William Zannis

Home and Away

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television soap opera
Founded	January 17, 1988 (1988-01-17)
Headquarters	Australia
Website	7plus.com.au/home-and-away

Home and Away is a long-running Australian soap opera that premiered on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following section details characters who were introduced in 2017, listed according to their first appearance. Each character was brought into the series under the guidance of executive producer Lucy Addario. The show's 30th season commenced broadcast on 30 January 2017. The character Riley Hawkins made his debut in the episode following the season premiere. In May, Scarlett Snow was introduced. The Astoni family—comprising parents Ben and Maggie, along with their daughters Coco and Ziggy—were added to the cast in June. July saw the arrival of Robbo and Jennifer Dutton, while August marked the introduction of Beth Ellis. October featured the debut of Ryder Jackson, followed by Willow Harris in November, and finally Jasmine Delaney in December.

Riley Hawkins

Riley Hawkins, played by Ryan O'Kane, made his first appearance on-screen on 31 January 2017. Interestingly, O'Kane’s roommate, Rob Mills, also auditioned for this role; however, O'Kane ultimately secured the part. Riley is introduced as a surgeon and former romantic partner of Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) who performs an operation on her brother, Justin Morgan (James Stewart).

On his inaugural day at Northern Districts Hospital, Riley conducts surgery on Justin Morgan, who has been admitted with an infection. He confides in Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor) about his past relationship with Tori and expresses a desire to rekindle their romance, apologizing for previous unfaithfulness. Despite Nate's jealousy and warnings from Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood) after witnessing Riley flirt with Evelyn MacGuire (Philippa Northeast), Riley continues to pursue Tori, even inviting her to relocate to the city with him. Tori declines, choosing to remain with her family.

Subsequently, Riley manipulates Billie's medical records to falsely accuse Nate of negligence, which results in a formal complaint being lodged. Upon discovering Riley’s deceit, Tori terminates their relationship. Following a heated encounter at her residence involving Justin, Riley resigns from his hospital position and leaves the community.

Scarlett Snow

Scarlett Snow, brought to life by Tania Nolan, made her first appearance on 8 May 2017. At the time, Nolan was based in Los Angeles but traveled to Sydney for a screen test, which led to her securing a six-month contract. She described Scarlett as "somewhat enigmatic" with a painful history, a factor that influenced her decision to relocate to Sydney for the role.

In the narrative, Scarlett crosses paths with Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood) while he is evading the police. Initially detaining him, she later becomes a source of support during his struggle with drug addiction, involving his family and providing him with shelter. Scarlett is critical of Justin Morgan's (James Stewart) methods regarding Brody's recovery. After Brody relapses and commits theft, Scarlett is evicted by her landlord; Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) offers her a caravan and employment at his bait shop.

Scarlett faces intimidation from Bruno Addlen, who was hired by her estranged husband Caleb Snow to track her down. Thanks to financial aid from Brody’s family, she manages to pay off Bruno. She develops a close relationship with Justin's daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) and reveals that the death of her son Max Snow (Addison Price) caused the breakdown of her marriage.

Following an initial exit, Scarlett returns and forms a complicated bond with Justin, characterized by mutual support and emotional struggles linked to her past trauma. Their relationship encounters challenges, including Justin’s unresolved feelings for his former fiancée Phoebe Nicholson (Isabella Giovinazzo). Despite efforts to move forward together, Scarlett’s estranged husband Caleb Snow (Josh McConville) reappears, creating tension.

A significant event unfolds during a trip to a bush cabin when Scarlett suffers injuries in an explosion. This incident escalates the conflict between Justin and Caleb over Scarlett’s future. Ultimately, acknowledging the difficulties involved, Scarlett chooses to leave the Bay with Caleb, bringing her storyline to a close in October 2017.

Ziggy Astoni

Ziggy Astoni, portrayed by Sophie Dillman, was introduced on 20 June 2017. She is the eldest child of Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and Maggie Astoni (Kestie Morassi). The Astoni family marked the first nuclear family introduced in the series in 17 years, following the Sutherlands in 2000. Ziggy was depicted as a "rebellious teenager" and "wild child," serving as a potential romantic interest for Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood).

Ben Astoni

Ben Astoni, enacted by Rohan Nichol, also debuted on 20 June 2017. Nichol relocated from Melbourne to Manly to be nearer to the production site at Palm Beach. Ben arrives in Summer Bay alongside his wife Maggie and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy. The introduction of the Astoni family was a deliberate effort to reintroduce a traditional nuclear family dynamic after nearly two decades. Nichol characterized Ben as a devoted and relatable man deeply committed to his wife.

Maggie Astoni

Maggie Astoni, played by Kestie Morassi, first appeared on 21 June 2017. Morassi’s casting was announced earlier that year along with details about her character. She highlighted that the show's rapid filming pace was quite different from her previous film work. Maggie moves to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). The Astonis represent the first nuclear family added to the soap since the Sutherlands back in 2000.

Coco Astoni

Coco Astoni, portrayed by Anna Cocquerel, made her debut on 21 June 2017 as the youngest child of Ben and Maggie Astoni. This family’s arrival marked the reintroduction of a traditional nuclear family to the series after a 17-year hiatus. Coco was introduced as a potential romantic interest for VJ Patterson.

In December 2018, Cocquerel reduced her filming schedule to focus on completing her Year 12 studies, balancing her education alongside her acting commitments.

Coco’s storylines involved being suspended due to cyberbullying, experiencing tensions with her siblings, and relocating to Summer Bay at her parents’ behest to leave behind difficulties in the city. At Summer Bay High, she became a target of bullying, which led to an eating disorder characterized by episodes of bingeing and purging. This struggle resulted in hospitalisations and affected her friendships, but ultimately she confessed to having bulimia and received necessary support.

She formed close bonds with Raffy Morrison and Ryder Jackson, navigating the complexities of adolescent relationships marked by jealousy and breakups. Additionally, Coco provided emotional support to her mother Maggie during her cancer battle.

Coco acted as maid of honour at her sister Ziggy’s wedding and experienced various ups and downs in romantic relationships, including one with Ryder. Eventually, she decided to attend boarding school in Cairns, a decision that elicited mixed feelings within her family.

She made a brief return several months later for Raffy’s birthday celebration, where she confronted ongoing family issues and expressed doubts about Ziggy’s new romantic involvement before heading back to boarding school.

Robbo

Robbo (also known as John Doe), played by Jake Ryan, first appeared on 25 July 2017. Prior to filming, Ryan lost 13 kilograms and was cast to fill the "heart-throb" role left vacant by Darryl Braxton (Stephen Peacocke). Robbo was introduced as a handyman, AFP Federal Agent, and gym proprietor, becoming a central figure and love interest for Kat Chapman. The character was written out in early 2020; Ryan explained that his exit was due to the storyline reaching its natural conclusion.

Initially presented as an amnesiac called John Doe, Robbo is discovered hiding in a cove and subsequently taken under Alf Stewart’s care. Despite memory loss, he demonstrates skills indicative of law enforcement experience. His true identity gradually unfolds following incidents such as rescuing Raffy Morrison and confronting dangerous individuals.

Robbo’s backstory reveals that he is Beckett Reid, an undercover AFP officer whose real name is Ryan Shaw. His identity had been erased to safeguard his cover while investigating those responsible for his family’s murder. His assignment in Summer Bay was to protect Kat Chapman; however, his amnesia complicated his mission. After his arrest and trial, the AFP intervened to confirm his real identity and purpose.

Opting not to rejoin the AFP, Robbo purchased the local gym and began a relationship with Jasmine Delaney (Sam Frost). He consented to father a child with Tori Morgan through IVF; however, following Tori’s miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy without his knowledge, Robbo ended his engagement with Jasmine and departed from Summer Bay. The couple later reconciled and married.

Robbo’s storyline concluded with his death due to complications from a car accident. He appeared posthumously in a dream sequence involving Jasmine. His narrative explored themes of identity struggles, undercover operations, intricate relationships, and tragedy—significantly enriching the show’s dramatic depth and viewer engagement.

Jennifer Dutton

Jennifer Dutton, played by Brittany Santariga, made her first appearance on 27 July 2017. Cast in June 2017, she was introduced as a high school student who initially bullied Coco Astoni before developing a romantic interest in Hunter King. Santariga's portrayal attracted significant attention within the Summer Bay High community.

Jennifer's narrative centered around her antagonism toward Coco Astoni, including mocking her with an embarrassing nickname and tampering with her locker. After Raffy Morrison confronted her, both Jennifer and Coco faced suspension. Jennifer then exploited Coco’s eating disorder to secure a date with VJ Patterson, which caused tension between Coco and Raffy. Jennifer’s storyline also involved encouraging Raffy to overindulge in alcohol at a fashion launch event and taking part in Summer Bay’s Glow Day activities.

Her romantic arcs included flirtations and a short-lived relationship with Mason Morgan, which ended due to his unresolved grief over a previous loss. Later, Jennifer supported Hunter King following his breakup and began dating him, despite opposition from Olivia Fraser Richards. A university party led to conflict with her father Nick, prompting Jennifer to run away and move in with Hunter. After Alf Stewart evicted them for inappropriate conduct, Hunter ended their relationship, leaving Jennifer temporarily homeless before she reconciled with her father and ended things with Hunter.

Beth Ellis

Elizabeth "Beth" Ellis, portrayed by Anneliese Apps, debuted on 31 August 2017. Apps was cast soon after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She described Beth as "cheeky," "layered," and "quirky," emphasizing the character’s complexity and charm.

Beth entered the storyline as a love interest for Mason Morgan, with Apps highlighting Beth’s desire to support Mason because she saw parts of herself in him. Initially pretending to be a nurse to encourage Mason during his hospital stay, Beth later discloses that she is actually awaiting a heart transplant due to cardiomyopathy. This revelation strengthens their bond, leading to genuine friendship and romance.

Their relationship develops through shared experiences such as completing items on Beth’s bucket list and intimate moments including a dinner date and skinny dipping. However, Beth’s condition worsens; after fainting during an outing with Mason, she is hospitalized and moved higher on the transplant list.

Beth’s parents, Alan and Jackie Ellis, are introduced, creating conflict when Alan urges Mason to distance himself from Beth. Despite this pressure, Beth insists on continuing their relationship. Tragically, after Mason gives her a promise ring during a beach lunch, Beth suffers a fatal arrhythmia and passes away. Her death deeply affects Mason, who later experiences a vision encouraging him to move forward.

This storyline added emotional depth to the series by exploring themes of illness, love, and resilience within a competitive television environment.

Ryder Jackson

Ryder Jackson, portrayed by Lukas Radovich, first appeared on 25 October 2017. Radovich was cast shortly after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, marking his acting debut. Ryder is the son of Quinn Jackson (played by Lara Cox) and grandson of Alf Stewart (portrayed by Ray Meagher). His introduction includes breaking into the Surf Club and attempting theft from Hunter King and VJ Patterson, revealing his family connection to Alf Stewart. Ryder's reluctance to share Quinn's contact details raises concerns for his aunt Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker), who suspects he may have run away.

Willow Harris

Willow Harris (also known as Ranger), portrayed by Sarah Roberts, made her debut on 14 November 2017. Prior to this role, Roberts auditioned for the parts of Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow. She characterized Willow as a determined, self-reliant, loyal, and bold individual who frequently stirs up trouble and mischief in Summer Bay. Willow is depicted as a "bad girl" whose actions are driven by a desire to safeguard those she cares about. She swiftly becomes romantically involved with Justin Morgan.

Jasmine Delaney

Jasmine Delaney, played by Sam Frost, first appeared on 18 December 2017. Frost’s casting was revealed on 17 July 2017, following an audition invitation while she was participating in Hell's Kitchen Australia. Despite facing considerable competition, she secured the role after a second audition. Frost described this as her first acting role and expressed enthusiasm about joining a series she had watched growing up. Nonetheless, some actors criticized her casting as a publicity tactic. Jasmine’s initial storyline centers around a car accident that results in the death of Kat Chapman, portrayed by Pia Miller. Frost portrayed Jasmine as "reserved" with an underlying "nervous energy," concealing secrets and a "troubled history."

Additional Characters

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Role Description
31 January–23 November	Luc Patterson	Eva Lockyer, Piper Dickson, Annabel May Sealey, Tayari Gee, Archie Freeland, Sterling McKenna Foster, Anastasia Lee Hayes, Sierra Sila, Lucas Bowman	Luc is the daughter of Billie Ashford and Mick Jennings. Billie became pregnant following rape by Mick and allowed her boyfriend VJ Patterson to believe he was the father until their wedding day. After escaping a bushfire, Billie gave birth to Luc in hospital. VJ and Billie named her Luc, short for Lucinda, in honor of Billie's deceased brother. Mick abducted Luc but later returned her through his mother Irene Roberts. When Billie succumbed to terminal cancer holding Luc, VJ struggled emotionally and entrusted Irene with her care. Ashford sought temporary custody and won, taking Luc to live with himself, Kat Chapman, and his brother Patrick Stanwood. Patrick's PTSD created household tension; Luc became seriously ill with bowel torsion and septicaemia but recovered post-surgery. Mick returned but acknowledged he could not raise Luc; after Irene collapsed, Mick took Luc without informing others. Ashford kidnapped Mick in response, prompting Mick to apply for custody. Mick complicated Ashford’s case leading to VJ relocating abroad with Luc to Cyprus.
1 February–	Constable Corelli	Nick Cain	Supports Kat Chapman in investigating an arson case; subsequently uncovers CCTV footage showing Robbo being threatened at gunpoint by Dylan Carter.
2 February	Lactation Consultant	Gail Knight	Provides assistance to Billie Ashford in breastfeeding her newborn daughter.
23 February–1 May	Ambulance Officer	Rob Baird	Transports John Palmer and later Zac MacGuire to medical facilities following emergencies.
27 February–8 May	Patrick Stanwood	Luke McKenzie	Introduced as Billie and Martin Ashford’s brother presumed dead under the name Luke. After faking his death due to struggles with depression linked to military service, Patrick grapples with PTSD affecting his conduct. He ultimately forms a connection with his niece Luc Patterson and consents to seek treatment.

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External links

• Cast and characters on the Official AU Home and Away site
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database
• Ben Astoni featured on the Official AU Home and Away platform
• Coco Astoni profile on the Official AU Home and Away website
• Ziggy Astoni listed on the Official AU Home and Away portal

17–21 August