Tanya Osborne (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section outlines characters who were introduced throughout 2013, listed according to their initial appearance. All newcomers were brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show’s twenty-sixth season began airing on 21 January 2013. The first character introduced that year was Zac MacGuire, followed by Courtney Freeman, Maddy Osborne, Spencer Harrington, and Rosie Prichard during January. April saw the introduction of Chris Harrington and Ricky Sharpe. In August, Josh, Andy Barrett, and Hannah Wilson made their debuts. From September onward, Zac’s relatives—Ethan, Evelyn, and Oscar MacGuire—alongside Nate Cooper joined the cast. October brought in Jade Montgomery and Matt Page, while Phoebe Nicholson was introduced in November.
Zac MacGuire
Zac MacGuire, portrayed by Charlie Clausen, made his first appearance on 22 January 2013. The announcement of Clausen’s casting came on 13 January 2013, marking a significant return to acting for him. Clausen expressed excitement about joining the series, emphasizing both the opportunity presented and the welcoming atmosphere on set. Zac works as a prison education officer who becomes involved when a fight breaks out involving Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). According to Clausen, Zac was assigned to oversee Casey by Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack). The character is characterized as fundamentally "a good guy" who chose a career within the correctional system after having experienced incarceration himself.
Courtney Freeman
Courtney Freeman, played by Joshua Brennan, first appeared on 22 January 2013. He is introduced as an inmate at Crestview Correctional Centre and serves as a key antagonist to Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes), who is imprisoned due to a botched robbery attempt. Brennan described Courtney as embodying the "typical prison bully" archetype. He coerces Casey into participating in drug trafficking; upon Casey's refusal, he endures violent assaults.
Courtney manipulates the existing rivalry between the Braxton and Sharpe families by influencing Jamie Sharpe (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) to attack Casey. Although Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) steps in to defuse the situation, tensions escalate when Courtney stabs Casey with a shiv. Eventually, Zac brokers an agreement securing Casey’s release and Jamie’s transfer in exchange for testimony against Courtney.
Maddy Osborne
Madeline "Maddy" Osborne, portrayed by Kassandra Clementi, debuted on 24 January 2013. Her casting was revealed on 6 January 2013, with Clementi joining Home and Away as part of a deliberate effort to develop compelling storylines. Maddy is introduced as a sixteen-year-old runaway arriving in the Bay alongside Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley).
Clementi described Maddy as "lively and deeply affectionate," possessing maturity beyond her years. The character is designed to engage viewers through themes relevant to youth experiences and foster care challenges.
Spencer Harrington
Spencer Harrington, brought to life by Andrew Morley, made his first appearance on 24 January 2013. His introduction was part of the promotional campaign for the 2013 season. On 1 March 2015, Morley revealed his decision to exit Home and Away after two years, aiming to explore acting opportunities in the United States; Spencer's final episode aired on 23 April 2015.
Spencer is depicted as a teenage runaway arriving in Summer Bay alongside Maddy Osborne (played by Kassandra Clementi). Initially, they take refuge at the local high school, where they are discovered by Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman). Both Spencer and Maddy conceal a secret and are apprehensive about their parents’ reactions. Eventually, they move into the home of Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) and Harvey Ryan (Marcus Graham). The arrival of a new character, Chris (Johnny Ruffo), who is Spencer’s brother, introduces further tension. Their narratives contribute to the show's ongoing emphasis on themes of foster care.
Morley characterized Spencer as "authentic, self-assured, and a natural charmer," highlighting his optimistic outlook and steadfast loyalty to those close to him.
Seeking shelter at Summer Bay Caravan Park, Spencer and Maddy initially struggle to afford meals but work off their debts. When Maddy experiences health problems, they accept assistance from Roo and relocate to Summer Bay House. After briefly running away, they return following an encounter with an injured Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell). Spencer secures a job at the bait shop, and it is disclosed that he and Maddy share a romantic relationship rather than being siblings. The arrival of Chris complicates matters, ultimately leading to the end of Spencer and Maddy’s relationship.
Subsequently, Spencer begins dating Sasha Bezmel, which sparks jealousy in Maddy. Their relationship develops rapidly, escalating tensions among the characters. Chris returns to Summer Bay seeking to reconcile with Sasha’s sister Indi Walker (Samara Weaving), further intensifying conflicts involving Spencer.
Rosie Prichard
Rosie Prichard, portrayed by Teri Haddy, first appeared on 30 January 2013. Her casting was announced in January 2013 following Haddy’s move to Sydney in May 2012. At sixteen years old, Rosie is described as "kind but socially awkward" and somewhat isolated. Having always lived in Summer Bay, she had not been featured on-screen before. Rosie looks up to Sasha Bezmel and, after forming a friendship, attends a party where she eagerly anticipates meeting Sasha’s former boyfriend, Casey Braxton.
In April, Rosie becomes the victim of sexual assault by fellow student Alexander Mullens. Initially confused due to their previous interactions, she ultimately reports the incident to Sasha, Roo Stewart, and the authorities. To portray this storyline with authenticity, Haddy researched teenage experiences with sexual violence and hoped her performance would empower young women to assert themselves.
Rosie partners with Sasha on a science project; after a frightening incident at the pier, their friendship deepens. Concealing her troubled family background—her mother abandoned her, her father splits time between families, and she lives alone—Rosie pays Tilda Hogan to pretend to be her sister. Jealousy emerges when Sasha befriends Maddy Osborne, prompting Rosie to impulsively run into the sea; both girls are rescued by Casey Braxton and John Palmer.
After distancing herself from Sasha, Rosie forms new friendships and shares a kiss with Alexander Mullens, who later boasts about exploiting her. Following the assault revelation, Sasha supports Rosie as she reports Mullens to the police. Rosie attends self-defence lessons with Zac MacGuire and befriends Bella Lugrano, another survivor of Mullens's assault who also files a report against him; together they build a support system.
Lachlan Stone, a friend of Mullens who stalks Rosie, eventually provides crucial evidence leading to Mullens's arrest. While working, Rosie collapses and discovers she is pregnant. Despite facing bullying from Holly Chapman due to her pregnancy and association with Zac MacGuire, Rosie chooses to keep her child. She temporarily leaves school for safety reasons but soon returns before eventually departing Summer Bay to live with her father in the city.
Chris Harrington
Chris Harrington, portrayed by Johnny Ruffo, made his first appearance on 1 April 2013. The announcement of Ruffo’s casting came on 19 October 2012. Making his acting debut, Ruffo moved from Perth to Sydney to film the role and was originally signed for approximately sixteen episodes, with his contract later being extended. After undergoing several auditions, he secured the part and expressed excitement about joining Home and Away. Chris is the elder sibling of Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley) and arrives in Summer Bay with the goal of convincing Spencer to come back home and address family matters.
Ricky Sharpe
Erica "Ricky" Sharpe, played by Bonnie Sveen, first appeared on-screen on 2 April 2013. Sveen had previously made a guest appearance in 2010. She shared her enthusiasm about obtaining a permanent role, highlighting a personal connection as her grandmother had been a longtime viewer of Home and Away. Ricky is the younger sister of Adam Sharpe (Martin Lynes). She arrives in Summer Bay to attend Heath Braxton’s (Dan Ewing) engagement celebration and becomes romantically involved with his older brother, Brax (Stephen Peacocke), whom she has known since they were teenagers. In 2014, Sveen received the Most Popular New Talent Logie Award for her performance.
Josh Barrett
Joshua "Josh" Barrett, portrayed by Jackson Gallagher, debuted on 27 August 2013. His casting was revealed on 3 August 2013. Gallagher expressed excitement about working alongside veteran actor Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart). Josh was introduced together with his brother Andy (Tai Hara) through online webisodes that explored their backstory. Gallagher departed the series in 2016 following his character’s confession to shooting Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz).
Andy Barrett
Andrew "Andy" Barrett, played by Tai Hara, first appeared on 28 August 2013. His casting and character details were featured in The Daily Telegraph on 3 August 2013. Hara described it as an honour to join such a well-established show. Andy made his debut alongside his younger brother Josh (Jackson Gallagher) through webisodes that delved into their history. Initially, the Barrett brothers were depicted as rivals to the Braxton family, with Andy holding significant secrets regarding their shared past.
Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson, portrayed by Cassie Howarth, first appeared on 29 August 2013. Her introduction was announced in late August 2013. Hannah is presented as a determined and strong-willed free spirit who is fiercely protective of her family but harbours a fear of isolation. She arrives in Summer Bay seeking assistance from Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) to help save their niece and nephew from a cult connected to Zac’s brother, Ethan (Matt Minto). Howarth described this storyline as demanding and noted it was a significant adjustment for Hannah.
Ethan MacGuire
Ethan MacGuire, played by Matt Minto, made his debut on 2 September 2013 and remained on the show until 27 January 2014. His introduction was announced in late August 2013, alongside other new characters. Minto secured the role after initially auditioning for a different part and began filming in April 2013. Ethan is the distant brother of Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) and father to twins Evelyn (Philippa Northeast) and Oscar (Jake Speer). After the death of his wife, Ethan relocated his children to a spiritual retreat led by Murray Granger, which is later uncovered as a cult.
Though Ethan initially portrays the camp as harmless, he exhibits controlling behavior and resists outside interference. Zac collaborates with Ethan’s sister-in-law, Hannah, in an effort to free the children, encountering numerous obstacles due to Ethan’s strong influence. The situation intensifies, involving physical altercations and legal measures including an AVO against Zac, before the twins are ultimately rescued with assistance from the Braxton brothers.
Following Murray’s arrest, Ethan assumes leadership of the cult, escalating tensions that result in the abduction of Oscar, Evelyn, and Kyle Braxton. A bomb explosion severely injures Ethan; despite Hannah’s attempts to help, he succumbs to cardiac arrest. This plotline explores themes of familial strife and manipulation within cult environments.
Evelyn MacGuire
Evelyn "Evie" MacGuire, portrayed by Philippa Northeast, first appeared on 3 September 2013. Both her character and casting were revealed in August 2013. Evelyn is the niece of established character Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen) and the twin sister of Oscar MacGuire (Jake Speer). Their introduction occurs when Zac visits them after discovering their father Ethan (Matt Minto) involved them in a cult. Unlike her brother, Evelyn embraces life within the camp. Northeast described Evelyn as someone who deeply values family ties, shaped by early personal loss and her father’s challenges, which strengthened her connection with Oscar. She portrayed Evelyn as kind-hearted with a sharp wit who confidently voices her opinions when overlooked.
Oscar MacGuire
Oscar MacGuire, played by Jake Speer, also debuted on 3 September 2013. His casting was announced in late August 2013 following a successful audition earlier that year. Oscar is Zac’s nephew and Evelyn’s twin brother. Introduced through the cult storyline alongside their father Ethan, Oscar struggles with discomfort over his father’s decision to move them into the camp, finding it difficult to preserve his identity amid the circumstances.
Nate Cooper
Nathaniel "Nate" Cooper, portrayed by Kyle Pryor, arrived on-screen on 26 September 2013. His casting was publicized on 8 September 2013. Pryor originally auditioned for Andy Barrett, but producers later cast him as Nate after being impressed by his performance. He began filming four months prior to the announcement. Nate is a physician who accepts a position at Northern Districts Hospital despite aspiring to work in a larger city hospital to further specialize and advance his career.
Jade Montgomery
Jade Montgomery, portrayed by Tasma Walton, made her first appearance on 16 October 2013. Walton previously appeared in Home and Away in 1995 and returned coinciding with a film premiere at the Sydney Film Festival. Montgomery remained on-screen for several months before concluding her role on 29 January 2014.
Montgomery is introduced as the principal of Mangrove River High School, which has recently been damaged by arson. She arrives in Summer Bay aiming to negotiate a merger with Summer Bay High School. Unhappy that Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley) retains her position as head during this process, Montgomery openly questions Bianca’s leadership capabilities and criticizes her husband, Heath Braxton (Dan Ewing), who is a former student of Mangrove River High. She also displays prejudice against Mangrove River students, sparking conflict with Bianca.
After facing disciplinary action from Bianca, Montgomery retaliates by vandalizing Bianca’s office and framing student Matt Page (Alec Snow). When suspicions arise regarding multiple offenses, she is suspended following evidence against her. Seeking revenge, Montgomery plants an explosive device inside Bianca’s laptop bag; its detonation at Northern Districts Hospital results in the death of Ethan Macguire (Matt Minto). Once her involvement is uncovered, she panics and is arrested after Heath realizes her responsibility for the attack.
Matt Page
Matthew "Matt" Page, enacted by Alec Snow, made his first appearance on 21 October 2013. Snow secured the role following an audition earlier that year and was initially signed for a three-month stint, which was later extended to three years. He depicted Matt as a "troubled youth" struggling to find his identity, frequently confronting others in the Bay.[1]
Phoebe Nicholson
Phoebe Nicholson, portrayed by Isabella Giovinazzo, debuted on 26 November 2013. After relocating to Sydney mid-2013, Giovinazzo landed her inaugural acting role as Phoebe, a singer-songwriter who arrives in Summer Bay following her former boyfriend Kyle Braxton’s music festival plans. Phoebe is described as intelligent, attractive, lively, and somewhat eccentric.[2]
Additional Characters
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 February | Gavin Wheeler | Ande Cunningham | Gavin works as a social worker evaluating Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott’s application for custody of Heath’s daughter Darcy Callahan, examining Heath’s criminal record and living conditions. |
| 8 February–29 July 2014 | Connie Callahan | Celia Ireland | Connie, the grandmother of Darcy, obtains full custody before later allowing Darcy to reside with Heath and Bianca, facilitating their custody arrangement. |
| 12 February | Eugene Broad | Sonny Vrobao | Eugene is a drug dealer who attempts to complete a deal with Darryl Braxton but escapes when a gunman appears; he later assaults Brax with a vehicle but is stopped by Adam Sharpe. |
| 13–15 February | Nelson Gregory | Anthony Gee | Nelson, Tamara Kingsley’s ex-partner, arrives in Summer Bay searching for her; following altercations involving the Braxtons, he is arrested for his involvement in her brother’s death. |
| 13–21 February | Dr Padley | Nicholas Brown | Dr Padley provides counseling to Sid Walker during an apparent mental health crisis; Sid later discharges himself after family intervention. |
| 15 February–6 October 2014 | Nina Bailey | Emmy Dougall | Nina forms a romantic connection with Jett James amid challenges such as transferring to boarding school and parental disapproval; they eventually separate due to distance. |
| 15 February–15 March | Tilda Hogan | Gigi Perry | Tilda, introduced as Hannah’s sister, bullies Jett James until his peers encourage him to confront her. |
| 15 February | Olivia Fraser | Tiahn Green | Olivia attends the Summer Bay disco where Jett James struggles to remember her name during dance arrangements. |
| 18–19 February, 16 April 2015 – 31 May 2016 | Tanya Osborne | Kathryn Hartman | Tanya visits Summer Bay concerning care for her daughter Maddy Osborne; their relationship involves health emergencies and legal conflicts with Roo Stewart. |
| 22–25 February | Sheldon Atkinson | Laurence Coy | Sheldon faces confrontation from Celia Stewart over gambling debts; both express willingness to seek help but Sheldon departs after disputes over finances. |
| 28 February–1 March | Ian Harrington | Matt Dale | Ian reveals himself as Spencer Harrington’s father and seeks custody; Spencer refuses but later assists Ian following an accident. |
| 13 March | Weight Lifter | Paul Davies | Gym patrons receiving training from Heath Braxton on his initial day at work. |
| Treadmill Guy | Rob Harys | ||
| 14 March | Aron Dawkin | Nicholas Cooper | Aron lectures Dexter Walker at university about the necessity of preparation and completing assigned readings. |
| 14 March | Maureen Hogan | Melanie De Ferranti | Maureen, mother of Tilda Hogan, denies accusations of her daughter’s bullying and defends their family reputation during school meetings. |
| 21 March | Brett Smith | Oliver Edwin | Brett misinterprets April Scott’s invitation to study as a romantic advance; he leaves after realizing the true intent. |
| 21 March | Robin Sutton | Phillipe Klaus | Robin provides counseling services to Heath Braxton and Bianca Scott; Heath initially resists but returns for further sessions. |
| 25 March–25 April | Steph Green | Zara Michales | Nurse Steph befriends Dexter Walker; their relationship ends amid professional misconduct when Steph falsifies patient records and retaliates after being dismissed. |
| 25 March | Jake Twomey | Laurence Brewer | "Jake is a university lecturer impressed by April Scott's advocacy for doctor-patient communication; they share a meal afterward." |
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Description |
|---|
| 26 March–25 April | "Alexander Mullens is implicated in serious offences including sexual assault allegations involving Rosie Prichard and Bella Lugarno, leading to police charges following testimony from Lachlan Stone." | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March–9 May | "Lachlan Stone supports victims of Alexander Mullens’ crimes and provides critical evidence to law enforcement." | ||
| 4 April–24 September | "Constable Taylor oversees investigations into assault cases concerning Rosie Prichard and Sasha Bezmel." | ||
| 24 April | "A priest officiates Gina Palmer’s funeral service." | ||
| 25 April | "Mr Thompson is a diabetic patient under nurse Steph Green's care at Northern District Hospital." | ||
| 30 April–1 May | "Bella Lugarno attends self-defense classes, confides about past sexual assault by Alexander Mullens, and cooperates with police inquiries." | ||
| 8 May | "Courier Caleb Van Huessen delivers a firearm collected by Kyle Braxton under Ricky Sharpe’s direction; Ricky covertly records the exchange." | ||
| 27 May–17 July | "Holly Chapman bullies Rosie Prichard out of jealousy over Zac MacGuire; she falsely accuses Zac of harassment leading to dramatic incidents requiring hospitalization." | ||
| 30 May–3 June | "Adam Sharpe’s associates kidnap Tamara Kingsley and surveil the Braxtons; interactions involve Ricky Sharpe resulting in changes within Adam's security team." | ||
| 3 June | "Joey Beresford, Adam Sharpe’s guard assigned to watch over Tamara Kingsley and Ricky Sharpe, is dismissed after Ricky rejects his advances." | ||
| 4 June | "An additional henchman arrives with Adam Sharpe during Ricky Sharpe’s escape attempt from captivity." | ||
| 4 June | "Mr Silver, a diabetic patient at hospital treated by Sid Walker and April Scott, receives attentive care following complications." | ||
| 7 June | "Foster parent Kerry Doyle supports Rosie Prichard through pregnancy resulting from sexual assault." | ||
| 17 June | "Nurse assists with emergency surgery following Darryl Braxton’s gunshot injuries at Northern District Hospital." | ||
| 25 June | "Journalist Andrea Marlowe covers protests advocating Bianca Scott’s reinstatement as school principal; initially critical but changes perspective influenced by community voices." | ||
| 25 June | "Photographer documents protests alongside journalist Andrea Marlowe." | ||
| 8 July–29 August | "Nurse Liz provides medical care for patients including April Scott and Maddy Osborne during emergencies." | ||
| 9 July | "Intern supports medical staff during treatment of April Scott's allergic reaction at hospital." | ||
| 10–11 July | "Tamara Kingsley’s parents arrive in Summer Bay due to concerns about her memory loss; attempts at reconciliation are made but Tamara chooses independence." | ||
| "Joanne Kingsley" | "Pippa Grandison" | "Tamara's mother involved in family efforts regarding Tamara's condition." | |
| "Patrick Kingsley" | "Jason Montgomery" | "Tamara's father participating in family discussions." | |
| 18–22 July | "Jerri Landale" | "Fely Irvine" | "Process server delivering subpoenas to Darryl Braxton and Casey Braxton related to legal matters." |
| 23 July | "Peyton Tedd" | "Paige Houden" | "Resident at caravan park who interacts socially with Casey Braxton." |
| 25 July | "Franco Chilvers" | "Drayton Morley" | "Bianca Scott's supervisor during principal functions." |
| 30 July–9 October 2013 | "David Morrell" | "Charlton Hill" | "Lawyer representing Ricky Sharpe and Darryl Braxton during sentencing hearings." |
| 1 August–26 September | "Peta Bradley" | "Nadia Townsend" | "Physician at Northern Districts Hospital treating key characters including Casey Braxton." |
| 12 August | "Hotel Maitre d'" | "Nick Mitchell" | "Maître d' at Melbourne restaurant denying reservation request from Kyle Braxton." |
| 13 August–20 March 2014 | "Jess Lockwood" | "Georgia Chara" | "Barmaid who has a one-night stand with Heath Braxton; later announces pregnancy and terminal illness before passing shortly after childbirth." |
| 13 August | "Paris Wells" | "Herself" | "Performs at Melbourne nightclub visited by Kyle Braxton." |
| 10 September–29 October | "Murray Granger" | "Christopher Stollery" | "Cult leader opposing members' departures; involved in conflicts leading to arrest." |
| 16 September | "Physio 1" | "Brett Clancy" | "Physical therapist treating Casey Braxton post-injury." |
| 17 September | "Physio 2" | "Bronwyn Chilvers" | "Physical therapist assisting with Casey Braxton's rehabilitation." |
| 19 September–17 October | "Robyn Sullivan" | "Alexandra Park" | "Attempts reconciliation with Chris Harrington; has brief relationship with Kyle Braxton." |
| 30 September–9 October | "Debbie Barrett" | "Olivia Pigeot" | "Mother of Andy and Josh Barrett involved in protecting Andy from legal consequences; later arrested after shooting incident." |
| 2 October | "Johnny Barrett" | "Stephen Anderton" | "Deceased father of Josh Barrett whose death involves Darryl Braxton and Adam Sharpe; paternity revelations affect family dynamics." |
| 14 October | "Freya Lund" | "Ellie Gall" | "Cult member providing insight into experiences at Sanctuary Lodge." |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away site
- Full cast list at the Internet Movie Database
- Spencer Harrington profile on the Official AU Home and Away site