1996 Set 5

First Episode: 2001 (2nd September 1996)
Last Episode: 2060 (22nd November 1996)

Added: Liam, Stephanie & Joey
Removed: Angel, Alex

In the first major revamp since the new style of titles were introduced, a number of changes were made in Episode 2001. The most noticeable was that the entire sequence, and theme tune, were shortened to around 50 seconds. The opening bars were scrapped, instead going straight into the first line of the vocals, and the second part of the chorus was also removed.

The set saw the removal of Angel Parrish, who had departed in the previous episode, and also Alex Bennett who had left the bay just over two weeks previously.

Having arrived in Summer Bay back in April, Liam Tanner was added for the first time, in a new shot alongside Stephanie Mboto, who had made her debut in May. The addition of Joey Rainbow, who had first appeared in June, completed the trio of new additions.

Several other characters were also given new shots and groupings. Sally was now hanging out washing with Pippa, with Shannon & Selina and Steven & Fisher also paired up. Sam moved into a new shot with Joey, whilst the non-tilted version of the Travis and Kelly pre-credit shot was reinstated from Set 4.

Selina and Sally’s old shot was also repurposed, being cut down to only show the gentleman at the end of their longboard, followed by the (somewhat iconic) surf lifesaving dinghy jumping a wave in the background. This would be used as the opening shot for the rest of the 90s. There was also a new, much wider, shot of the Home and Away signpost used as the titlecard.

The set also has a small anomaly, in that Stephanie’s name was not written in full upper case like all the other characters.