Tim Coleman (Home and Away)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Entertainment |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Soap opera |
| Website | 7plus |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This section outlines the characters introduced throughout 2008, all under the supervision of series producer Cameron Welsh. The show's 21st season commenced on 28 January 2008. Notable arrivals include the lead character Martin Bartlett (played by Bob Baines) in February; in March, Trent Dalzell joined as Axel Hay, David Downer portrayed Ross Buckton, and Celeste Dodwell took on the role of Melody Jones; April saw Tessa James introduced as Nicole Franklin; May brought in Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis as Jai Fernandez and Oliver Phillips respectively; June featured Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds playing Charlie and Ruby Buckton; July included Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano cast as Angelo Rosetta and Elliot Gillen; while November welcomed David Jones-Roberts as Xavier Austin.
Martin Bartlett
Martin Bartlett, enacted by Bob Baines, made his first appearance on 12 February 2008. He is a seasoned Science educator at Summer Bay High who steps into the role of deputy principal following Donald Fisher’s departure. After Johnny Cooper stabs Sally Fletcher, Martin is promoted to principal by the school board.
Early in his leadership, Martin hires Jazz Curtis as his secretary after she coerces him regarding an illegal fight involving Ric Dalby; however, he later dismisses Jazz in favor of Kirsty Sutherland. Martin develops feelings for Kirsty, who declines his advances and becomes involved with Miles Copeland. Upon discovering Kirsty’s work as an escort at the Sands resort—a place Martin himself frequents—he terminates her employment, causing friction with Miles, especially after Martin reveals he has been secretly supporting Kirsty financially.
Martin’s narrative also covers his response when Kirsty’s son, Oliver Phillips, fractures his arm while under Martin’s supervision, reflecting Martin’s empathy stemming from being raised by a single mother. During a senior formal event organized by Martin, Kane Phillips crashes a vehicle into the venue, resulting in Martin sustaining broken ribs. Both men recover following hospital treatment.
He later arranges a commemorative trek in memory of Dan Baker, which turns perilous when Trey Palmer plants a bomb on the bus—fortunately defused by Hugo Austin. The cumulative pressure leads Martin to depart on a cruise, appointing Gina Austin as acting principal.
Axel Hay
Axel Hay, played by Trent Dalzell, appeared on-screen starting 19 March 2008.
Before Axel’s departure from the series, he and Jai Fernandez (Jordan Rodrigues) are struck by a drunk driver, Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson), who then flees the accident site. Actor Todd Lasance, portraying Aden Jefferies, explained that Axel sustains severe injuries requiring hospitalization while Jai escapes mostly unscathed. Both boys have limited recollection of the crash but remember seeing a silver estate car, prompting Aden to suspect his father.
Axel is introduced as a fellow student alongside Aden. At a party hosted by Nicole Franklin (Tessa James), Axel behaves inappropriately towards Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey) and later attempts to assault Melody Jones (Celeste Dodwell). After Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis) uncovers this behavior, he confronts Axel, who later is found injured on the beach by Belle following an assault. Axel refuses to cooperate with law enforcement, casting suspicion on Geoff and Aden; however, Belle identifies Aden's involvement due to his indifferent reaction. Axel’s standing deteriorates as a result; he apologizes to Melody and forms a friendship with Jai. Ultimately, Axel succumbs to injuries from the hit-and-run caused by Aden's father and subsequently appears as a hallucination haunting Melody’s nightmares.
Ross Buckton
Ross Michael Buckton, portrayed by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008. Serving as a police officer in Yabbie Creek, Ross leads the investigation into the murder of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik), conducting interviews with principal suspects such as Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) and Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon). Despite Ross's attempts to charge Jack and Martha Holden, Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) establishes that Sam's death was self-inflicted, resulting in Ross dropping the case.
Ross and Morag revive a previous romantic connection, facing obstacles including Ross's secrecy about his wife Elsie's passing and initial resistance from his daughter Charlie, who eventually accepts Morag. Ross proposes marriage, and they wed in a private ceremony before setting off on their honeymoon in Europe.
Upon their return, Ross begins showing signs of memory loss and stress. After disappearing twice and revisiting a previously closed cold case, Dr. Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) diagnoses him with Alzheimer's disease. Following a hazardous incident at home, Ross consents to move into care, with Morag by his side.
When Grant Bledcoe's (Clayton Watson) body is uncovered, suspicion falls on Charlie, leading to her suspension. Ross admits to killing Grant years earlier as retribution for raping Charlie during their youth. He faces murder charges and awaits trial but passes away in 2011; his funeral is held in Summer Bay.
Melody Jones
Melody Jones, brought to life by Celeste Dodwell, was cast in December 2007 after completing her drama Higher School Certificate (HSC). Dodwell initially auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin, which was ultimately given to Tessa James. Her agent then presented her with Melody’s character description, which captured her interest. Dodwell later departed the show to pursue drama studies in the United Kingdom.
Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin, played by Tessa James, first appeared on 18 April 2008. Announced earlier that year in January, Executive Producer Cameron Welsh praised James as "an exciting talent" with a character designed to resonate with viewers. James relocated to Sydney for the role, viewing it as valuable experience for her acting career. Fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell had originally tried out for Nicole.
Nicole’s storylines include reigniting romance on a desert island and enduring captivity, underscoring her dramatic presence. Inside Soap described her as a "flighty minx from the city," while the Daily Record labeled her a "fiery favourite." TV Week recognized James as one of the series’ most promising actresses, suggesting she was primed for Hollywood opportunities.
Jai Fernandez
Jai Fernandez, portrayed by Jordan Rodrigues, debuted on 19 May 2008. Transitioning from theatre to television, Rodrigues described this role as an entirely new experience and welcomed audience recognition. Jai’s backstory involves losing his entire family during the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, forging a connection with established character Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart), who also endured family loss. This bond prompts Miles to bring Jai to Summer Bay, though their relationship is tense due to past abandonment issues. Rodrigues highlighted Jai’s anger and struggle to adjust to life in the coastal town.
In 2009, Rodrigues exited the series to join ABC’s Dance Academy. His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 2009 Logie Awards.
Jai is introduced at an urban shelter where Miles discovers him. Initially aloof, Jai eventually accepts Miles’ invitation to relocate to Summer Bay. Socially challenged, he befriends fellow outsider Axel Hay (Trent Dalzell). After Axel dies in a scooter accident caused by a drunk driver, Jai becomes reckless, feeling invulnerable. This leads him into dangerous behavior culminating in a romantic relationship with Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best), despite initial objections from guardians Miles and Irene Roberts.
The couple encounters difficulties including Annie being trapped in a storm drain and harassment from Trey Palmer (Luke Bracey). When Trey falsely accuses another character of sexual assault, Jai uses confidential information to compel Trey to withdraw the allegations.
Their relationship deteriorates after Jai drunkenly confesses a desire to sleep with Annie at a party. Soon after, an accidental shotgun wound occurs on Martha MacKenzie’s farm; Jai conceals his injury until collapsing during a school hike. He recovers but becomes upset when Annie shows interest in Dexter Walker (Tom Green).
Jai’s spirits lift when foster sibling Romeo Smith (Luke Mitchell) arrives; however, Romeo’s interest in Annie complicates matters further. Jai plans to participate in a student exchange program in Japan but initially withdraws to support Miles and Kirsty following a miscarriage. Ultimately, both Jai and Annie depart together for Japan after farewells.
Oliver Phillips
Oliver "Ollie" Phillips is the child of Kirsty Phillips and Kane Phillips. His initial appearance occurs when Irene Roberts picks him up after he develops a fever, which necessitates hospital care. Despite efforts from medical staff and law enforcement, Ollie remains uncommunicative. Kane, who is on the run from the police, secretly visits Ollie before Kirsty removes him from the hospital to escape following Kane's botched robbery attempt. The subsequent police pursuit concludes with Kane's capture.
Ollie and Kirsty reside with Irene, but Ollie's actions create friction by revealing Belle Taylor's romantic involvement and interfering with her professional life. Subsequently, Kirsty relocates them to a caravan park close to her former residence. Miles Copeland offers them accommodation in his home, establishing a family unit alongside Miles and Jai.
After Kane is released from prison, Ollie recognizes him and requests that he keep his presence confidential; however, Kane reveals himself enthusiastically. Kane briefly reconnects with his family before relationship difficulties lead to their return to Summer Bay. Ollie feels distressed when Kane departs permanently but is relieved to be back in the bay.
Kirsty later becomes pregnant and informs Ollie, who embraces the prospect of having a sibling. Following a miscarriage, Ollie meets his grandmother Shelley Sutherland, who brings them back to live with the family in the city.
Charlie Buckton
Charlie Buckton made her first appearance on 6 June 2008, portrayed by Esther Anderson, a former model cast to bring additional "sex appeal" to Home and Away. Anderson was an avid viewer of the show and expressed enthusiasm upon securing the role. She departed in November 2011 to pursue acting opportunities in Hollywood.
For her portrayal of Charlie, Anderson received nominations such as "Sexiest Female" at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and "Best Daytime Star" in 2010. That same year, she was nominated for "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television" and "Most Popular Actress" at the Logie Awards. The episode featuring Charlie’s death earned a nomination from the Australian Writers' Guild. Critics characterized Charlie as both a "sexy sergeant" and one of the soap's most appealing crime fighters.
Ruby Buckton
Ruby Buckton, played by Rebecca Breeds, first appeared on 20 June 2008. Created by executive producer Cameron Welsh, Ruby is portrayed as lighthearted but conceals her true emotions behind a resilient exterior. Mourning her mother's passing, she internalizes her grief, presenting herself as self-reliant and reserved. Breeds emphasized Ruby’s strength and dedication to family, highlighting her spirited and confident demeanor.
In June 2012, Breeds filmed her concluding scenes and exited Home and Away. Although still under contract and unable to elaborate on her departure, she confirmed Ruby’s storyline continued beyond her exit. Breeds received a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 51st Logie Awards (2009) and was later nominated for "Most Popular Actress" in 2010. Additionally, she earned a nomination for "Best Daytime Star" at the 2012 Inside Soap Awards.
One significant storyline involved Ruby coping with her father's illness, including a memorable prank involving Skype and skinny-dipping that showcased the character’s mix of vulnerability and playful spirit.
Angelo Rosetta
Angelo Rosetta, brought to life by Luke Jacobz, made his first appearance on 8 July 2008. Jacobz was cast in June 2008, shortly after the cancellation of McLeod's Daughters, where he had a recurring role. Prior to landing this part, he had intended to work as a labourer in Sydney. Initially signed on for a six-month tenure, Jacobz departed the series in early 2011, with his concluding scenes broadcast several months afterward. The official site characterizes Angelo as originating from a tightly bonded family with three brothers and initially perceived as brash and unlikely to succeed.
For his role as Angelo, Jacobz received nominations for 'Most Popular Actor' at the 2010 Logie Awards and "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards in 2010.
Elliot Gillen
Elliot Gillen, portrayed by Paul Pantano, featured on Home and Away from 8 July until 26 August 2008. Introduced by Cameron Welsh, Elliot’s narrative revolves around his quest for vengeance against Roman Harris, whom he holds responsible for his brother Mark’s demise during an SAS mission in Afghanistan.
Elliot arrives in Summer Bay intent on revenge, manipulating Roman by courting his daughter Nicole Franklin and engineering perilous scenarios. He kidnaps Nicole, compelling Roman to follow his demands through a ransom video and a sequence of lethal traps. The situation intensifies when Elliot wounds Geoff Campbell with a speargun and leaves both Geoff and Nicole stranded at sea.
Roman endures Elliot’s psychological assaults, including being shot with an arrow and surviving an explosion from a mine, before ultimately subduing Elliot and having him taken into custody. While detained, Roman reveals the actual circumstances of Mark’s death: Mark had threatened their squad’s surrender, prompting Roman to shoot him to prevent further danger; subsequently, Mark was captured and killed by enemy forces. This revelation leads Elliot to disclose Nicole’s whereabouts. Elliot faces charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.
Pantano’s performance was highlighted in Digital Spy coverage, emphasizing the character’s intense and dramatic storyline within the series.
Xavier Austin
Xavier Austin, enacted by David Jones-Roberts, first appeared on 20 November 2008 and exited on 3 July 2012 when his character relocated permanently to Goulburn. Jones-Roberts earned the role after undergoing four auditions, describing the eventual casting as "all the more awesome" given the wait. He received news of securing the part while surfing, via a payphone call. The soap opera website Holy Soap identified Xavier’s most memorable moment as witnessing Brendan cause a severe car crash involving a catapult.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Role Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 January–11 February | Aaron Copeland | Timothy Walter | Father to Sally Fletcher and Miles Copeland. Appears in flashbacks that reveal a troubled marriage marked by alcoholism and abuse. After fleeing with Miles, he discovers his wife has died and attempts to regain custody of Sally but ultimately decides she is better off with her foster family. Aaron dies in 2000 due to complications related to alcoholism. |
| 11 February | Diana Wilson | Uncredited | Sally and Miles’ deceased mother; her troubled marriage with Aaron ended prior to her death in a boating accident. |
| 11 February | Mrs Keating | Uncredited | Diana Wilson’s mother and grandmother to Sally and Miles; depicted residing in a care facility suffering from Alzheimer's disease. |
| 18 February–23 August 2010 | Anasthesist | Philip Dodd | Hospital anesthetist attending key characters following serious injuries. |
| 28 February–23 May | Gavin Johnson | Daniel Feuerriegel | Editor of Coastal News; interacts with staff members and influences storylines involving principal characters such as Belle Taylor and Aden Jefferies. |
| 4 March–13 June | Cara Phillips | Holly Robinson | Schoolmate engaged in storylines related to academic life affecting main characters. |
| 18 March | Steve Bradford | Nicholas Holland | Donor presenting Leah Patterson-Baker with a $100,000 cheque in appreciation for her late husband’s heroic actions. |
| 20 March–16 April | Joe Stephens | Terence Hepburn | Bartender involved in subplots concerning Sam Holden’s death and issues related to drug use. |
| 25 March–12 May | Logan Roth | Radek Jonak | Associate of antagonist Johnny Cooper; participates in illegal underground fighting impacting Ric Dalby. |
| 10 April–27 January 2009 | Matthew Lyons | Ross Pirelli | Year 9 student known for bullying behavior that affects several peers. |
| 14 April | Britt Grey | Meagan Drury | Estranged sister of Sam Holden who assumes custody of her nephew amid family difficulties. |
| 6–13 May | Danielle Hay | Katrina Risteska | Axel Hay’s sister involved in school conflicts influencing main characters. |
| 7 May–26 February 2009 | Christine Jones | Elizabeth Alexander (actress) | Melody Jones’ mother; central figure in narratives addressing mental health challenges and family disputes. |
| 19 May | Peter Randall | Richard Gyoerffy | Operator of a youth refuge; provides background on Jai Fernandez’s history. |
| 30 May | Jamie Cooper | Shardyn Fahey-Leigh | Child character overcoming fears through guidance provided by Jack Holden. |
| 12 June–5 November 2012 | Georgina Watson | Jaclyn Albergoni | Police officer involved in significant law enforcement storylines; promoted following a colleague's death. |
| 14 June–27 August | Jimmy Crawford | Adam Booth | Psychiatric patient whose interactions affect hospital staff and community events. |
| 20–27 June | Pat Jenkins | Lachlan Buchanan | Ruby Buckton’s boyfriend whose relationship causes tension leading to his exit. |
| 11 July | Mrs. Hay | Amelia Longhurst | Mother mourning the loss of her son Axel Hay following a car accident. |
| Daisy Alexander | Jessica Smith | University roommate providing support to Matilda Hunter during personal struggles. | |
| Nathan Cunningham | Andrew Lees (actor) | Resident advisor at university involved in student-related dynamics. | |
| Edward Jones | Errol Henderson | Husband of Christine Jones; father managing family mental health issues amid separation. | |
| Bridget Simmons | Joy Smithers | Central figure in a high-profile con artist storyline affecting local businesses and residents, culminating in legal repercussions. | |
| Earl Pincus | Alan Cinis | Homeless man with brief interactions impacting community members. | |
| Murray Buchanan | Ben Tari | Council employee involved in an environmental cover-up linked to local development corruption. | |
| Tim Coleman | Keiran Darcy-Smith | Developer engaged in criminal activities including murder and manipulation affecting multiple characters. | |
| Natalie Franklin | Adrienne Pickering | Former girlfriend and maternal figure navigating strained family relationships and personal challenges. | |
| Brian Lawler | Ric Herbert | Antagonist involved in blackmail, kidnapping, and criminal plots impacting key residents leading to arrest. | |
| Eric "Nobby" Nobbes | Mark Casamento | Criminal associate caught up in covert investigations resulting in his suspicious death. |
External links
- Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away website
- Cast and characters on the Official UK Home and Away website
- Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database