Wendy Collins
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television soap opera |
| Founded | January 17, 1988 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The characters introduced in 1999, during the tenure of executive producer John Holmes, are outlined below. The show's twelfth season started broadcasting on 11 January 1999. The first new character that year was Nick Smith, portrayed by Matt Juarez in March. His father, Ken, played by Anthony Phelan, appeared in April. Aleetza Wood joined the cast as Peta Janossi in May, followed by Cameron Welsh’s introduction as Mitch McColl in July. August saw the arrival of Bianca Zeboat and lifeguard Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson. Science educator Harry Reynolds, played by Justin Melvey, was added to the series in September. In October, Anna Hruby and Stephen James King were cast as acting principal Judith Ackroyd and her son, Edward Dunglass, respectively.
Nick Smith
Nick Smith made his first appearance on 18 March 1999, initially portrayed by Matt Guarez in a guest capacity. From 2000 onward, Chris Egan took over the role as a regular cast member until Nick’s departure on 9 September 2003. Additionally, Aaron Puckeridge portrayed Nick in flashback scenes during 2003. For his performance, Egan received a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the 2001 Logie Awards.
Peta Janossi
Peta Janossi, played by Aleetza Wood, debuted on 27 May 1999 and exited the series on 14 July 2000. Wood secured the role while still attending university. Series Producer Russell Webb selected her due to her "fresh-faced" appearance. Wood earned a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" in 2000 based on her portrayal.
Mitch McColl
Mitch McColl, enacted by Cameron Welsh, first appeared on-screen on 15 July 1999. Welsh initially auditioned for a guest role before being cast as Mitch. In 2000, after being diagnosed with a herniated disc, Welsh took a six-week hiatus; during this period, Mitchell McMahon temporarily assumed the role of Mitch. Welsh returned to the character on 3 April 2000. He later filmed a cameo for the serial’s milestone 4000th episode in 2005, marking Mitch’s return for Alf Stewart’s (Ray Meagher) birthday celebration. Subsequently, Welsh transitioned into a producer role for Home and Away, attributing his acting experience as Mitch to his enhanced understanding of production. His portrayal earned him a nomination for "Best New Male Talent" at the 2000 Logie Awards.
James Joyce from The Newcastle Herald remarked on Mitch’s memorable debut and highlighted the eagerly anticipated first kiss between Mitch and Hayley as a significant event that captivated viewers. A columnist from the Daily Record also included Mitch’s departure among notable television moments of the week.
Bianca Zeboat
Bianca Zeboat, portrayed by Lara Cox, was introduced on 11 August 1999. Cox landed this extended guest role shortly after completing work on Heartbreak High, appearing concurrently in both shows. She described Bianca as a "manipulative" and "unpleasant" character, which contrasted sharply with her previous role as Anita Scheppers. Bianca was depicted as confident and strong-willed; however, Cox personally did not favor the character. An Inside Soap writer commented that Bianca’s arrival at the Summer Bay Diner foreshadowed upcoming trouble.
Bianca is an actress and model aiming to secure the lead role in the film adaptation of Alan Fisher’s novel On the Crest of a Wave. Before filming begins, she arrives in Summer Bay and befriends Jesse McGregor (Ben Unwin) to gather information about the part. Jesse becomes infatuated with Bianca, viewing her both as a romantic interest and maternal figure. However, when director Roger Landowne (Tony Bonner) dismisses Bianca from the project and recasts her role, she immediately ends her relationship with Jesse and leaves Summer Bay.
Shauna Bradley
Shauna Bradley, portrayed by Kylie Watson, made her debut on 16 August 1999 and exited the series in July 2002. Watson secured the role shortly after returning to Canberra, despite initial hesitation about auditioning. This marked her first acting experience, leading her to undertake acting lessons to enhance her abilities. Her portrayal of Shauna earned her a nomination for Most Popular New Female Talent at the 2000 Logie Awards.
Shauna was characterized as "sassy" by Karman Kregloe of AfterEllen and described as "feisty" by The People. Author Andrew Mercado referred to her as a "sexy lifesaver." Inside Soap emphasized Shauna’s turbulent romance with Harry and highlighted the risks she took by becoming involved with Gavin. In 2012, Channel 5 featured an episode where Shauna confronts Margaret about her adoption in their viewer-voted "From Day One" selection.
Harry Reynolds
Harry Reynolds, brought to life by Justin Melvey, first appeared on 13 September 1999 and departed on 26 January 2001. Prior to joining the cast, Melvey concentrated on modelling and developing his acting craft. Upon landing the role, he relocated from Los Angeles to Australia. His work as Harry earned him the "Most Popular New Male Talent" Logie Award in 2000.
Judith Ackroyd
Judith Ackroyd, enacted by Anna Hruby, was featured from 21 October 1999 until 21 November 2000. Hruby had previously appeared in Prisoner Cell Block H. Judith took over as principal of Summer Bay High during Donald Fisher’s sabbatical. Though initially met with skepticism regarding her appointment, she quickly established herself as a respected professional.
Her son, Edward Dunglass, arrives carrying the inherited risk of Huntington's disease from his late father, Edward Dunglass Sr. Judith endures Edward’s rebellious streak and supports him through his diagnosis. She collaborates with Donald on his writing project and contends with student Gypsy Nash over disputes concerning school captaincy.
Edward’s relationship with Peta Janossi leads to a private marriage and shared living arrangement, which Judith cautiously accepts. After experiencing personal losses, Judith grows closer to Donald but eventually forms a relationship with Joel Nash. This partnership dissolves when Joel reunites with his ex-wife Natalie and moves to Queensland.
Judith later accepts a career opportunity in Switzerland, recommending Donald resume his role as principal and appointing Sally Fletcher as her replacement before leaving Summer Bay.
Edward Dunglass
Edward Dunglass, portrayed by Stephen James King, appeared between 28 October 1999 and 14 July 2000. King balanced his television role alongside high school commitments; this was his first TV appearance following theatre experience. He commended the seasoned cast for their support and noted that Edward’s distinctive goth style set him apart in Summer Bay, challenging the typical blonde surfer image.
Edward makes his entrance at the beach where Will Smith mocks his goth fashion, prompting Edward’s sarcastic retort. He gains respect after defending Duncan Stewart from bullies and impresses during go-kart trials before revealing that his mother is new principal Judith Ackroyd. Donald Fisher recognizes Edward’s late father, who succumbed to Huntington's disease, a condition Edward fears he may have inherited.
Edward quickly forms friendships with Peta Janossi and Mitch McColl, assisting Peta in honoring her late grandmother—an act that fuels local rumors about occult involvement. His candidness about his illness strains relationships with residents such as Alf and Ailsa. Seeking excitement amid uncertainty, Edward engages in risky behavior that concerns friends; following a breakup and reconciliation with Peta, they begin self-defense classes together.
As symptoms of Huntington’s manifest—muscle spasms and paralysis—Edward pursues an intense relationship with Peta. They hold a private wedding ceremony and decide to cohabit, supported by Judith but opposed by Peta’s foster father, Joel Nash. Tensions arise when they attempt to set up Judith with Donald and Joel.
Upon turning eighteen, Edward tests positive for Huntington’s disease. Initially rejecting this reality, he later comes to terms after viewing a video message from his deceased father. He removes his gothic makeup and requests access to his trust fund for travel plans with Peta. Judith arranges for them to stay with her sister in Rome. In the days leading up to their departure, Edward becomes irritable while Peta remains devoted. They leave Summer Bay together; a year later Will confirms that Edward’s condition is deteriorating.
Others
| Date(s) | Character | Actor | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January–3 March | Dr. Noble | Mariette Rups-Donnelly | Serves as psychiatrist for Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper) following her abduction and subsequently provides guidance to Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han) dealing with schizophrenia. |
| 14–25 January | Mr Gilkey | Ben Ager | Road rage driver who intimidates Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn) after a collision, insisting on payment despite her insurer being contacted. |
| 14 January–21 May | Troy | Lucas Sinkovic Luke Jacobz |
Classmate in Year 12 and cricket teammate of Tom Nash (Graeme Squires). |
| 18–19 January | Rhonda | Samantha Braniff | Employed as bait by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli) in the kidnapping of Joel Nash (David Woodley). |
| 21 January–10 February | Brian Matthews | Scott Swalwell | Companion to Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark) and Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright); participates in graffiti vandalism; dies due to a fall. |
| 3–12 February | Geraldine Peterson | Anna Lee | Member of The Wednesday Club, a local women's group; falsely claims credit for charity fundraising, leading to tension with Rebecca Nash (Belinda Emmett). |
| 5 February | Mo Matthews | Pat Sands | Father of Brian Matthews; discovers Brian and Sam Marshall tagging a tower. |
| 8–18 February | Kaia Stokes | Blazey Best | Provides support to Joey Rainbow during his schizophrenic episodes but departs when his hallucinations involving his deceased father intensify. |
| 19 February–6 October | Bob Playford | Tony Morgan | Real estate agent engaged by Diana Fraser (Kerry McGuire) to purchase and develop the caravan park; locals prevent development by buying the property themselves. |
| 4–23 March | Brooke Taylor | Bridie Carter | Sister of Mara Taylor; attracted to Travis Nash (Nic Testoni) due to his resemblance to her late fiancé; discloses family secrets before departing. |
| 4–5 March | Mara Taylor | Ann Burbrook | Brooke's sister; reckless boat operator who pursues Joel Nash unaware of his marital status. |
| 10–17 March | Denise Hennessy | Lauren Clair | Former prison cellmate of Kylie Burton; uses the false identity "Maggie Crowley"; evades police suspicion after visiting ex-fiancé Jesse McGregor. |
| 11 March | Eleanor Mace | Deborah Piper | Candidates interviewed by Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) for Byron Fisher's nanny position. |
| Patsy Little | Jillian O'Dowd | ||
| Skye | Karren Lewis | ||
| 16 March–11 May | Ellen Porter | Anne Grigg | Employed as nanny for Donald Fisher's newborn son Byron; has a manslaughter acquittal but earns Donald's confidence; leaves after revealing romantic feelings towards him. |
| 17–22 March | Jim Woods | Nick Hogan | Local police officer suspicious of Denise Hennessy; assists Will Smith regarding his brother Nick's drug problems. |
| 19–23 March | "Johnno" | "Josef Ber" | "Drug dealer pursuing Nick Smith over owed money; assaults Nick but ceases after considering the debt settled." |
| 24 March | "Ted Williams" | "Kim Knuckey" | "Foster father of Nick Smith; picks him up from the beach house." |
| 24 March 1999–26 April 2000 | "Wendy Williams" | "Monette Lee Lisa Cameron" |
"Foster mother to Nick Smith; returns him to live with his father Ken Smith following behavioral challenges." |
| 26 March–20 April | "Miranda Porter" | "Lauren Hewett" | "Daughter of Ellen Porter; HIV-positive student subjected to bullying at school; briefly dates Joey Rainbow." |
| 29 March–7 April | "Claire Andrews" | "Kate Beahan" | "Half-sister of Travis and Joel Nash; instigates family disputes, steals from Travis, then departs town." |
| 21 April–14 June | "Jack" | "Eamon Davern" | "Friend of Duncan Stewart; involved in an incident with a homemade bomb that injures Alf Stewart." |
| 4–5 May | "Organist" | "Gregg Arthur" | "Performs music at the wedding of James Fraser and Chloe Richards." |
| 7 May–19 August | "Wendy Collins" | "Jayne Leslie" | "Mother who, along with husband Steve, employs Justine Welles as a childminder; falsely accuses Justine of harming their daughter Ruby, resulting in wrongful imprisonment." |
| 11 May–19 August | "Steve Collins" | "Don Halbert" | "Husband to Wendy Collins; pressures his wife into blaming Justine for their daughter Ruby’s injuries." |
| 11–19 May | "Ruby Collins " | "Kiara Bleskas Tara McKellar Brittany Jones Sian Tierney" |
"Daughter of Steve and Wendy Collins; dies while under Justine Welles' care, leading to a wrongful conviction." |
| 24–25 May | "Guy North" | "Drayton Morley" | "Friend to Marilyn Fisher during her post-natal depression period; offers reassurance to Donald Fisher about Marilyn." |
| 3 June 1999, 8 November 2004 |
"Father O'Hearn" | "Alan Russell" | "Catholic priest conducting confessions and funeral services in Summer Bay." |
| 7 June–2 July | "Hope Benedict" | "Brooke Harmon" | "Member of church group pursued by Duncan Stewart, who is rejected due to inappropriate advances." |
| 9–23 June | "John Russell" | "John Moore Marbuck Khan (flashback)" |
"Teacher of Indigenous Studies at Summer Bay High; confronts racism issues and searches for estranged mother with assistance from Joel Nash." |
| 16 June–20 July | "David Janossi" | "Philip Edwards" | "Older sibling of Peta Janossi; leaves town after obtaining a city job amid concerns about welfare fraud." |
| 28 June–9 September | 'Roger Lansdowne' | 'Tony Bonner' | 'Film producer attempting to secure rights for Alan Fisher’s autobiography; manipulates locals before departing.' |
| 28 June | 'Reverend Lee' | 'Stewart Reade' | 'Officiates at Lachlan Fraser’s funeral.' |
| 28 June–19 July | 'Annie Matthews' | 'Carole Skinner' | 'Homeless woman impersonating Peta Janossi’s grandmother; reconciles with estranged daughter Frances Kennedy.' |
| 12 July–20 August | 'Angus Halliday' | 'Gabriel Andrews' | 'University peer of Sally Fletcher whose arrival sparks jealousy.' |
| 19 July | 'Frances Kennedy' | 'Alice Livingstone' | 'Estranged daughter of Annie Matthews who reunites with her mother.' |
| 28 July–26 August | 'Sharon Welles' | 'Shayne Francis' | 'Mother of Justine Welles; former addict whose confession leads to Justine’s conviction.' |
| 28 July–9 August | 'Leon Watson' | 'David Webb' | 'Attorney representing Justine Welles during her trial.' |
| 30 July–31 August | 'Jeff Berger' | 'Jonathon Speer' | 'Journalist offering payment for Sharon Welles’ confession concerning Justine.' |
| 6–9 August | 'Kelly McCane' | 'Laurie Foell' | 'Prosecutor in Justine Welles’ trial, conducting cross-examinations.' |
| 10–18 August | 'Gemma' | 'Alyssa McClelland' | 'Cellmate sharing a cell with Justine Welles.' |
| 23 August | 'Mrs. Brown' | 'Jan Merriman' | 'Wife of local farmer hosting teenagers for fruit picking.' |
| 24 August 1999–26 February 2000 | 'Jack Brown' | 'Paul Chubb' | 'Farmer employing local youth; faces family loss and environmental challenges leading to farm sale.' |
| 31 August–30 September | 'Anthony Doyle' | 'Kim Knuckey' | 'Dates Irene Roberts but ends relationship following foster son’s reckless joyride.' |
| 10–22 September | 'Jillian Williams' | 'Alexandra Davies' | 'Former flatmate stalking Shauna Bradley under an alias and framing Adam Cameron before being apprehended.' |
| 14 September | 'Darryl' | 'Jeremiah Tickell' | 'Shauna Bradley’s ex-boyfriend who vandalizes Adam Cameron’s vehicle.' |
| 23 September 1999–16 June 2003 | 'Ralph Patterson' | 'Alan Cinis' | 'Father of Vinnie Patterson involved in fraudulent activities affecting Vinnie’s life and legal issues.' |
| 27 September–8 October | 'Gazza Boyd' | 'Sebastian Huber' | 'Friend to Duncan Stewart who discovers money linked to fugitive David D’Angelo.' |
| 11–13 October | 'Lauren Healy' | 'Merridy Eastman' | 'Accomplice in kidnapping Duncan Stewart alongside David D’Angelo.' |
| 14 October 1999–24 March 2000 | 'Claire Rogers' | 'Talia Marmount Jaime Mears' |
'Student creating turmoil through false accusations and disputes among peers.' |
| 15 October 1999–21 February 2000 | 'Danielle McCarthy' | 'Claire Paradine' | 'Nursing Unit manager interested in James Fraser though relationship remains brief.' |
| 20 October 1999–5 April 2000 | Juliette Bellatti | Nicole Nabout | Nurse who develops a relationship with James Fraser before leaving Summer Bay. |
| 2 November 1999–31 January 2000 | Mick Dwyer | John Brumpton | Former criminal associate exerting pressure on Jesse McGregor into illegal acts resulting in an accident and arrest. |
| 3 November 1999–27 March 2000 | Rosemary Myers | Anita Bochnik | Student vying for school captaincy and protesting against a controversial newsletter. |
| 4–9 November | Christian | John Atkinson | Hitman hired by a US research firm attempting to assassinate Harry Reynolds, ultimately captured. |
| scope="row" 24 November 1999–2 February 2000 | Alison | Jenny Apostolou | Harry Reynolds' American ex-fiancé whose arrival complicates his relationships. |
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