Tasha must choose between her father and Summer Bay. Josie is torn between conflicting emotions.
IAN OSBOURNE (ANDREW McFARLANE)
Second appearance, last seen in Episode #3849. Agreed to see Tasha, acting cold and emotionless in a ploy to save her from becoming the same as his other children.
STAFFORD McRAE (ROHAN NICHOL)
Return appearance, last seen in Episode #3860. Was privy to Josie’s confrontation with Ian.
ASSISTANT (AMANDA WENBAN)
Oversaw Tasha’s screening procedure prior to her meeting with Ian.
NURSE (NOT CREDITED)
Administered Tasha’s DNA swab.
> Ian reveals he has one other daughter and two sons.
Extended Summary
Tasha has decided she’s ready to meet her father – much to the consternation of Irene who tries to persuade her against it. But Tasha’s mind is made up.
Josie and Jesse are surfing a wave of pandemonium before the opening of the Club. Josie’s stressing out more than is necessary, while Jesse is keeping things as light as possible. Their relationship is going strong. He assures Hayley that the opening won’t affect it at all.
When Irene calls to tell Josie about Tasha’s desire to meet her father, Josie is stricken with fear. She tries to persuade Tasha against the move but is unsuccessful. She pleads with Osborne not to do anything that would jeopardise her relationship with Tasha. He promises nothing, but agrees to the meeting with Tasha and Irene…not Josie; she’s out of his life. He rings Irene and alerts her to the plan he’s created. He asks her to go along with it; it’s the best thing for Tasha.
When Irene and Tasha arrive at his house, Tasha is put through a series of rigorous and demeaning tests; DNA; Intelligence and fitness. It confirms she is Osborne’s daughter. But far from welcoming her with open arms (as Tasha expected), he bullies her in the most verbally abusive way possible. When it comes to the question of her joining his family, he demands she cut all links with the past; no more Summer Bay and no more Irene. An emotionally devastated Tasha makes the choice based on love…and loses a father.
Despite his outward impassivity and ruthlessness, Osborne is hurting inside. This is his daughter and he knows if he was to let her near his world, she would be destroyed. In effect, he’s being cruel to be kind. It hurts to know that he’s letting go of the one positive thing that’s come out of his life – Tasha – and one of the most long-term special people in his life; Josie.
Back in Summer Bay, Tasha tells Josie that she no longer has a father. Josie (who is sad that Tasha is hurting, but happy that their relationship has been saved) takes the crying child into her arms and assures her that she has all of them; she has a family.