Tamara Kingsley
Tamara Jane Kingsley | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2012–2014 |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Tamara Jane Kingsley is a fictional persona from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actress Kelly Paterniti. She made her first appearance on 1 October 2012, initially as a guest before being elevated to a main cast member. Tamara is portrayed as a rural woman, described as "feisty and strong-willed," with Paterniti herself labeling her as "quite pragmatic and very bold." Her final scenes were shot in late 2013, with her departure airing on 21 May 2014.
Her narrative primarily revolves around the Braxton family, highlighting her romantic involvement with Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). Introduced amid a desert storyline in the outback, Tamara discovers Casey abandoned after his brother, Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway), attempts to kill him. After relocating to Summer Bay, she supports Casey by testifying on his behalf in court, competes with Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman) for his love, and eventually starts a relationship with him. Additional story arcs include Kyle developing feelings for Tamara and being kidnapped by Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes). Critics observed that Tamara "left a significant impression" on the series, with a Brisbane Times journalist naming her and Casey as one of the show's most compelling couples.
Casting
Paterniti’s debut scenes were broadcast on 1 October 2012. To film the role, she moved from Western Australia to Sydney. Initially apprehensive about joining Home and Away, especially due to the expectation of wearing swimwear on screen, she mentioned that overcoming this anxiety was important. In February 2013, Paterniti was officially added to the regular cast; she told The West Australian that while Tamara would remain for some time, her long-term presence was uncertain.
Characterisation and introduction
Tamara is portrayed as determined and spirited. Paterniti revealed to Erin Miller of TV Week that "While I’m not as daring as Tamara, I’d certainly like to be. She’s tough and gutsy. Very bold and practical—a genuine bush girl." The show’s official site describes her as "hardworking, down-to-earth, and conscious that life can be fleeting." She possesses emotional resilience paired with a strong commitment to social fairness.
Tamara makes her entrance during a plot where Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes) is abducted by Kyle Braxton (Nic Westaway) and left stranded in the harsh Australian desert. Characters Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) and Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack) also play key roles in this storyline. Westaway described these episodes as action-packed, involving helicopters, stunt performers, and an on-set explosion. Executive producer Lucy Addario explained that these stunts necessitated filming in remote outback locations.
Younes detailed that during Casey’s predicament, a "mysterious woman"—later identified as Tamara—appears to assist him by offering water. Kyle returns, capturing them again; however, Tamara retaliates by hurling a lit petrol can which triggers an explosion and attempts to shoot Kyle. Subsequently, Brax and Natalie arrive to rescue them.
After the kidnapping incident, Casey faces another court trial requiring Tamara’s testimony. Younes stated that without her evidence, Casey would have been imprisoned; however, Tamara initially hesitates due to her distrust of authority figures. Ultimately, she agrees to testify in court.
Tamara/Casey/Sasha
Late in 2012, Tamara found herself caught in a romantic triangle involving Casey and Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman). Sasha's jealousy is ignited by Tamara's arrival. Younes described Casey's emotional conflict, as he had not anticipated encountering Tamara again. Following a "spiritual ordeal," Casey experiences immense joy upon their reunion. Paterniti indicated that the dynamics would become increasingly complicated in 2013. Tamara immediately feels a strong bond with Casey, particularly since she supported him during a fragile period. She attempts to reconnect with her estranged family but returns after facing rejection. According to Paterniti, Tamara feels stranded and appreciates Casey allowing her to stay at his place, which leads to them becoming intimate. She is "over the moon" because she has long wished to be with him, though Sasha's envy soon creates tension.
Tamara’s former boyfriend, Nelson (Anthony Gee), arrives in Summer Bay, unveiling her history of a "fairly abusive relationship" with him. Upon discovering Nelson’s presence, Tamara "panics" and wants to leave immediately; however, Casey urges her to remain and not be intimidated. He advises her to contact the police, despite her skepticism toward law enforcement. When Nelson demands she accompany him, Kyle steps in and rescues them.
Tamara endured domestic abuse during her relationship with Nelson. Paterniti aimed to handle this storyline with sensitivity, avoiding direct depictions of violence. She found it challenging to convey the emotional strain without resorting to physical scenes.
Tamara/Casey/Kyle
Tensions arise between Tamara and Casey when his brother Kyle develops romantic feelings for her. While working together at Angelo's restaurant, Kyle believes they share more common ground than Tamara does with Casey. He tries to express his emotions, but Tamara keeps him at arm's length, uncomfortable with his advances. Westaway remarked that Kyle "desperately tries to convince Tamara there could be something between them," although she dismisses him as delusional.
Paterniti explained that Tamara was taken aback by Kyle’s feelings, especially since she had previously been harsh and distant toward him. This unfolds as Tamara and Casey prepare to establish a home together, filling her with excitement about their future. Kyle misreads Tamara’s reactions as reciprocal affection, leaving her shocked. The secret comes out during a Braxton family gathering when Cheryl Braxton exposes Kyle’s feelings, triggering a drunken altercation that destabilizes Tamara and Casey’s relationship. Tamara’s failure to adhere fully to their honesty agreement adds strain, though she believes avoiding confrontation is justified.
Despite the anger involved, Tamara agrees to make amends with Kyle but is taken aback when he unexpectedly kisses her—an act that jeopardizes her relationship with Casey. Brax is "extremely irritated," reigniting discord within the Braxton family.
Abduction
Tamara is kidnapped at a bus stop by associates of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes), an adversary of the Braxtons. The situation intensifies when Casey is falsely accused of drug trafficking. Younes told TV Week that "Tamara is hysterical because she and Casey were just rebuilding their relationship." Upon discovering Kyle and Ricky Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen) were involved in the events leading up to this, Tamara lashes out at Kyle, feeling betrayed given the Braxtons had accepted her warmly. She decides to reveal the truth to the police in order to assist Casey; however, Brax and Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing) convince her to remain silent for safety reasons. Subsequently, Adam orchestrates her kidnapping; Paterniti described how Tamara is seized roadside, terrified, and knocked unconscious.
Exit
Kelly Paterniti announced her departure from Home and Away soon after Tamara's concluding scenes were broadcast on 21 May 2014. She explained, "I always intended to leave at this point... Tamara endured a lot! We never had to redo story arcs." Although this was her lengthiest role, she felt prepared to pursue fresh opportunities. Filming wrapped up in late 2013. While producers proposed a three-year contract extension, Paterniti declined, considering it too lengthy a commitment.
Plotlines
Tamara discovers Casey Braxton, who has been abducted and tortured in the desert, and provides him with water. When Kyle Bennett returns, he kidnaps both Tamara and Casey; however, after a pursuit, Tamara cleverly causes Kyle’s vehicle to explode, enabling their escape. A few weeks later, she arrives in Summer Bay to attend Casey's court hearing and testifies. Feeling accountable for her brother’s death, Tamara remains in Summer Bay; Casey helps her secure employment at Angelo's. Despite Sasha’s jealousy, Casey’s girlfriend, Tamara pursues a relationship with him. After addressing their relationship with Casey, Tamara breaks down over family struggles; they choose to be together. When Nelson attempts to force her back home, Kyle intervenes, resulting in Nelson’s arrest. Though Tamara avoids charges related to her brother’s death, she remains concerned as Casey serves weekend prison sentences.
Tamara and Casey begin cohabitating; she enrolls at Summer Bay High to finish her HSC studies. Initially resentful toward Kyle despite his assistance, she later softens but declines his romantic advances. Conflict arises when Kyle tries to kiss her; she threatens to leave Summer Bay. After an argument between Casey and his boss Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), Tamara encourages Casey to stand up for himself at work. Later on, Adam kidnaps Tamara and Ricky; after refusing food, Tamara weakens and is released. In hospital, she is diagnosed with amnesia, forgetting Casey and becoming reliant on Kyle, eventually starting a relationship with him.
After Casey suffers alcohol poisoning, Tamara recovers some memories of the desert ordeal. Following a car accident that damages Casey’s spine and leaves him paralyzed from the legs down, Ricky urges Tamara to assist with his physiotherapy; she helps him regain sensation in his feet. Excluded from a family meeting where Brax admits killing a man leading to his arrest, Tamara reconciles with Casey and continues their relationship. When Mangrove River High is destroyed by fire, Tamara returns to Summer Bay High but clashes with Matt Page over a missing book until Montgomery steps in.
Tamara is struck by Oscar MacGuire (Jake Speer) driving his uncle Zac's car; Oscar confesses hitting her but thought it was an animal. Facing potential blindness, Tamara decides to leave Summer Bay to reunite with her parents. After making amends with Oscar, she departs that same day.
Critical response
Williams from The West Australian observed that Kelly Paterniti has left a strong impression on Home and Away, from intense desert scenes to vibrant moments in Summer Bay. A reporter for the Brisbane Times identified Tamara and Casey as one of the series’ most beloved couples. Laura Morgan of All About Soap referred to Tamara as a "stunning brunette" and Casey’s "temptress," dubbing her "ticked-off Tam." The desert storyline was named Inside Soap’s top plot of November 2012 and praised as one of the show’s "most spectacular and ambitious arcs ever."
External links
- Character overview on the Official AU Home and Away site