Will Smith (Home and Away)

William Smith
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	1998–2002, 2003–2005, 2010–2011
Known for	Home and Away

William Smith is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, brought to life by actor Zac Drayson. His debut occurred on 13 February 1998, with a consistent presence from 1998 through 2002. Following this, Will appeared sporadically until 2005 and made a comeback in 2010 accompanied by his daughter. The character’s narrative concluded on 7 February 2011 when he was unveiled as the killer of Penn Graham. He exited the show on 8 February 2011.

Casting

Initially, Zac Drayson was cast to play Tom Nash, but producers decided to assign him the more rugged role of Will instead. Drayson portrayed Will for four years until the character left Summer Bay after marrying Gypsy Nash (Kimberley Cooper). Between 2003 and 2005, he returned for several guest stints.

In September 2010, Drayson reprised his role, rejoining Home and Away. His return was facilitated through a personal connection with one of the producers. Although Drayson mentioned he would stay on the series for a significant duration, no long-term contract was established. Will came back alongside his daughter, Lily, to visit their former foster carer Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) amid difficulties in his marriage. Drayson explained that Will and Gypsy were experiencing a challenging period and were taking time apart rather than divorcing. He described rejoining the cast as "like coming home."

Character development

Will was first introduced as a "hot-headed troublemaker" arriving in the Bay to reconnect with his siblings, Hayley (Rebecca Hewitt) and Nick (Chris Egan). Over time, his character mellowed into what was regarded as a "decent guy" by the time he departed Summer Bay. Will took up employment with Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) and obtained his coxswain’s licence. He also developed a strong relationship with Irene Roberts, living alongside her and his siblings at the Beach House.

When returning in 2010, it was revealed that Will’s marriage to Gypsy had ended due to growing apart. He came back to Summer Bay to reconnect with Irene and was now characterized as a "devoted father" committed to his daughter Lily. Nevertheless, moments of his temper still surfaced occasionally. Actor Drayson remarked: "I enjoy portraying Will. He’s rougher around the edges now, more confused, and finds himself in more trouble. He strives to be a good dad but often gets lost in his own struggles like many people."

Following the murder of Penn Graham (Christian Clark), Will became one of the suspects. He later hinted to Robert Robertson (Socrattis Otto) that Alf might have been involved. However, Will possessed knowledge he withheld and subsequently fled. Drayson explained: "Will is aware of more regarding Penn’s death than he admits. His accusation against Alf was untrue—his reasons remain unclear. He could be shielding himself or someone else, but he definitely has secrets." Despite Irene urging him to make the right choice, Will faced significant mental turmoil. Drayson added: "Will is under enormous stress, unable to think clearly while confronting difficult decisions. Lily means everything to him; he wants to be a good father but often handles things poorly. He’s completely overwhelmed."

Storylines

Will's background is marked by family turmoil; his father, Ken (Anthony Phelan), struggled with alcoholism, while his mother, Eve (Robin Gibbes), exhibited violent behavior and was institutionalized. After fleeing from foster care, Will encounters Damian Roberts (Matt Doran), discovering that his mother Irene frequently took in children. Claiming that Damian permitted him to stay, Will arrives in Summer Bay. He attempts to bring his family back together, focusing on reuniting with his siblings Hayley and Nick. He encourages Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright) to move out and tries to drive a wedge between Irene and Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han), but these efforts fail as Hayley and Nick are content in foster care. Ultimately, Will apologizes and agrees to live with Irene, reluctantly returning to school where he befriends Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark).

Will develops an interest in Gypsy, whose father Joel Nash (David Woodley)—the new PE teacher—initially clashes with him but later supports his participation on the javelin team. Their relationship encounters several obstacles, including jealousy and misunderstandings; however, Joel eventually helps clear Will of theft accusations.

The bond between Will and Gypsy is tested repeatedly: they become locked inside the school overnight after sneaking out and experience conflict over intimacy issues. Gypsy grows jealous when Will spends time with a new girl—later revealed as his sister Hayley, who left foster care to live with him. When Joey is diagnosed with schizophrenia, Will stands by Irene during the difficult period. While Irene is away, Will, Hayley, and Joey reside with Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn). Following Ailsa’s son Duncan framing Joey for theft, Will insists on taking Joey away with him. Nick arrives, fleeing from drug dealers and suffering a beating; Will urges Nick’s foster carers not to give up on him.

Will supports Gypsy through her battle with alcoholism after she is kidnapped by David D'Angelo (Toni Poli). He dates Peta Janossi (Aleetza Wood), covering for her following her grandmother’s death until Irene arranges for Peta to live with the Nashes. Still emotionally attached to Gypsy, Will ends things with Peta and reunites with Gypsy. His father Ken returns sober and eventually gains custody of Nick; Will accepts Ken’s transformation and they develop a strong relationship.

After discovering that Gypsy cheated on him with the wealthy Charlie Nicholas (Toby Schmitz), Will vandalizes the school field and is sentenced to community service. He pursues Dani Sutherland (Tammin Sursok), but their relationship suffers due to Tara Mills’ infatuation with him. Ken becomes engaged to Irene but dies tragically; Will blames himself for Ken’s death. Taking on the role of head of the household, Will leaves school to work as a deckhand for Alf, though Hayley and Nick resist his newfound authority until Irene intervenes.

Will’s romance with Dani deteriorates because of jealousy over Gypsy. After supporting Dani through her rape by Kane Phillips (Sam Atwell)—and admitting in court that Dani initially defended Kane—Will discovers he is the father of Gypsy’s unborn child. Dani finds out during Will’s trip to London; they briefly separate before reconciling. Ultimately, Will chooses to prioritize Gypsy, ending things permanently with Dani. Will and Gypsy reunite, become engaged, and have their daughter Lily during a roadside birth before relocating to Queensland near Gypsy’s family. Unable to secure a marriage license immediately, they hold an unofficial ceremony prior to legally marrying.

Will returns on several occasions: contemplating rekindling his relationship with Dani amid marital difficulties; reacting negatively upon Kane’s return; attending Hayley’s wedding to Noah Lawson (Beau Brady) where he reveals that his daughter Rachel wishes to be adopted by him and Gypsy—a request Jesse approves. He also appears at Alf’s 60th birthday celebration and Hayley’s aborted wedding to Kim Hyde (Chris Hemsworth). Returning with Lily following Penn Graham’s murder, it is revealed that Will was responsible for the killing in self-defense; he faces charges leaving his future uncertain.