	Mr. Robertson	Danny Adcock	Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland’s trial, noted for rigorous cross-examination resulting in guilty verdict.