Steve Collins (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Founder	Seven Network
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	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. Below is a compilation of characters introduced in 1999, all under the guidance of then-executive producer John Holmes. The show's twelfth season premiered on 11 January 1999. The initial character to appear was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez in March. Nick’s father, Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, made his debut in April. Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi in May. In July, Cameron Welsh took on the role of Mitch McColl. August saw the introduction of Bianca Zeboat alongside lifeguard Shauna Bradley, played by Kylie Watson. Science teacher Harry Reynolds, enacted by Justin Melvey, arrived in September. In October, Anna Hruby and Stephen James King joined as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son, Edward Dunglass, respectively.

Nick Smith

Nick Smith made his first appearance on 18 March 1999, originally portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity before returning as a regular character in 2000, this time played by Chris Egan. His departure occurred on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge depicted Nick in flashback scenes during 2003. For his portrayal, Egan earned a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2001.

Peta Janossi

Peta Janossi, brought to life by Aleetza Wood, first appeared on 27 May 1999 and exited on 14 July 2000. Wood was cast while still attending university. Series Producer Russell Webb chose her for her youthful and fresh appearance. Her performance garnered a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2000.

Mitch McColl

Mitch McColl, played by Cameron Welsh, debuted on 15 July 1999. Welsh initially auditioned for a guest role before securing this part. In 2000, Welsh was diagnosed with a herniated disc, necessitating a six-week hiatus during which Mitchell McMahon temporarily assumed the role of Mitch. Welsh resumed his portrayal from 3 April 2000 onward. He later filmed a cameo for the show's milestone 4000th episode in 2005, marking Mitch’s return to celebrate Alf Stewart's birthday. Subsequently, Welsh transitioned into producing Home and Away, crediting his acting tenure as Mitch with enriching his understanding of production processes. He was also nominated for "Best New Male Talent" at the Logie Awards in 2000.

Critics observed that Mitch made a significant impression upon arrival, with particular focus on his relationship with Hayley; their initial kiss was described as "long-awaited," capturing viewers' attention. The Daily Record highlighted Mitch’s departure as one of television's memorable moments.

Bianca Zeboat

Bianca Zeboat, portrayed by Lara Cox, first appeared on 11 August 1999. Cox secured this extended guest role soon after completing work on Heartbreak High, simultaneously appearing in both series. She characterized Bianca as a "manipulative" and "nasty" individual, contrasting sharply with her previous role as Anita Scheppers, though she acknowledged Bianca’s assertiveness as a notable quality. An Inside Soap columnist remarked that Bianca’s entrance at the Summer Bay Diner foreshadowed forthcoming turmoil.

Bianca is both a model and actress pursuing the lead part in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher's 1989 novel On the Crest of a Wave. She arrives in Summer Bay to prepare for filming and befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to gain insight into the role. Jesse, longing for companionship and a maternal figure, becomes enamored but remains unaware of her true nature. After being dismissed by the film director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner), Bianca ends her relationship with Jesse and leaves town.

Shauna Bradley

Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and departed in July 2002. Watson secured the role shortly after relocating back to Canberra, initially feeling reluctant to audition but eventually winning the part. This marked her first acting opportunity, prompting her to undertake classes to enhance her craft, which led to a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards.

Shauna was characterized as "sassy" by Karman Kregloe of AfterEllen and described as "feisty" by The People. Author Andrew Mercado referred to her as a "sexy lifesaver." Her romantic involvements, particularly with Harry and Gavin, were central to dramatic storylines, with Inside Soap labeling these relationships as turbulent. In 2012, Channel 5 spotlighted an episode where Shauna confronts Margaret about her adoption in their viewer-voted "From Day One" feature.

Harry Reynolds

Harry Reynolds, brought to life by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and exited on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the series, Melvey concentrated on modelling and refining his acting abilities. After auditioning in Sydney, he secured the role, which led him to move from Los Angeles. In recognition of his portrayal of Harry, Melvey received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2000.

Judith Ackroyd

Judith Ackroyd, enacted by Anna Hruby, featured from 21 October 1999 until 21 November 2000. Hruby had earlier roles including in Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith took over as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher's sabbatical. Although initially met with doubt regarding her appointment, she earned respect after addressing misunderstandings.

Her son, Edward Dunglass, born from an affair with a deceased married lecturer, carried the risk of Huntington's disease. Judith navigated Edward’s rebellious tendencies and supported him and his partner Peta Janossi in establishing independent living despite early hesitations. She developed a close bond with Donald Fisher and later entered into a relationship with Joel Nash, which ended when Joel reconciled with his former wife.

During her leadership, Judith encountered conflicts with students such as Gypsy Nash over school governance and managed personal challenges. Following Joel’s departure, she accepted a teaching role in Switzerland, recommended Donald Fisher’s return as principal, and appointed Sally Fletcher as her successor.

Edward Dunglass

Edward Dunglass, played by Stephen James King, appeared from 28 October 1999 until 14 July 2000. King balanced his acting career with high school studies; this role marked his television debut after primarily working in theatre. He commended the seasoned cast for their support and noted Edward’s distinctive goth style contrasted with Summer Bay’s typical blond surfer image, leading to initial judgment from others. The character was regarded as a "refreshing change" due to his unconventional appearance.

Edward is first introduced on the beach where Will Smith mocks his goth attire; Edward responds with sarcasm. He earns respect by defending Duncan Stewart against bullies and impresses during go-kart trials before revealing that his mother is the new principal, Judith Ackroyd.

Donald Fisher recognizes Edward’s surname through university connections related to his late father, Edward Sr., who succumbed to Huntington's disease. Aware he might have inherited the condition, Edward quickly forms friendships with Peta Janossi and Mitch McColl. He assists Peta in honoring her grandmother, which arouses local suspicion about his intentions.

Edward’s candid opinions concerning illness create tension with Alf and Ailsa Stewart. As Huntington's symptoms emerge, he engages in risk-taking behaviors that worry those around him. Following a breakup and reconciliation with Peta, they begin self-defense classes together. Their relationship deepens into a private marriage and cohabitation despite objections from Peta’s foster father, Joel Nash, though Judith supports their arrangement.

Upon turning eighteen, Edward tests positive for Huntington's but initially minimizes its impact until a breakdown leads Judith to show him a video message from his late father. After removing his gothic makeup, Edward requests access to his trust fund to travel with Peta; Judith facilitates this. They leave for Rome to stay with Judith’s sister. The following year Will visits them and confirms Edward’s condition is deteriorating.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
11 January–3 March	Dr. Noble	Mariette Rups-Donnelly	Serves as the psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction and subsequently provides therapy to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) for schizophrenia.
14–25 January	Mr Gilkey	Ben Ager	A motorist exhibiting road rage who intimidates Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a traffic accident, demanding compensation and causing her distress.
14 January–21 May	Troy	Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz	A Year 12 peer and cricket teammate of Tom Nash (Graeme Squires).
18–19 January	Rhonda	Samantha Braniff	Employed by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli) as bait in the abduction of Joel Nash (David Woodley).
21 January–10 February	Brian Matthews	Scott Swalwell	Companion of Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright); participates in graffiti vandalism, ultimately dies from a fall.
3–12 February	Geraldine Peterson	Anna Lee	Member of The Wednesday Club who invites Rebecca Nash (Belinda Emmett) but causes tension over disputes related to charity fundraising.
5 February	Mo Matthews	Pat Sands	Father of Brian Matthews; discovers Brian and Sam engaged in tagging a tower.
8–18 February	Kaia Stokes	Blazey Best	Provides support to Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but departs as his hallucinations worsen.
19 February–6 October	Bob Playford	Tony Morgan	Real estate agent contracted by Diana Fraser to investigate caravan park redevelopment; locals prevent the plan by purchasing the property.
4–23 March	Brooke Taylor	Bridie Carter	Develops an interest in Travis Nash (Nic Testoni) due to his resemblance to her deceased fiancé; reveals family secrets before leaving.
4–5 March	Mara Taylor	Ann Burbrook	Sister of Brooke; pursues Joel Nash unaware that he is married.
10–17 March	Denise Hennessy	Lauren Clair	Former prison cellmate of Kylie Burton who uses an alias and flees when police suspect her as an escapee.
11 March	Eleanor Mace	Deborah Piper	Candidates interviewed by Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) for Byron Fisher's nanny position.
	Patsy Little	Jillian O'Dowd
	Skye	Karren Lewis
16 March–11 May	Ellen Porter	Anne Grigg	Nanny employed for Donald Fisher's infant son; has a history involving a manslaughter acquittal but gains trust before departing after confessing her feelings to Donald.
17–22 March	Jim Woods	Nick Hogan	Local police officer who suspects Denise Hennessy but she manages to escape; investigates drug-related issues involving Will Smith's brother Nick.
19–23 March	Johnno	Josef Ber	Drug dealer pursuing Nick Smith over unpaid debts; assaults Nick then departs after considering the debt settled.
24 March	Ted Williams	Kim Knuckey	'Foster father of Nick Smith; arrives with his wife Wendy to retrieve him from the beach house.

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description } 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 listed at the Internet Movie Database