Steven Ross (Home and Away)

Home and Away is a well-known Australian soap opera. Below is an overview of characters introduced in 2003, all under the guidance of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show's sixteenth season premiered on the Seven Network on 13 January 2003. This year saw the arrival of the Hunter family: Scott (played by Kip Gamblin), his mother Beth (Clarissa House), along with his siblings Kit (Amy Mizzi) and Robbie (Jason Smith), who made their first appearances in January, April, and November, respectively. In July, Isabel Lucas joined the cast as Tasha Andrews, while Maggie Kirkpatrick returned to the series in November portraying Viv "The Guv" Standish for her second role.

Scott Hunter

Scott Hunter, brought to life by Kip Gamblin, made his debut on 23 January 2003 and exited the show on 25 November 2005. For this portrayal, Gamblin received the "Most Popular New Male Talent" award at the 2004 Logie Award. Linda Barnier from the Newcastle Herald described Scott as a "beefcake," highlighting his entrance on horseback Jacko as reminiscent of a "very Man from Snowy River moment."

Beth Hunter

Beth Hunter (née Walters, formerly Sutherland), portrayed by Clarissa House, first appeared on 17 April 2003 and remained until 30 January 2007. According to the official website, Beth is characterized as "open-minded" with a strong personal code of ethics and integrity, complemented by a "delicious sense of humour" once she becomes comfortable with others. Sacha Molitorisz of The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued an episode centered on Beth and Rhys' wedding, suggesting it primarily appealed to dedicated fans and describing its storyline as "unengaging," accompanied by "painful" music, acting, and dialogue.

Kit Hunter

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

Tasha Andrews

Tasha Andrews, enacted by Isabel Lucas, first appeared on 31 July 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Talent scout Sharron Meissner discovered Lucas, who initially tried out for Kit Hunter but was instead cast in the newly created role of Tasha by Series Producer Julie McGuaran. This opportunity required her to move from Melbourne to Sydney, where filming takes place. Lucas won the Most Popular New Female Talent award at the 2004 Logie Awards for this role. Brian Courtis of the Sunday Age described Tasha as a "Blonde Princess" prior to her wedding storyline. The character's involvement with the fictional cult known as "the Believers" generated commentary from Catholic Priest Toby Sherring, who criticized the show's depiction of religion as cult-like and misleading for viewers.

Viv Standish

Vivienne "The Guv" Standish, portrayed by Maggie Kirkpatrick, appeared from 11 November 2003 until 2 November 2004. Kirkpatrick, recognized for her role as Joan "The Freak" Ferguson on Prisoner: Cell Block H, returned to a prison-related character after seventeen years. Viv's storyline coincided with Dani Sutherland's imprisonment for attempted murder, with scenes filmed at the historic Maitland Gaol.

Viv is depicted as a former children's court magistrate who was unjustly imprisoned after uncovering a pedophile ring involving judges and politicians. Kirkpatrick described Viv as "tough" and intelligent; although initially intimidating to Dani, Viv develops an affection for her, affectionately calling her "princess." She exerts pressure on the true offenders to safeguard Dani, facilitating her release. Subsequently, Viv orchestrates an attack on Dani's stalker Felix Walters, which results in an extended prison sentence.

Several months later, Viv suffers from heart failure leading to a compassionate day release arranged with assistance from Morag Bellingham, who recognizes Viv from earlier times. It is revealed that Viv had a past relationship with Morag’s brother, Alf Stewart, and had given birth to Alf’s son Owen Dalby, whom she placed for adoption. Viv spends her final moments peacefully in Alf’s arms before passing away. Later, Owen dies from a heart attack during an altercation involving his son Ric Dalby.

Robbie Hunter

Robbie Hunter, brought to life by Jason Smith, made his first appearance on 25 November 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006. Chris Hemsworth originally tried out for the role of Robbie but was ultimately cast as Kim Hyde. Smith expressed excitement about joining the series, highlighting the character's dynamic personality and the chance to be part of a well-established program. His portrayal led to a nomination for "Most Popular New Male Talent" at the 2005 Logie Awards.

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Circumstances
14–24 January	Claire Archer	Mariel McClorey	While Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy) is on holiday, Claire oversees the Drop-in centre. A misunderstanding of a diabetic episode results in a child abuse inquiry, prompting her exit.
10 February–5 March	Anna McMahon	Anna Lea Russo	As editor of Northern District University's campus paper, she briefly dates Noah Lawson (Beau Brady), creating friction with Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright).
13–17 February	Dr. Garland	Scott Higgins	Conducts surgery on Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) following his collapse caused by a brain tumour.
5 March–17 April	Trevor Bardwell	Bryan Marshall	Attends TAFE alongside Irene Roberts; pursues romance with her, which ends as Irene begins dating Paris Burnett (Rhett Giles).
5 March–15 July	Guy Rossi	Han Kidron	Coastal News reporter engaged in significant storylines such as Angie Russell's firing and the Caravan Park's heritage listing; conducts an interview with Nick Smith (Chris Egan) after his eviction from a reality show.
7–18 March	Michael Geoffrey	Andrew James	Education official who initially overlooks Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) for principal but later appoints her in an interim capacity.
25 March–3 April	Stephen Ross	Oliver Ackland	Former acquaintance of Dylan Russell and Duncan Stewart; manipulated by Angie Russell into giving false testimony affecting court proceedings; subsequently institutionalized after a mental breakdown.
10–14 April	Mira Sardelic	Hollie Andrew	Ex-wife of Scott Hunter (Kip Gamblin); discloses their past marriage to prevent deportation; amicably ends their relationship acknowledging Scott's new partner.
17 April–6 June	Maureen Evans	Sally Cahill	Daughter of Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood); reconnects after years apart; briefly dates Alf Stewart before moving forward.
22–29 April	David Brannigan	Richard Healy	Detective investigating the murder of Angie Russell; arrests Dylan Russell following his confession.
25–28 April	Monica Markham	Barbara Morton	Mother of Angie Russell; stands by grandson Dylan amidst revelations about Angie's harmful behavior.
6–7 May	Troy	Uncredited	Drug user under Noah Lawson's care; succumbs to an overdose.
8 May–1 October	Amber	Sibylla Deen	Player on the local girls' soccer team coached by Alex Poulos (Danny Raco).
14 May–5 September 2003, 4–5 July 2005, 7–25 April 2022	Dimitri Poulos	Salvatore Coco	Eldest sibling of Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou); participates in family disputes and celebrations; father to Theo Poulos, who later relocates to Summer Bay.
	23–24 June	David Simpson	Aristos Athos Piper Ferguson Eli Ferguson	Son of Sophie Simpson and Blake Dean; born during Sally Fletcher's hen night; named after Sophie’s former partner, David Croft.
1 July–24 November	Pia Corelli	Bianca Biasi	Police officer involved in several investigations including arrests related to driving offenses and drug possession incidents.
4–9 July	Courtney	Emily Sexton	Reality show contestant on The Dorm planted by producers to stir conflict, impacting fellow contestant Nick Smith’s reputation.
	Damien	Simon Mullard	Participant on reality show who clashes with Nick Smith.
11 July 2003 – 10 September 2004	Andrew Hilton	James Camden	Student attending Summer Bay High.
11 July–17 November	Eloise Lennox	Suzanne McEachern	Enrolls at Summer Bay High; forms a friendship with Max Sutherland who supports her through terminal illness until her death.
11 July–3 October	Mr. Lennox	Christopher Burken	Eloise Lennox’s father; attends school functions to support his daughter.
6 August–15 October	Ross McLuhan	Angelo D'Angelo	Communications lecturer for Dani Sutherland with complicated personal involvement; relationship ends following inappropriate behavior.
5 September 2003 – 30 June 2004	Norman Shadbolt	David Whitford	Owner of a bookshop who enters a relationship with Colleen Smart but terminates their engagement due to family issues involving his mother.
11 September 2003 – 10 August 2005	Gary Rogers	Leigh Martin	President of the P&C committee at Summer Bay High; advocates for stricter school regulations and participates in community disputes before being succeeded by Beth Hunter.
19 September–21 October	Toby Clark	Richard Kessell	Cleaner at Summer Bay High who briefly dates Jade Sutherland but is rejected due to undisclosed family background.
24 September 2003 – 22 November 2012	Gloria Clayton	Maria Matteo	Nurse at Northern Districts hospital involved in various emergencies including treating hit-and-run victims.
24 September	Mrs Lennox	Bernadette Cogin	Mother of Eloise Lennox; participates in family events supporting her daughter.
2–15 October	Baz Fulsome	Stuart Fenton	Steroid dealer supplying the surf club gym; implicated in framing Jesse McGregor but ultimately confesses, clearing Jesse’s name.
8 October 2003 – 3 May 2004	The Dean	Philip Holder	Dean at Northern Districts University overseeing academic misconduct cases involving students such as Noah Lawson and Dani Sutherland.
9 October	Jack Hunter	Ian Lind	Deceased husband of Beth Hunter and father to five children; appears as a vision during family visits to the farm.
13 October	Matt Owen	David Francis	Drifter involved in motorcycle theft and mistaken death incident affecting Seb Miller’s reputation.
21 October	! Mr. Clark, Mrs. Clark, Jimmy Clark, Toby's Sister Template:Anchors	! Andrew Hunter, Trudi-Ann Tierney, Will Blackney, Amy Blackney	! Family members estranged from Toby Clark appear during Jade and Kirsty’s visit to their home.
	!22 October 2003–11 June 2004	! David Callahan	! Felix Williamson, Nicholas Cassim	! Shelley Sutherland’s fiancé; acts as legal counsel for Dani Sutherland but ends relationship due to personal concerns related to medical procedures.
	!29–31 October	! Mr. Robertson	! Danny Adcock	! Prosecutor in Dani Sutherland’s attempted murder trial, securing conviction through rigorous cross-examination.