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Also added to Colby's trauma, the abuse he and his mother suffered from Ross. He tried to do the 'right' thing by leaving it up to the police, even joining the force to help them rescue Bella and bring Ross to justice. But even that failed. He only found them with Dean's help when they went rogue - and they were staying nearby the whole time..he put his faith in the system but time and time again it failed. Even when Bella was rescued, Ross still got away yet again. He kidnapped the girls and was planning on murdering them(Willow was lucky to survive), he was not remorseful and was going to get away with it yet again.

Yeah that was disappointing. He could have left with Josie or Chloe. Poor Jesse ending up back in jail. I wish we got to see him again. Ben Unwin did quite acting I think after Jesse so they probably just scrapped any idea of bringing him back. It's a shame because it would have been good to bring him back, even if briefly... especially when Olivia returned ten years later.

Interesting...so with Irene leaving, will there be a bit more in the budget? I wonder what they'll do with that? More away trips..maybe more overseas ones...we got one in 98,201,2011,2014... I'd love if they did another - they were meant to go to NZ with the Parates..but covid..

Agreed. I don't know who brought Jesse back in 2002 or Steven and Marilyn in 1995 but I feel all three worked out really well. Even Sally's brief 2013, she integrated very well with new and old cast. Also, Marilyn and Roo's 2010 returns were also done very well.

Exactly. It is very unfortunate that the early years are basically forgotten.

If Michael wasn't killed off, I'd say it's highly likely him and Pippa would leave together as Debra and Dennis moved to Melbourne. However, if Michael wasn't killed off, they may have stayed a few more years. It probably sped up the process of Debra leaving

Unfortunately, I doubt they would. I don't expect them to bring anyone back but if they did, I doubt it'll be the early years. Arguably, this is bigger but it's a very different show. 2008 still felt like 'classic' Home and Away. We still had regular returnees and acknowledge of history as well as it's characters. I'd be delighted if they brought some early characters back. There's easily 2 dozen they could pick from. Even if it was one of two that would be good. I think it'll be a big event with only the current characters and a montage of Irene through the years.. probably a mention of her kids and a few other characters.

Yeah exactly. I think it was Ray that said "oh great, I'll have steady work for the next six months" of something along those lines. It's interesting a Home and Away was very, very close to being axed early on. "H&A was almost axed after just six weeks on air. However, the producers begged for an extra three weeks, which was just enough time for the ratings to improve. The rest is history…" I do love that story about the negotiation. Sounds like Seven were very keen to keep them considering they axed a lot of the older actors (and younger ones too).

Yes Ray has mentioned it in a few interviews. I think they wanted him to commit to two years and he agreed to one or something like that. But he also mentioned he thought it'll go for about six months.

I really liked Andrew..one of my favourite guest characters. He was on for so long so shame he never made the credits or stuck around longer.

Yeah 2000 we had the end of Bayside diner, big overhaul of characters including long term Sam and OG Ailsa. Had the introductions of the Sutherlands which would dominate storylines for the next 4+ years. As well as Leah's arrival. Oh yes ofc ha both marrying Marilyn and having a son with her (Byron died and Jett is in wheelchair due to injuries). They also had a illegitimate daughters - Bobby and Shandi. Both reluctant to be a father figure after falling out with their son (Alan/Trey) but ended up fostering Viv/Jett.

Alf, Sally, Don, Pippa, Ailsa, Irene, Morag, Marilyn, Brax, Leah/John Brax is noticeably shorter (approx 5 years in total) yet he's definitely the most iconic new character of the last 15 years. Him -as well as the rest of the Braxtons really defined that era of the show and even to this day in terms of more regular crime and gangs. I couldn't decide between Leah and John. Leah has been here since 2000 so really feels like the start of the new millennium. She's been through multiple eras. John does feel like this century's Donald Fisher to me. Both started as these nasty villians (and initial guest characters) that had a lot of power within the roles in the community, that eventually mellowed out and being foster parents. Both had neglected their son/stepson which leads to years of resentment and hatred.