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Vicki Baxter

From Alfawiki
Martha Stewart
OccupationFictional character
Years active1989, 2018–present
Known forHome and Away

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart was initially introduced between 25 January and 13 February 1989, with Alison Mulvaney portraying the character. Presented through flashbacks as Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) first spouse, Martha reappeared on 27 March 2018, this time played by Belinda Giblin, who had previously featured in the show as Cynthia Ross in 1991. Ray Meagher recommended Giblin for the role, describing her as "the ideal candidate." Martha holds the distinction of having the longest interval between appearances on Home and Away.

Her return coincided with the series' 30th anniversary, revealing that Martha had survived despite being presumed drowned in 1985. Alf confides in their daughter Roo Stewart that Martha left because of her unhappiness, motivating Roo to search for her mother. Eventually, Martha comes back to Summer Bay and reestablishes connections with both Alf and Roo. This narrative delves into Martha’s experience with borderline personality disorder (BPD), which contributed to her anxiety and estrangement from her family.

Martha was wed to Alf Stewart and is the mother of their daughter, Ruth "Roo" Stewart. Although initially thought to have died following a sailing mishap, flashbacks reveal Martha's awareness of Roo's true parentage. Years later, Alf discloses that Martha is alive, prompting her return and a slow rebuilding of relationships with Roo and Alf.

Upon returning, Martha faces challenges related to her BPD but pursues treatment. She embarks on a romantic relationship with Alf, who eventually proposes; they marry and maintain their bond while Martha continues to manage her home and studio in Merimbula. This situation occasionally causes friction as Alf wishes for her to sell the property, whereas Martha considers it essential for coping with her condition.

Martha also reveals she has a son, Kieran Baldivis, whom she had kept hidden out of fear of jeopardizing her family life. After Kieran reaches out to her, she introduces him to Alf and Roo, acknowledging the complexities involved in their dynamic.

Currently, Martha resides in Merimbula with Alf visiting regularly, balancing her mental health requirements alongside family responsibilities.

Vicki Baxter

Vicki Baxter, played by Nana Coburn, made her debut on 22 February 1989. Coburn’s father, Norman Coburn, appeared in the series as Donald Fisher, the headmaster. David Brown from TV Week characterized Vicki as "Summer Bay's local troublemaker." Although Coburn initially disliked portraying a character who was unpopular, she grew to appreciate the role and appeared intermittently until she filmed her concluding scenes in June 1990. She particularly enjoyed filming a fight sequence with Dannii Minogue near the end of her stint.

Vicki serves as an antagonist within Steven Matheson's class at Summer Bay High, bullying fellow students Carly Morris and Viv Newton while frequently clashing with Emma Jackson. After teacher Grant Mitchell rejects Vicki’s romantic interest, she falsely accuses him of sexual harassment, leading to his suspension. Emma compels Vicki to admit the truth, resulting in Grant’s reinstatement. Subsequently, Vicki frames Emma for stealing exam papers, which leads to Emma’s expulsion. Steven and Paul Jensen team up with Vicki’s cousin Anna to uncover Vicki’s manipulations, ultimately causing Vicki’s expulsion from school.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher, portrayed by Jane Hall, made her initial appearance on 3 April 1989 as the daughter of Donald Fisher, the school principal. During her visit to Summer Bay, she becomes romantically involved with Steven Matheson. The producers observed a compelling dynamic between Hall and Adam Willits, leading them to contemplate occasional returns for the character. In 1994, the role was recast with Danielle Carter for a seven-week period, followed by Belinda Emmett taking over in 1996. Emmett’s performance garnered her a Logie Award nomination for Most Popular New Talent in 1997, and subsequent nominations for Most Popular Actress in 1998 and 1999, as well as a Gold Logie nomination.

Marilyn Chambers

Marilyn Chambers, brought to life by Emily Symons, first appeared on 18 May 1989. Symons departed in 1992 but rejoined the cast from 1995 until 1999. Initially, Dannii Minogue auditioned for Marilyn but was instead cast as Emma Jackson, while Symons assumed the role of Marilyn. Holy Soap characterized Marilyn as a "bubbly" and "dizzy blonde beautician."

Duncan Stewart

Duncan Stewart was introduced on 14 June 1989, with Brendan McKensy portraying the character. McKensy’s work earned him a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 1999 Inside Soap Awards.

Adam Cameron

Adam Cameron, enacted by Mat Stevenson, debuted on screen on 28 June 1989. Stevenson, who had previously guest-starred on rival soap Neighbours, relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this role. He exited the series in 1994. Stevenson described Adam as somewhat of a "layabout," favoring relaxation over responsibility but capable of kindness. An Inside Soap columnist referred to Adam as a "former joker" with a "happy-go-lucky" disposition. Stevenson returned briefly in 1999 and expressed interest in resuming full-time work on the show, noting minimal changes had occurred.

Viv Newton

Viv Newton, portrayed by Mouche Phillips, first appeared on 5 July 1989 and departed on 25 May 1990. Phillips began filming soon after Justine Clarke left the series. In an interview with Look-in, she mentioned enjoying staying active on set, often making it difficult for others to find her because she was rarely where expected.

Emma Jackson

Emma Jackson, played by Dannii Minogue, made her debut on 22 September 1989 and exited on 22 August 1990. Minogue originally auditioned for the role of Marilyn Chambers but was cast as Emma instead. After one year, she left to focus on her music career. Despite rumors suggesting a return for the show's twentieth anniversary in 2008, Minogue did not appear. She received a nomination for "Most Popular Actress on Australian Television" at the 1989 Logie Awards. Holy Soap listed her among Home and Away's "Sexiest girls ever."

Others

11 September || Doctor Williamson, played by David Whitford, diagnoses Tom Fletcher with intracerebral haematoma.| 18–21 September || Ian McTavish, enacted by Noel Trevarthen, is a Scottish explorer searching for the "Summer Bay Bunyip"; departs after discovering it was a hoax involving Martin Dibble dressed up.| 20 September || Samantha Walker, played by Fiona Shannon, is a youth worker informing Ailsa Stewart about niece Emma Jackson’s wish to live with her amid family estrangement.| 11–12 October || Millicent Staples, portrayed by Julie Haseler, is a wealthy young woman who books a charter cruise with Adam Cameron but abandons him on an isolated island under false pretenses.| 11 October || Henry Whiting, played by Patrick Ward, owns a local hot dog stand sold to Celia Stewart after Lance Smart and Martin Dibble decline purchase.| 25 October || Sylvia Wilson, enacted by Marie Armstrong, is Rex Wilson’s wife seen during council debates over hot dog stand closure impacting Martin Dibble.| 26 October–15 November || Rory Heywood, portrayed by Gregor Jordan, arrives under false identity seeking Fletcher family; annoys locals before being killed by shark prompting Adam Cameron’s revenge efforts.| 30 October–2 November||| Mick, played by Bruce Samazan, is Andrew Foley’s friend whose drug addiction causes conflict with Stacey Macklin before leaving town.| 31 October||| Chas, enacted by Richard Huggett, is a skilled pool player hustled by Mick who warns friends Lance Smart and Martin Dibble against gambling.| 17 November||| Rosemary White, portrayed by Zoe Bertram, is Rory Heywood’s sister revealing his true identity following his death.| 21 November 1989–22 January 1990||| Zac Burgess, played by Mark Conroy, is a shark hunter demanding high fees; exposes illegal dumping attracting sharks; pursues Pippa Fletcher causing marital strain before being exposed and exiting town after conflict with Tom Fletcher.| 12 December||| Drew Howard, enacted by Ignatius Jones, is producer working with Marilyn Chambers on game show "Cheap Shots"; attempts embarrassment tactics against Lance Smart and Martin Dibble but is outsmarted by Marilyn.|
Date(s) Character Actor Circumstances
25 January Les Palmer Graham Lancaster Les is Celia Stewart’s deceased fiancé featured in flashbacks from 1970 when Bobby Simpson reads Martha Stewart's diary. Les and Celia had planned to marry before his death in the Vietnam War.
26 January–16 March Nicholas Walsh Robert Taylor Nicholas visits Summer Bay revealing his engagement to Stacey Macklin; he conspires with Stacey's father to acquire the caravan park. After falsely accusing Roo Stewart of sending poison pen letters, he assaults Stacey but is stopped by Tom Fletcher.
1 February–5 September Kim Patterson Jacqui Townsend Kim, Alison Patterson’s younger sister, attends Summer Bay Primary and discovers Morag Bellingham’s memoir manuscript alongside Sally Fletcher. She challenges Sally's assertion regarding the "Summer Bay Bunyip."
13 February–20 March Richard Bellingham John Bonney Husband of Morag Bellingham for twenty years; their separation follows revelations about Morag’s motherhood of Bobby Simpson. He cautions Roo Stewart against Morag before departing.
20 February–21 November James Donahue Richard Morgan Journalist from The Daily Star investigating Morag Bellingham’s secrets; manipulates Celia Stewart for information and persuades Lance Smart to fabricate a shark sighting.
22 February–5 April Leanne Dunn Kylie Foster Leanne dates Martin Dibble while struggling with illiteracy; after a violent incident, she leaves Martin for her ex-boyfriend Meat Axe.
1 March–12 November Enid Jan Oxenbould Friend of Celia Stewart who participates in a town meeting concerning a killer shark near the beach.
8 March Nola Dibble Denise Roberts Mother of Martin Dibble; appears when Martin introduces Leanne Dunn to his family.
8 March Scott Dibble Uncredited Brother of Martin Dibble present at a family gathering.
8 March Errol Dibble Uncredited Another brother of Martin Dibble appearing alongside family members.
21 March–24 May Nigel Taggart Gary Down Former assistant to Morag Bellingham who assists with her affairs; develops a friendship with Celia Stewart but rejects her romantic interest before leaving to pursue independence.
28 March Ross Maybury John Banas Talk-show host interviewing Donald Fisher and Bobby Simpson about Donald's son's novel and Morag Bellingham's maternal revelation that upsets Bobby.
4–5 April Meat Axe Joseph Dicker Leanne Dunn’s ex-boyfriend who fights Martin Dibble; leaves with Leanne after she ends her relationship with Martin.
18 April–17 August 1989,
8 September–23 October 1995		 Brian "Dodge" Forbes Kelly Dingwall Troublemaking foster child involved in theft and arson causing Philip Matheson's death; later imprisoned for murder, paroled in 1995; commits further crimes including framing Steven Matheson before disappearing following violent confrontation.
20 April–16 May Simon Yates Christopher Saunders Ex-convict working at Bayside diner who dates Roo Stewart despite warnings; framed for arson by Dodge Forbes; escapes but promises Alf Stewart repayment.
2–9 May Andrew Foley Senior Alan Tobin Estranged father seeking reconciliation with Andrew Foley before passing away; leaves an inheritance along with an apology.
10 May 1989 – 22 February 1990 Howard West Richard Rowe Childcare Services official managing foster placements and investigating abuse allegations involving Viv Newton’s family; revokes guardianship during Donald Fisher’s legal issues but reinstates it after his exoneration.
11 May Peter Braithwaite Ron Blanchard Insurance assessor examining Celia Stewart’s claim after her store fire; skeptical of inflated compensation requests.
18–29 May Kyoko Sakamoto Yuka Mitani Interpreter assisting Japanese clients visiting Macklin family business.
2–8 June Peter Bedford Bevan Wilson Investor in Macklin development initially unimpressed by Frank Morgan but persuaded by Martin Dibble to sign contract.
2 June Claire Bedford Linda Anning Wife of investor Peter Bedford attending dinner with Fletcher family.
8 June–18 July Flynn Mark McCann Labourer employed by Macklin corporation involved in strike resolved through Roo Stewart's negotiation; aids rescue efforts involving Marilyn Chambers.
13 June Jay Everett Andrew Doyle Motivational speaker temporarily managing Macklin office; positively influences Martin Dibble but fails to impact Roo Stewart due to personal concerns.
6 July–13 September Nina Olivera Raquel Suarstzman Friend of Stacey Macklin forming music group Image with Lance Smart, Martin Dibble, and Marilyn Chambers; departs for promotion in Los Angeles inviting Stacey later.
11 July Beulah Robyn Gurney Homeless woman supporting Viv Newton during her period living rough.
19 July Sgt. Col Baker Simon Westaway Questions Brian "Dodge" Forbes regarding stolen car incident; Steven Matheson falsely assumes responsibility.
21 July–1 August John Newton John Gregg Reverend and abusive father of Viv and Tammy Newton; confines Viv until rescued; custody battles ensue involving Child Services leading to his eventual relinquishment of custody rights.
27 July 1989 – 25 May 1990 Tammy Newton Katy Edwards Younger sister of Viv Newton manipulated by their father John; eventually reunites with mother Angela Newton after escaping abuse to start anew in Queensland.
9 August 1989 – 16 April 1990 Rex Wilson Barry Donnelly Uncle to Matt Wilson and local council member arranging Matt's job as beach inspector; closes Andrew Foley's advice centre before resigning due to health concerns.
9 August Freddie Hudson Mark Arbib Student visiting Andrew Foley’s Youth advice centre at Bayside diner.
18–31 August Ross Keating James Gleeson Estranged uncle of Sally Keating seeking custody but ultimately respects her choice to stay with Fletchers before leaving town with wife Louise.
23–31 August Louise Keating Felicity Soper Wife of Ross Keating and aunt to Sally Fletcher; unable to have children due to illness, supports Sally’s decision to remain with Fletchers.
29 August 1989,
23 March 1990		 Len Baxter Uncredited
Damian Cudmore		 Father of Vicki Baxter who reacts strongly against sexual molestation allegations toward teacher Grant Mitchell later proven false.
29 August–10 November Danny Farnsworth Justin Connor Son of Gordon Farnsworth seeking revenge against Morag Bellingham for sentencing his father; works as her assistant while threatening and holding her hostage before fleeing after intervention by Bobby Simpson and Donald Fisher.
30 August 1989 – 8 July 1996 Chris Hale John Meillon Jr. Police constable involved in numerous investigations including arrests and accidental hit-and-run causing Shane Parrish's death; later confesses leading to suspension.
11 September


External links

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