Zoe McCallister

Home and Away

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

Home and Away is a longstanding Australian soap opera. Below is an overview of characters introduced in 2005, under the direction of series producer Julie McGuaran. The show’s 18th season premiered on the Seven Network on 10 January 2005. Initial new cast members included Emily Perry portraying Eve Jacobsen, Isaac Gorman as Ryan Baker, Sharni Vinson in the role of Cassie Turner, and Doug Scroope as Graham Walters. In June, Holly Brisley joined the cast playing Amanda Vale, Ryan’s mother. August saw the arrival of Todd Lasance as Aden Jefferies, along with the introduction of the Holden family: widower Tony (Jon Sivewright) and his sons Jack (Paul O'Brien) and Lucas (Rhys Wakefield)), while November brought in James Mitchell as Jonah Abraham and Linden Wilkinson as Mumma Rose.

Eve Jacobsen

Eve Jacobsen, also known by the alias Zoe McCallister, is played by Emily Perry and first appeared on 21 January 2005. Perry’s casting was announced in TV Week towards the end of 2004, having previously worked on the show as an extra. This role represented a notable advancement in her acting career.

Eve works as a psychiatric nurse who becomes involved in a sinister plot connected to her patient Sarah Lewis. After Sarah’s boyfriend dies from a drug overdose linked to her, Sarah enlists Eve’s help to exact revenge. Following Sarah’s killing of Noah Lawson and her own suicide attempt, Eve murders nurse Zoe McCallister and takes over her identity, launching a reign of terror throughout Summer Bay.

Her criminal acts include setting fires, causing a seaplane crash that results in a fatality, framing innocent individuals for her offenses, and repeatedly targeting central characters such as Sally Fletcher. Eve escalates her harassment with bomb threats and kidnappings, leading to intense clashes with Detective Peter Baker and others. Though she is believed dead after an explosion, she later reemerges under a new alias, continuing her vendetta until she ultimately dies in a gas explosion during Jack and Martha’s wedding.

The "Summer Bay Stalker" storyline featuring Eve earned nominations for "Best Storyline" at the 2006 and 2007 Inside Soap Awards. Critics praised the narrative for delivering gripping drama and recognized Eve as a standout villain, reflecting the series’ strategy to enhance audience engagement through high-intensity plotlines.

Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, portrayed by Isaac Gorman, made his first appearance on 16 March 2005. He remained on the show until 2007, with additional guest spots in 2008 and 2009. Gorman had previously appeared on Home and Away in 2002 as Riley Edwards.

Ryan arrives shortly before his father Dan's wedding to Leah Patterson, initially concealing his disapproval of Leah by engaging in disruptive acts such as damaging her wedding dress and burning invitations. After injuring Leah’s son VJ unintentionally, Ryan runs away but is found by his uncle Peter, who informs him that Dan will not reconcile with Amanda. Ryan then apologizes and returns to Amanda in America, later coming back briefly to serve as ring bearer at the wedding.

Concerned about Amanda’s influence on Ryan, Dan moves him into Leah’s care; however, following conflicts between Ryan and Leah, Amanda takes him back to Los Angeles. They eventually return to Summer Bay to live alongside Amanda’s daughter Belle Taylor, Ryan's half-sister. After Amanda becomes engaged to Peter but experiences marital difficulties, Ryan moves back with Dan and Leah. When Dan accepts employment overseas, Ryan resists relocating but eventually joins Amanda and Peter again.

Following Dan’s accidental death in America, Amanda and Ryan attend his memorial service. Ryan expresses uncertainty about his place within Leah and VJ’s family but receives reassurance. They later come back for Belle’s wedding and remain through her final days before she succumbs to cancer.

Isaac Gorman earned a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2006 Inside Soap Awards for his portrayal of Ryan.

Cassie Turner

Cassie Turner, played by Sharni Vinson, made her debut on 18 March 2005 and departed on 2 April 2008. Prior to this, Vinson had appeared in guest roles in 2001 and 2003 as different characters. In 2004, after auditioning for the part of Martha MacKenzie, she was ultimately cast as Cassie Turner. In July 2007, reports surfaced that Vinson planned to leave the series to explore opportunities in Los Angeles. By November, it was confirmed she had decided to exit for personal reasons, although the show initially withheld comment as Cassie's storyline continued into 2008.

Cassie was portrayed as "headstrong and fiercely independent," with a capacity to learn from her errors and nurture relationships. For this role, Vinson received a nomination for "Most Popular New Female Talent" at the 2006 Logie Awards. Media outlets described Cassie as a "sexy soap siren," and Vinson’s departure was seen as a loss that disappointed much of the show's male viewership.

Graham Walters

Graham Walters, enacted by Doug Scroope, first appeared on 22 April 2005 and exited following the character’s death on 3 March 2006.

Graham arrives in Summer Bay to celebrate his grandson Robbie Hunter's eighteenth birthday, revealing strained relations with his daughter Beth Hunter. He admits his distant demeanor is rooted in trauma from his Vietnam War experiences. After selling his farm, he aims to rebuild family connections. Graham becomes romantically involved with Amanda Vale, who had previously dated his grandson Scott Hunter. Despite family objections, Graham and Amanda marry.

Amanda’s manipulative nature becomes apparent as she avoids consummating their marriage and frequently leaves her son Ryan Baker in Graham’s care. Upon discovering Amanda’s affair with Josh West and her illicit activities, Graham enlists Morag Bellingham to expose Josh’s Project 56 scheme. During a confrontation, Graham suffers a heart attack; although Amanda calls for medical help, she ultimately abandons him. Declared brain dead, a dispute ensues over life support, leading Robbie to make the decision to switch off the machine, ending Graham’s life.

Amanda inherits Graham’s estate and holds a wake that is largely overshadowed by the Hunter family’s mourning. She later returns his war medals to Beth. Robbie admits to turning off the life support machine; he is found guilty but avoids incarceration.

Diesel Williams

Diesel Williams, portrayed by Marcus Jacometti, made his first appearance on 9 May 2005 and departed on 17 June 2005.

This role marked Jacometti's first acting job after completing Year 12, securing a contract for twenty episodes. To film the role, he commuted from Kingston, Tasmania to Sydney. Jacometti described the experience as thrilling yet intimidating, noting initial difficulties adjusting to fame while appreciating the support from fellow cast members. He described Diesel as someone who "falls for the wrong people, causes trouble, then leaves," noting some personal similarities with the character.

Diesel arrives at Summer Bay High School and is introduced by principal Barry Hyde to Sally Fletcher. His distinctive style leads to bullying from Jason Pappa and others who assume Diesel is gay based on a rose tattoo. To counter rumors, Diesel dates Matilda Hunter but confides in Cassie Turner that he lacks romantic interest in Matilda. Jason continues harassing him and eventually assaults him.

After revealing he is homeless due to conflicts with foster parents, Diesel moves in with Sally and her husband Flynn Saunders despite Flynn’s initial reluctance. Tensions between Diesel and Flynn escalate, prompting Diesel to move into a hostel arranged by Flynn.

Diesel falsely claims an affair with Sally and kisses her during tutoring sessions witnessed by Dan Baker. When Sally rejects him, Diesel accuses her of sexual harassment, resulting in her suspension. Attempts by Ric Dalby and Cassie to mediate fail as Diesel demands Sally admit she loves him before withdrawing allegations.

Diesel escalates matters by stealing Sally’s locket and fabricating emails incriminating her. Investigator Carl Summons uncovers evidence supporting Sally’s suspension. Under pressure from principal Barry Hyde, Diesel is urged to confess.

The conflict reaches a climax when Diesel takes Sally’s baby daughter hostage, threatening harm unless Sally admits love for him. Flynn intervenes during an escape attempt; Diesel is arrested and admits fabricating harassment claims against Sally. During a subsequent visit, he reveals his troubled background and unhealthy obsession; Sally acknowledges his pain but condemns his actions. Diesel apologizes and is committed for psychiatric treatment.

Amanda Vale

Amanda Vale, brought to life by Holly Brisley, made her first appearance on 30 June 2005 and remained until 2007, with short-lived returns in 2008 and 2009. Brisley characterized Amanda as a quintessential "attention-seeker" who skillfully manipulates those around her to fulfill her ambitions. During her 2009 comeback, the storyline was adapted to include Brisley’s real-life pregnancy. For this portrayal, she earned a nomination for "Best Bitch" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

Aden Jefferies

Aden Jefferies, portrayed by Todd Lasance, initially appeared on 4 August 2005 in a recurring capacity connected to Cassie Turner's narrative arcs. After originally auditioning for a different part, Lasance was elevated to the main cast in 2007. Although he signed with a Los Angeles agency in 2009, he continued with the show until completing his final scenes in January 2010. Lasance described Aden as "an absolute bad-arse," deliberately avoiding transforming him into a traditional hero figure. His performance garnered a "Best Bad Boy" nomination at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards and won him "Most Popular Actor" at the 2009 Logie Awards, followed by another nomination in 2010.

Jack Holden

Jack Holden, enacted by Paul O'Brien, debuted on 5 August 2005 and departed on 28 November 2008. O'Brien received several award nominations for this role, securing the 2006 Logie Award for "Most Popular New Male Talent." He was also shortlisted for "Most Popular Actor" in both 2007 and 2008. At the 2007 Inside Soap Awards, O'Brien and co-star Jodi Gordon were recognized for "Best Storyline" concerning Jack and Martha's wedding. In 2008, he gained nominations for "Best Actor," "Sexiest Male," and alongside Gordon for "Best Couple," as well as a nod for "Best On-Screen Partnership" at the inaugural Digital Spy Soap Awards.

Tony Holden

Tony Holden, played by Jon Sivewright, arrived on screen on 5 August 2005 and exited on 11 August 2010. By 2010, Sivewright stood as the joint second longest-serving male actor on the show. His departure coincided with co-star Amy Mathews’ exit, with producers determining it was an appropriate moment to conclude his character’s journey. Tony’s plotlines predominantly explored his mourning over the loss of his wife, girlfriend, and child. Known as a devoted "family man," Tony is depicted with qualities of kindness, understanding, and optimism. Significant story arcs include his decision to reverse a vasectomy to father children with his on-screen spouse Rachel Armstrong.

Lucas Holden

Lucas Holden, portrayed by Rhys Wakefield, first appeared on 5 August 2005 and left the series on 14 February 2008. Wakefield received a nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent at the 2006 Logie Awards due to this role. A critic described Lucas as a "stroppy lad," with several notable scenes involving Tony. In 2007, both Home and Away and the Seven Network were reprimanded by the ACMA for broadcasting teenage sexual content during episodes rated G, particularly episode 4358 which depicted Lucas and Belle deciding to engage in sexual activity. ACMA determined that this material was too explicit for its classification, underscoring the necessity of suitable content ratings in broadcasting policies.

Michael Abraham

Michael "Jonah" Abraham, portrayed by James Mitchell, made his debut on 4 November 2005. Mitchell joined the cast following his graduation from the NIDA in 2004, valuing the opportunity to gain professional experience through the role.

Michael is introduced as the son of Mumma Rose (Linden Wilkinson), who leads a cult known as "The Believers." The storyline surrounding this cult explored intricate themes such as manipulation and wrongful accusations, significantly affecting characters including Tasha Andrews (Isabel Lucas) and Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon). After a sequence of events culminating in his arrest, Michael was released on parole and returned under his original name. His history disclosed extensive brainwashing and infertility, which ultimately exonerated him from earlier charges.

Upon his return, Michael encountered antagonism but managed to find work as a farmhand for Bruce Campbell (Chris Haywood). His developing relationship with Martha MacKenzie faced difficulties, including jealousy and disputes involving her former husband Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien (actor)). Although they initially planned to leave together, Michael chose to depart alone after realizing he was secondary to Jack. This storyline highlighted themes of redemption and self-improvement within a competitive social context.

Mumma Rose

Mumma Rose (birth name Florence White), enacted by Linden Wilkinson, first appeared on 17 November 2005. Wilkinson had previously featured on the series as Katherine Walker in 1996.

As the leader of The Believers cult, Mumma Rose enlists her son, Jonah Abraham (James Mitchell), to persuade Tasha Andrews to join their ranks. Despite doubts from Tasha's friends and her boyfriend Robbie Hunter (Jason Smith), Mumma Rose manipulates circumstances to maintain dominance, including pushing Robbie into a river and confiscating Tasha's mobile phone to delay assistance.

When Rebecca Tate (Janneke Arent) tries to alert Robbie about Mumma Rose’s plan for Tasha to become "The Chosen One" and bear Jonah’s child, Mumma Rose orchestrates Rebecca’s abduction and denies any involvement when questioned by authorities. Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) pretends to be interested in joining The Believers in an attempt to rescue Tasha but is unable to collect sufficient evidence.

Mumma Rose administers drugs to Jonah and Tasha to enable impregnation without their awareness. After Jonah aids Tasha’s escape, they are recaptured, and Mumma Rose organizes a purification ritual involving fire. Tasha manages to turn the group against Mumma Rose, leading to her arrest; however, she manages to flee custody.

Several months later, Mumma Rose returns, taking Tasha and Martha hostage while trying to induce labor in Tasha. She kidnaps Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews) to force medical assistance but is sedated during Rachel’s unsuccessful rescue attempt. Following an anonymous tip, police apprehend Mumma Rose.

With assistance from Charity Fernbrook (Charlotte Gregg), Mumma Rose abducts Tasha’s newborn daughter, Ella Hunter, intending to perform a cleansing fire ritual. Charity alerts law enforcement, resulting in a hostage crisis. Mumma Rose is ultimately subdued after falling from a window ledge during the confrontation and is committed to a secure psychiatric institution.

A writer from the Daily Record described Mumma Rose as "sinister."

Others

Date(s)	Character	Actor	Context
11 January–31 March	Greg Hill	Alex Sideratos	Greg serves as a physician at Northern Districts Hospital, providing treatment to Leah Patterson after her appendix bursts and to Sally Fletcher following a fall and diagnosis of a blood clot.
13–28 January	Gus Phillips	Peter Lamb	Gus, Kane Phillips' estranged and abusive father, rescues Hayley Lawson from a fire but becomes entangled in debts and criminal activities, which results in Kane being falsely accused.
14 January–1 April	Marc Edwards	Christopher Hobbs	Arriving after a bushfire, Marc blackmails Josie Russell regarding her past and is ultimately killed during an altercation involving Eve Jacobsen.
18 January–1 March	Anna McMann	Andrea Moor	Anna holds the position of Administrator at Northern Districts Hospital, overseeing Flynn Saunders' surgical privileges amid concerns about his performance.
26 January–23 February	Greg Harvey	Steve Vella	Greg is an associate of Gus Phillips involved in criminal dealings, demanding repayment and implicating Kane in a robbery before admitting uncertainty.
26 January–12 September 2008	Lara Fitzgerald	Rebecca George	Lara works as a constable at Yabbie Creek Police, participating in various investigations and mentoring successors such as Charlie Buckton.
4–7 February	Benny "Red" Barron	Colin Borgonon	Benny operates a charter flight that crashes, resulting in his death.
17–25 February	Arthur Gordon	Alan McGuiness	Arthur uses an online dating connection with Colleen Smart to collect information for a local journalist assignment.
3–25 March	Lisa Stanniford	Zoe Tuckwell-Smith	Lisa's affair with Scott Hunter causes complications when her estranged husband Alan arrives; she eventually departs town alone.
7 March 2005 – 15 February 2017, 6 February 2020	Celebrant Claire	Mary Regan	A local celebrant officiating significant weddings and funerals over several years, including prominent community ceremonies.
12 March–9 April 2008	Darren McGrath	Kim Knuckey	Darren holds the role of Senior Constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station.
17 March	Alan Stanniford	Don Atkinson	Alan visits Summer Bay unaware of his wife Lisa's affair with Scott Hunter.
18 March–26 April	Joy Foxton	Elaine Lee	Joy organizes the revival of the "Miss Groper" pageant but suffers a fatal stroke amid conflicts with Colleen Smart.
28 March–16 September	Alison Free	Larisa Chen	Alison is a physician treating key patients including VJ Patterson and Flynn Saunders; she uncovers vital paternity information but dies before disclosing it.
6–12 April	Samantha Morton	Felicity King	Samantha briefly dates Robbie Hunter to incite jealousy in Tasha Andrews.
11 April–3 August	Clare Brody	Katrina Campbell	Clare serves as a Senior Detective investigating the Summer Bay Stalker; she reconciles with Peter Baker before relocating to the city amid controversy.
11 April 2005 – 30 May 2006	Dale Browning	Barry Shepherd	Dale manages a local storage facility connected to the Summer Bay stalker investigation, providing access to critical evidence.
15–26 April	Ben Foxton	Craig Elliot	Ben arrives following his mother Joy's stroke; revealed as abusive, he is removed after Cassie Turner reports him.
25 April	'Pauline Bennett'	'Beth Armstrong'	'Pauline, Cassie Turner's aunt, arrives with her children Carla and Liam after Joy Foxton's passing. Abuse allegations against Ben Foxton emerge.'
	'Carla Bennett'	'Ashleigh Johnson'	' '
	'Liam Bennett'	'Uncredited'	' '
3 May	'Zoe McCallister'	'Uncredited'	'Nurse Zoe is murdered by Eve Jacobsen, who assumes her identity to avoid detection; Zoe’s body is found by Matilda and Henry Hunter.'
9 May–7 June	'Jason Pappa'	'Joshua Biagi'	'Jason bullies Diesel Williams, leading to conflicts involving Ric Dalby and Sally Fletcher; he provides testimony during an investigation concerning Sally.'
20–23 May	'Jim Wallace'	'Harold Hopkins'	'Retired police officer Jim possesses crucial knowledge about Josie Russell’s past, initially assisting cover-ups but later relocates; his death remains unexplained.'
1–13 June	'Callan Sherman'	'Kain O'Keeffe'	'Callan, linked with Ric Dalby, pressures for money and threatens including attempting to drug Matilda Hunter; he escapes after exposure.'
7–16 June	'Carl Summons'	'John O'Hare'	'School inspector investigating allegations against Sally Fletcher; his inquiry results in Sally being stood down pending further action.'
9–10 June	'Mystery Man'	'Lleyton Hewitt'	'Attempts unsuccessfully to attract Hayley Lawson.'
10–14 June	'Terry Rawlings'	'Laurence Coy'	'Terry kidnaps Matilda Hunter and holds her captive; after her escape and his arrest, his personal tragedy is revealed as influencing his behavior.'
16 June–5 July	'Noelene Baker'	'Kris McQuade'	'Mother of Peter and Dan Baker; involved in wedding preparations amid family tensions rooted in cultural differences.'
24 June–14 July	'Troy Peters'	'Christian Willis'	'Chloe Richards’ ex-boyfriend stalks her and becomes a suspect in her death but is cleared; subsequent conflicts lead to assault charges.'
4–5 July	'Kevin Baker'	'Andy Anderson'	'Father of Peter and Dan Baker; reconciles with son Peter during Dan’s wedding events.'
22–23 July	'Judith Lane'	'Jane Fullerton Smith'	'Mediator in custody dispute over Olivia Richards between Irene Roberts and Diana Fraser.'
22–23 July	'Michael Maleto'	'Antony Grey'	'Attorney representing Diana Fraser in custody battle over Olivia Richards.'
3 August 2005 – 20 June 2006	'Kevin Green'	'Scott Hall-Watson'	'Physician at Northern Districts Hospital attending key patients including Morag Bellingham and Leah Patterson-Baker.'
9–24 August	'Tom Anderson'	'Don Halbert'	'Former partner of Kerry Hyde; visited by her son Kim during search efforts for Kerry.'
10 August	'Harry Chambers'	'Rodney Dobsen'	'Accuses Jack Holden of responsibility for his daughter’s death, sparking community dispute resolved by Jack’s explanation.'
12–25 August	'Leo Simms'	'Johann Walravan'	'Burglar involved in incidents with Robbie Hunter and Amanda Vale; dies accidentally after confrontation related to insurance fraud.'
15–23 August	'Lorraine Robertson'	'Gael Ballantyne'	"Barry Hyde’s sister who deceives Kim Hyde about family matters before revealing significant family secrets tied to past crimes."
23 August	'Brian Robertson'	'Paul Coolahan'	"Husband of Lorraine Robertson unaware of wife's involvement with the Hyde family."
2 September–1 November			"Probationary constable at Yabbie Creek Police Station engaged in investigations including Irene Roberts poisoning case; later arrested for criminal conduct."
9–13 September			"Aden Jefferies’ elder brother who assaults Ric Dalby and takes Flynn Saunders hostage; subsequently imprisoned."
18 September 2005 – 14 February 2006 27 September			"Doctor at Northern Districts Hospital who diagnoses Flynn Saunders’ terminal illness and attends his funeral."			"Local mayor framed by Josh West as part of political scheming."
	29 September 13 October–25 November			"Wife of Darren McGrath appearing socially at Noah's bar."			"Employee at nudist camp influencing Kim Hyde’s drug use leading to overdose."
19 October–8 November 25 October–25 November				"Hospital intern unwittingly involved in paternity test deception orchestrated by Amanda Vale."			"Newborn son of Hayley Lawson involved in paternity dispute resolved through medical testing; leaves Summer Bay with parents."
	28 October 2005 – 19 January 2006 28–29 October			"Bookmaker entangled with Dan Baker's gambling debts leading to kidnapping and hostage crises."			"Firearms dealer facilitating illegal gun purchase by Martha MacKenzie."
9–22 November 11 November 2005 – 19 March 2012				"Associate of Dudley Shepherd pressuring Dan Baker over debts."			"Physician at Northern Districts Hospital appearing during Flynn Saunders’ retirement announcement."
	11 November 2005 – 2 October 2006			"Member of The Believers cult involved in pivotal storylines including kidnapping and hostage situations surrounding Tasha Andrews."