Steven Matheson

Steven Matheson
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Steven Matheson is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, broadcast on the Channel Seven. Portrayed by Adam Willits, Steven was one of the original characters created by Alan Bateman and made his debut in the series' pilot episode. Willits earned the role following auditions that involved more than three hundred contenders vying for the foster children parts. He was a main cast member from 1988 until 1991, returned from 1995 to 1996, and continued to appear in guest roles up to 2008.

Initially characterized as reserved and academically focused, Steven's personality gradually developed into a more multifaceted and occasionally troubled individual. Significant plotlines included dealing with familial loss, experiences of bullying, his first romantic encounter with Narelle Smart (Amanda Newman-Phillips), and an intermittent romantic involvement with Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert). The character was frequently admired for his attractiveness, which contributed to his reputation as a "heart-throb" among the audience.

Casting

In 1987, auditions were held for the roles of the Fletcher family's foster children, attracting over three hundred hopefuls. Sixteen-year-old Adam Willits was eventually chosen to play Steven, bringing with him previous experience as a child actor. By 1989, Willits expressed excitement about further exploring his character’s development. He departed from the series in 1990 to explore other opportunities, completing his final scenes in October of that year; however, Steven’s character remained on screen until early 1991.

Willits returned to the role in June 1995 for a six-month period, with additional appearances in 1996 and briefly in 1997. In 1998, he filmed a storyline finale set in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Willits took part in a special narrative arc in 2002 commemorating Summer Bay's 150th anniversary alongside former cast members.

Development

According to the 1989 Home and Away Annual, Steven was portrayed as "quiet and studious, but with an inventive mind," haunted by nightmares related to his parents’ demise. He was depicted as an average adolescent; actor Adam Willits described him as "a nice guy, not very trendy" and "not very outgoing." Over time, Steven transformed from a bookish youth into a more rebellious and engaging character. Willits found embodying Steven challenging due to their contrasting personalities but acknowledged that the role was set for "exciting things."

Steven's inaugural kiss occurred with Narelle Smart, who was three years his senior. Willits commented that he would "go for an older woman," reflecting Steven’s choice. This early romantic moment required considerable rehearsal to capture effectively on camera. Subsequently, artist Jennifer Atkinson, portrayed by Kate Raison, emerged as another love interest; their relationship was described as a "torrid affair" destined for heartbreak.

Another plotline featured school secretary Joanne Brennan (Kimberley Joseph), who developed an obsessive fixation on Steven despite his disinterest. Joanne’s attempts to sabotage his relationships escalated into stalking before her eventual exit from the show. Steven also shared a complicated relationship with fellow student Selina Roberts (Tempany Deckert), filled with numerous dramatic turns and culminating in Selina abandoning him on their wedding day—an archetypal soap opera twist. The conclusion of their storyline was filmed in Ironbridge, Shropshire, marking the first time the series shot an episode abroad.

When Steven returned in 2002, it was revealed that he had been living in Hong Kong with Selina and working professionally as an IT consultant.

Backstory

Steven entered the world in Hornsby, New South Wales as the sole child of Brett and Martha Matheson. Tragically, a house fire caused by barred windows trapped his parents inside, resulting in their deaths. With no relatives to care for him, Steven was initially placed in temporary guardianship before being fostered by Tom (Roger Oakley) and Pippa Fletcher (Vanessa Downing).

1988–91

Steven makes his first appearance during the pilot episode, which marks Tom’s 40th birthday celebration. When Tom loses his job, Steven offers to move elsewhere out of concern for the family’s financial situation. The Fletchers then relocate from the city to Summer Bay, where Steven gains acceptance from his foster brother Frank Morgan (Alex Papps) and forms a friendship with local tomboy Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson)), who later becomes part of the family. In an effort to grow up, Steven experiments with shaving and new looks. He experiences his initial romantic encounters with Narelle and subsequently with classmate Sandra Barlow (Catherine McColl-Jones), despite opposition from her abusive father, Sam Barlow (Jeff Truman). The tension escalates when Sam accidentally kills Sandra’s mother, leading Sandra to enter foster care elsewhere.

Steven encounters difficulties with P.E. instructor Jeff Samuels (Alex Petersons) over demanding training routines. He is thrilled when his uncle Philip Matheson (John Morris), his only surviving relative, arrives in Summer Bay but is heartbroken when Philip dies in an arson attack carried out by Brian "Dodge" Forbes (Kelly Dingwall), who holds a grudge against store owner Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence). Dodge becomes the Fletchers’ newest foster child and frequently manipulates Steven, including coercing him into completing essays and turning him against former friends amid a financial dispute. Although Dodge tries to provoke him into violence, Steven is reminded of his better instincts.

Dodge resents Roo Stewart's (Justine Clarke) boyfriend Simon Yates (Christopher Saunders) and attempts to frame Simon for the arson. He manipulates Steven into attacking Simon but later causes a car accident for which Steven initially assumes blame. Ultimately, Dodge confesses to starting the fire that killed Philip, resulting in his arrest. After these events, Steven leaves Summer Bay to attend university.

1995–2008

Four years later, Steven returns to Summer Bay as a teacher at Summer Bay High, surprising Donald Fisher. He reconnects with family members and briefly dates Marilyn Chambers before they decide to remain friends. Subsequently, Steven begins a secret relationship with his student Selina, which ends after her stalker Jeremy Riggs uncovers it and blackmails them. Irene Roberts files a formal complaint that leads to Steven’s termination, shocking the local community.

Having recently been released from prison, Dodge seeks revenge by planting jelly beans in Steven’s home to falsely implicate him in drug possession. Under pressure from Dodge’s threats, Steven has an affair with Kelly Watson behind Travis Nash’s back; however, Kelly ends the relationship and assists Steven in framing Dodge for theft. Dodge later disappears following a cruise incident that sparks a murder investigation with Steven as the prime suspect. Dodge reappears by kidnapping Kelly; after a confrontation on a cliffside, only Steven survives. Feeling alienated from the community and indifferent toward foster sister Sally Fletcher’s abduction, Steven abruptly leaves town.

A year later, Steven returns and rekindles his relationship with Selina, planning to marry her. However, on their wedding day Selina is taken hostage by cult leader Saul Bennett. After escaping captivity, she calls off the wedding, prompting Steven to depart once more. When Selina becomes gravely ill overseas in Ironbridge, Marilyn and Irene arrange for Steven to care for her. He proposes marriage; she accepts, and they leave Summer Bay together.

Steven comes back two years later for Sally’s wedding to Kieran Fletcher and reveals he and Selina have not yet married. After Kieran’s infidelity comes to light, Steven assaults him. He also attends Summer Bay’s 150th anniversary celebration and later visits when foster sister Sophie Simpson agrees to be a surrogate for Sally. During this period, Steven discloses that he has separated from Selina and married Lyn.

Steven’s final return occurs when Sally decides to leave Summer Bay after contact from Ric Dalby. He reveals that he has reconciled with Selina. Joined by Pippa and Carly, Steven supports Sally's decision to leave while reflecting on their shared experiences before returning home.

Reception

In Super Aussie Soaps, Andrew Mercado refers to Steven’s choice to wed Selina as controversial, given her status as his pupil. Hilary Kingsley, writing in Soapbox, describes Steven as the most reserved foster child under Pippa and Tom’s care. James Oram’s Home and Away: behind the scenes emphasizes Steven’s appeal as a youthful heart-throb, potentially ranking him among the youngest soap icons ever. Oram also pointed out that through characters like Steven and Frank, the series tackled numerous authentic social issues. Jan Moir from the Evening Times portrayed Steven as a troubled orphan in the neighborhood. The Birmingham Post depicted the relationship between Steven and Selina as progressively more complex and "twisted." Meanwhile, a writer for The Newcastle Herald included their 1998 return episode in a list of memorable "TV Highlights."

An Inside Soap columnist noted Steven’s transformation from an academically focused student into an intellectual who initially faced romantic difficulties but later encountered challenges dating peers his own age. Another commentator labeled him as the "brightest foster child" Pippa ever cared for. Additional analysis highlighted that despite an intense romance with an older woman, Steven was ultimately destined for higher education, successfully completing his HSC with excellent results.

References

Bibliography