Ty Anderson (Home and Away)

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia

Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. This list highlights characters introduced in 2018, all brought in under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The series' 31st season started broadcasting on 29 January 2018. In February, Dean Thompson and Colby Thorne were introduced. April saw the arrival of Lance Salisbury and Ebony Harding, followed by Ty Anderson in May. Chelsea Campbell made her debut in September, with Dean’s mother, Karen Thompson, appearing in October. November brought Simone Bedford and Bella Nixon into the storyline.

Dean Thompson

Dean Thompson, portrayed by Patrick O'Connor, made his first appearance on 1 February 2018. O'Connor began filming five months prior to the public announcement of his casting on 13 January 2018. Before landing the role of Dean, he had auditioned for other parts within Home and Away, marking this as his acting debut. O'Connor commented that Home and Away serves as a significant platform for emerging actors and expressed enthusiasm about playing a River Boy—a notable group since 2011—allowing him to embody a legacy "bad boy" character. Jonathon Moran from The Daily Telegraph described Dean as "the new bad boy of Summer Bay." O'Connor characterized Dean as "cheeky" and an Australian Football League (AFL) enthusiast, appreciating that the character sports tattoos, which he personally desired.

Colby Thorne

Colby Thorne, enacted by Tim Franklin, debuted on 6 February 2018. Franklin’s casting was confirmed in December 2017 after filming scenes at Palm Beach, the show's outdoor set. Receiving news of securing the role on his 27th birthday, Franklin called it "the best gift." Colby is depicted as a police constable whose challenging childhood influenced his decision to join law enforcement. Previously affiliated with the River Boys surf gang, Colby also becomes romantically involved with Jasmine Delaney.

Lance Salisbury

Lance Salisbury, played by Angus McLaren, first appeared on 17 April 2018. His casting was announced shortly before his debut, with McLaren expressing excitement about joining the cast and reuniting with former colleague James Stewart. Lance serves as an Australian Federal Police (AFP) agent and is Robbo’s closest friend. He supports Robbo through amnesia and investigates related cases to pursue justice.

After Robbo arrives at an AFP facility, Lance assists him in recovering his identity as Ryan Shaw, a federal agent whose family was killed amid a corruption investigation. Robbo had been undercover in Summer Bay to protect Kat Chapman. Following confirmation of Robbo’s memory loss, Lance returns his possessions and informs him that all charges are dropped, encouraging him to consider rejoining the AFP. Although Robbo declines field assignments, Lance suggests he become an instructor instead. Later, they collaborate on a smuggling case, with Lance conducting a background check on Ebony Harding.

Lance returns for Robbo’s pre-wedding dinner and notices Jasmine Delaney appears uneasy. On the wedding day, Lance arranges protective custody for Robbo, Jasmine, and Tori Morgan due to threats from those responsible for Robbo’s family tragedy. He reinstates Robbo into the AFP and stays with Tori at a safe house before resuming fieldwork. Ultimately, Lance is killed by the Ouroboros Gang as a warning aimed at deterring Robbo from testifying.

Ebony Harding

Ebony Harding (also known as Easton), portrayed by Cariba Heine, made her first appearance on 19 April 2018. Heine landed the role after submitting an audition tape while abroad. Ebony was introduced as an antagonist driven by vengeance against the residents of Summer Bay, linked to the abduction of Justin Morgan's daughter, Ava Gilbert. Her narrative is also connected to the criminal Boyd Easton.

Ebony infiltrates Northern Districts Hospital under the guise of a doctor, searching for her brother Boyd, who has since passed away. Alongside her mother, Hazel Easton, she pledges retribution. Ebony targets police constable Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), responsible for shooting Boyd, attempting to gain his trust while undermining his personal relationships and professional standing. She further threatens Justin Morgan’s enterprise by orchestrating a car crash, coercing a $30,000 compensation and securing employment at Salt restaurant.

Through manipulation of Colby’s acquaintances, Ebony exposes his former gang ties to the media, resulting in his suspension. She flirts with Colby’s housemate Robbo (Jake Ryan), poisoning him under Hazel’s directives but ultimately sparing his life. Ebony intensifies her plot by planting incriminating evidence to fracture relationships and rendering Colby unconscious with a muscle relaxant injection.

Pretending innocence, Ebony frames Robbo for Hazel’s murder and flees, believing she has fatally harmed Colby. After he recovers, Ebony ensnares him in a trap, attempting to immolate him before law enforcement intervenes and arrests her.

Ty Anderson

Ty Anderson, played by Darius Williams, debuted on 7 May 2018. Williams was signed on for a six-month contract commencing filming in October 2017. Ty is the first openly gay character introduced to Home and Away since 2009, reflecting the show's initiative to engage with current social themes. Raised by foster carers John Palmer and Marilyn Chambers, Ty develops meaningful connections with Raffy Morrison and Ryder Jackson during his stay in Summer Bay. Following his exit on 15 August 2018, Williams expressed enthusiasm about potentially returning to explore further developments.

Ty arrives in Summer Bay following his grandfather's illness and stays with John and Marilyn. Initially aloof and uninterested, he clashes with Raffy Morrison but gradually forms a bond that leads to dating. His friendship with Ryder deepens when he confesses romantic feelings, causing tension and prompting Ty to withdraw temporarily. After being rescued from an accident, Ty comes out as gay to John and Marilyn, who offer support despite Raffy's initial feelings of betrayal.

In efforts to mend his relationship with Raffy, Ty confronts challenges including bullying at school and a panic attack. Encouraged by friends, he gains acceptance among peers after Ryder plays his music over the school's public address system. On his sixteenth birthday, Ty faces family dilemmas by initially refusing to meet his mother but later reconciles before departing Summer Bay.

Ty's storyline emphasizes themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and foster care dynamics, enhancing Home and Away's commitment to representing diverse social issues.

Chelsea Campbell

Chelsea Campbell, portrayed by Ashleigh Brewer, premiered on 18 September 2018. Brewer was cast while residing in Los Angeles and initially committed for six months but declined an extension due to relocation plans with her partner. Chelsea is introduced as a senior constable connected to established characters; described as "extremely nice" yet capable of stirring conflict. A TV Soap columnist labeled her a "sassy cop," praising Brewer's casting as invigorating for Home and Away.

Chelsea arrives at Summer Bay Caravan Park quickly garnering attention, particularly from Dean Thompson, whose advances she declines. She reunites with former partner Colby Thorne at the police station where their complicated history resurfaces. Despite disputes over Colby's gang past, they share moments of reconciliation while collaborating professionally under Sergeant Phillip McCarthy.

Chelsea plays a pivotal role in locating missing teenagers and managing personal challenges related to Colby's troubled background. Their engagement encounters familial resistance—especially from Chelsea’s father Neil Campbell—who disapproves of Colby and attempts to exploit knowledge about his missing sister Bella Nixon. Upon learning of Colby's stepfather Ross Nixon's involvement in his parents' deaths, Chelsea calls off the engagement and requests a transfer.

Although separated, Colby convinces Chelsea to stay temporarily; they plan relocating together to the city. After Chelsea's acceptance into a detective training program, they expedite wedding preparations culminating in marriage in Mangrove River.

The couple faces further adversity when Ross kidnaps Chelsea along with Willow and Bella, leading to a violent bush confrontation where Colby kills Ross. Struggling with reconciliation afterward, Chelsea returns her rings and leaves for the city before later sending divorce papers that finalize their separation.

Karen Thompson

Karen Thompson, portrayed by Georgia Adamson, first appeared on 4 October 2018. Introduced to deepen Dean Thompson's (Patrick O'Connor) backstory, Karen is depicted as having a tumultuous past involving violence and substance misuse, remaining an unstable presence in Dean's life. Her arrival precipitates major plotlines involving Dean’s emotional turmoil and behavioral challenges.

Karen makes recurring appearances throughout 2019, 2022, 2023, returning again in March 2025 alongside Dean and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). Her storyline explores family dysfunction and mental health struggles that significantly affect key characters while generating dramatic tension.

After Dean contacts her regarding a court date, Karen abruptly ends communication leading to Dean's decline. Upon arriving in Summer Bay exhibiting erratic conduct—helping herself to wine, clashing with residents like John Palmer (Shane Withington), and attempting escape following injury—she initially refuses psychiatric assistance. Her behavior escalates into violence against Dean and neglectful actions resulting in police custody. Diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, Karen later apologizes to Dean while disclosing vital family information impacting other characters such as Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin).

Her reintegration includes forming bonds at the caravan park with Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and unveiling family secrets concerning Dean’s father Rick Booth (Mark Lee). She confronts deception within family dynamics and cultivates rapport with Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir), Rick’s daughter. This connection leads to employment opportunities at Salt restaurant where Karen navigates workplace challenges related to her condition before securing a position at nearby Reefton Lakes—a step toward greater stability.

Simone Bedford

Simone Bedford, played by Emily Eskell, debuted on 15 November 2018. Eskell—a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art—secured her first significant television role on Home and Away after multiple auditions. Simone is introduced as a potential romantic interest for married Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood). A special-needs educator aspiring to become a chef, Simone is characterized as kind-hearted and well-meaning.

Simone wins a charity auction for a cooking lesson with Brody which initiates their professional and personal connection. Brody offers her a trial position at Salt restaurant where they develop rapport through cooking together. Despite initial friction with Brody's wife Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman), Simone's involvement with Brody evolves into an affair that ultimately ends his marriage; they depart Summer Bay together.

Upon returning to Summer Bay, Simone resumes work at Salt amid Brody's ongoing marriage; their affair continues despite disapproval from both Astoni and Morgan families locally. Simone transitions into a learning support teacher role at the local high school assisting students Bella Nixon and Raffy Morrison. Conflict arises when Ziggy confronts Simone leading Brody to declare love for Simone and end his marriage.

Facing community backlash—including graffiti branding Simone as a "homewrecker"—she resigns from teaching. Simone and Brody decide to leave Summer Bay; Brody lists Salt for sale while Simone secures new employment elsewhere. They organize Raffy's sixteenth birthday party but endure continued hostility from Ziggy’s relatives before selling Salt and relocating to Yarra Valley together. Two years later they announce expecting their first child.

Bella Nixon

Bella Nixon, portrayed by Courtney Miller, debuted on 26 November 2018 after being referenced onscreen prior to arrival announced in September casting news. Bella is revealed as the long-lost younger sister of Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), whom Colby has been searching for along with their father Ross Nixon (Justin Rosniak). Upon reunion, Bella—traumatized by her upbringing—initially threatens Colby with a crossbow due to her father’s negative portrayal of him. Miller described Bella as deeply affected by her difficult childhood circumstances. The role earned Miller a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 2019.

Others

... [Additional entries continue similarly condensed]

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role description
29 January	Nurse	Kate Boladian	Notifies Tori Morgan about inquiries concerning Kat Chapman, who was admitted following a traffic accident.
30 January	Odette	Romy Poulier	Pays Willow Harris to expose her unfaithful husband; seeks similar assistance for another friend.
1 February 2018 27 February 2020	Nurse Ruby	Christina Falsone	Hospital nurse assisting with patient care and security duties; initially credited simply as Nurse.
1 February	Devera	Mia Karaz	Mother of Kat Chapman, attends her funeral service.
1 February	Paulo	Christian Leiva Fuentes	Kat Chapman's brother present at funeral.
1 February	Minister	Richard Saunders	Officiates at Kat Chapman’s funeral.
1–22 February	Taz	Jerome Meyer	Member of River Boys aiding Martin Ashford in locating Robbo, involved in confrontations leading to arrest.
1–19 February	Bluey	Alex Jewson	River Boys member supporting Taz; participates in gym harassment incidents resulting in arrest.
1 February	Jimmy Tobias	Kyle Hazebroek	Provides information regarding Robbo’s location; narrowly avoids conflict with Martin Ashford.
8 February	Bushwalker	Adam Hedditch	Spots fugitive Robbo and notifies authorities.
8 February	Ambulance Officer Karen	Jerusha Sutton	Assists crash victims including Justin Morgan; rescues Alf Stewart.
12 February	Lauren	Lianne Mackessy	Deceased spouse of amnesiac Robbo, mother of Sophia and Lucas; family killed during home invasion.
12 February	Sophia	Ava Rose Bowen
12 February	Lucas	Luca Rochaix
19 February–13 June	Dr Callan	Virginie Laverdure	Oncologist administering chemotherapy/immunotherapy for Maggie Astoni’s high-grade B-cell lymphoma.
20–22 February	David	Jack Ellis	Stalker/former boyfriend of Jasmine Delaney, holds hostages before arrest.
26 February–17 May	Barry Johnson	Brad McMurray	Former employer of Dean Thompson, involved in workplace disputes; hires then dismisses Ben Astoni at local high school.
28 February, 12 March	Professor Pickford	Lisa Kay	Psychiatrist evaluating amnesiac Robbo, provides expert testimony during trial.
8–14 March	Joseph / Li Xue	Ishak Issa / Indiana Kwong	Joseph welcomes Mason Morgan at university; Li Xue assists Mason’s re-enrolment amid hospital suspension.
			14 March	Dr Lucas / Julian Wells	Grant Cartwright / Tahki Saul	Dr Lucas treats hallucinations experienced by Dean Thompson. Julian acts as solicitor advising Ben Astoni on court matters involving wife's health appointments.
20–21 March 2018, 26 August 2020	Ambo Ken	Joshua Morton			Paramedic assisting injured characters including Martin Ashford, later tending chemical burns sustained by Justin Morgan.
			21 March	Lisa Petrov	Kate Williams	Lawyer representing Robbo, dismissed after suggesting an insanity defense he rejects.
22 March–4 April	Kurt Adams / Theresa Clarke / Gordon	Tiriel Mora / Debbie Zukerman / Haris Mirza	Kurt serves as lawyer managing Robbo's high-profile case; Theresa works as administrative assistant at Summer Bay High; Gordon partners with Raffy Morrison on class project.
	3–4 April	Samantha Woodhouse / Prosecutor / Magistrate / Court Officer / Foreperson / Dr Lucy Dobson	Charlotte Cashion / Lucy Bell / Richie Singer / Ben Dalton / Karina Bracken / Danielle Baynes	Federal agent undercover journalist arrests Robbo; legal officials oversee trial proceedings; Dr Dobson treats Ziggy Astoni during stem cell therapy complications.
		3 April–25 June	Hazel Easton	Genevieve Lemon	Mother of Boyd Easton involved in ransom demands/revenge plot culminating in death orchestrated by daughter Ebony framing Robbo.
16 April		Herself (Newsreader)	Natalie Barr	Broadcasts appeal for missing child Ava Gilbert.
18 April	Nurse	Adeline Lee	Assists stem cell collection from Ziggy Astoni.
19 April	Police Officer	Murray Scarce	Participates in raid searching Hazel Easton's property for Ava Gilbert.
30 April	Rick	Ben Purser	Supervises new employee Ben Astoni; advises on workplace conduct encouraging social interaction among staff.
3 May	Dominic Pfeiffer	Uncredited	NSW Fair Trading inspector evaluates Summer Bay Auto following vehicle accident tied to safety concerns.
7 May–4 July	Catherine	Lisbeth Kennelly	Foster care caseworker managing Ty Anderson’s placement monitoring wellbeing/family interactions.
9–10 May	Gus	Alex Nicholas	Boat operator involved unloading illicit goods; conflict results in police intervention after altercation involving Hunter King/Robbo.
23–24 May	Jason	Elijah Williams	AFP recruit interacting with Robbo during training seeking mentorship regarding law enforcement career path.
23 May	Trainer	Steve Willis	Fitness instructor overseeing AFP recruits' physical assessments intensifying training for Robbo's specialist preparation.
31 May–13 September	Dempsey Blackwood	Sophie Don	Meets Mason Morgan at singles event developing relationship complicated by pregnancy scare/miscarriage/termination decision.
31 May	Raj / Suz	Bali Padda / Bianca Magistro	Paired respectively with Olivia Fraser Richards/Hunter King during singles night without romantic outcomes.