Home and Away
Home and Away | |
---|---|
File:Home and Away Logo.jpg | |
Created by | Alan Bateman |
Starring | See Cast below |
Country of origin | Australia |
No. of episodes | 4487 (as of August 21st, 2007) |
Production | |
Running time | Approx 22 minutes per episode |
Original release | |
Network | Channel Seven |
Release | January 17 1988 – present |
Home and Away (commonly abbreviated to H&A) is a soap opera that has been produced in Sydney by the Seven Network since July 1987. The show first went to air on Sunday 17 January 1988 with a two hour pilot and from then it premiered as a weeknightly program the night after on Monday 18 January 1988 at 6 p.m. before Seven News which then aired at 6:30 p.m.. Home and Away has also aired at the 6:30 p.m. timeslot. However, from 1992 the 7 p.m. slot has been its stable time.
The show is broadcast on the Seven Network and its affiliates from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. in Australia and is exported to many countries including Ireland, New Zealand, Estonia, France, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and many Asian countries.
When the show began in January 1988 ratings were low but soon improved and gradually the show's popularity grew. Originally Home and Away focused primarily on the characters of Pippa and Tom Fletcher who ran the Summer Bay Caravan Park and lived there with a succession of foster children, but eventually the show's focus broadened to focus on the lives and loves of the inhabitants of the rest of Summer Bay.
History
In 1985, Seven Network axed the poor rating soap Neighbours; they continued producing that series for its remaining contract, ultimately producing 170 episodes. However Seven Network was unaware that Network Ten, a rival television network, was in talks with the production team to air the soap on their network in 1986. When Neighbours returned, on Ten, in 1986, it initially attracted low ratings.[1] The Network worked hard to publicise Neighbours[2] by revamping the show and adding several new, younger cast members, and they launched a concerted publicity drive largely focused on these new actors.[3] This paid off for Neighbours and its popularity grew; by the end of 1987 it was attracting high ratings in Australia.[4] In October 1986, Neighbours started being broadcast in the UK, where it began to attract strong viewing figures. From about 1988 to 1991 Neighbours was regularly watched by 20 million viewers in the UK.
In late 1986 the Seven Network’s head of drama at the time Alan Bateman was tasked with creating a pilot for a soap opera that was in no way a copy of Neighbours. Bateman soon found his inspiration when he stopped in Kangaroo Point, New South Wales on a family outing. Chatting to locals Bateman discovered that the townspeople were angered over the construction of a home for foster children from the city. Seeing the degree of conflict the plan for the new youth centre had produced within the community, Bateman recognised the drama that could be generated by this situation and began to develop it as the basis for the new soap opera.
20th Anniversary: 1988 - 2008
Bevan Lee, who is the Script Executive for the Seven Network will be returning to the role of Script Producer for the first 6 months of 2008. He will replace Sarah Walker, who has just finished her period in the role, plotting storylines right up until the end of 2007.
Bevan had worked on the show for most of its run until 2004. During that time he was responsible for many memorable storylines including the Sarah Lewis saga and Kane's cancer battle.
Bevan has promised fans that nothing dramatic will happen in the 2007 season finale, but he said that "My material will start with a very startling cliffhanger at the end of this year that will make regular viewers re-evaluate something that they have always taken for granted about one of the characters in the show. This cliffhanger will turn the life of that character on its head and will lead to one of the major stories of 2008.
Unless I'm mistaken, this cliffhanger will makes the jaws of those who have watched the show from the beginning well and truly drop. And the story will lead to the return of many old faces to the show at various stages through 2008."
In an interview, Bevan revealed that the character, who will be involved with the 2007 season finale could be Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie). There were rumours that with Brad Armstrong (Chris Sadrinna) leaving the show at the end of 2007, Sally would be departing from the show as well. But Bevan clearly stated that Brad's departure has nothing to do with Sally but it is still unknown when Kate will still want to stay on the show! He said "As is always the case with the show, characters come and go so that the central core group can have fresh stories. Brad was always viewed on the landscape of Summer Bay as a long term guest rather than as a character stretching in to an indeterminate future.
As great as Chris and his character have been for the canvas of the show, Brad's departure is part of putting Sally in to a position that is more suitable for the Christmas cliffhanger revelation that propels her and other characters in to one of the major story arcs of 2008.
The way Brad leaves the show is very positive and satisfying and does not close the door on this character's return in the future to Summer Bay.[5]
Cast
Main cast members
Actor | Role | Status |
---|---|---|
Ray Meagher | Alf Stewart | 1988-present |
Kate Ritchie | Sally Fletcher | 1988-present |
Lynne McGranger | Irene Roberts | 1992-present |
Lyn Collingwood | Colleen Smart | 1988-1989, 1997, 1999-present |
Ada Nicodemou | Leah Patterson-Baker | 2000-present |
Indiana Evans | Matilda Hunter | 2004-present |
Tim Campbell | Dan Baker | 2004-present |
Mark Furze | Ric Dalby | 2004-present |
Sharni Vinson | Cassie Turner | 2005-present |
Jodi Gordon | Martha MacKenzie | 2005-present |
Jon Sivewright | Tony Holden | 2005-present |
Paul O'Brien | Jack Holden | 2005-present |
Rhys Wakefield | Lucas Holden | 2005-2007 |
Amy Mathews | Rachel Armstrong | 2006-present |
Jessica Tovey | Belle Taylor | 2006-present |
Bobby Morley | Drew Curtis | 2006-present |
Chris Sadrinna | Brad Armstrong | 2006-2007 |
Charlotte Best | Annie Campbell | 2007-present |
Lincoln Lewis | Geoff Campbell | 2007-present |
Recurring cast members
Departing & Upcoming cast members
Actor | Role | Status |
---|---|---|
David Koch | Parent of Footy Player | Temp. Debuts September 2007 |
Cornelia Frances | Morag Bellingham | Returns September 2007 |
Luke Carroll | Unknown | Debuts October 2007 |
Rhys Wakefield | Lucas Holden | Departs October 2007 |
Gabrielle Scollay | Nikki Armstrong | Debuts 2007 |
James Mitchell | Jonah Abraham | Returns Late 2007 |
Chris Sadrinna | Brad Armstrong | Departs December 2007 |
Deceased cast members
Actor | Role | Duration | Year of death |
---|---|---|---|
Megan Connolly | Rebecca Nash (#4) | 1998 (temporary recast) | 2001 |
Gwen Plumb | Doris Peters | 1988 (guest) | 2002 |
Belinda Emmett | Rebecca Nash (#3) | 1996-1999 | 2006 |
Richard Morgan | Donahue | 1989 (guest) | 2006 |
Stan Zemanek | Ken Taylor | 1989 (guest) | 2007 |
Before they were stars
Actor | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|
Simon Baker | James Healey | 1994 |
Justine Clark | Roo Stewart | 1988-1989 |
Chris Egan | Nick Smith (#2) | 2000-2003 |
Isla Fisher | Shannon Reed | 1994-1997 |
Melissa George | Angel Parrish | 1993-1996 |
Daniel Goddard | Eric Phillips | 1994-1995 |
Jane Hall | Rebecca Nash (#1) | 1989 |
Bec Hewitt | Hayley Lawson (#1) | 1998-2005 |
Ryan Kwanten | Vinnie Patterson | 1997-2002 |
Lisa Lackey | Roxanne "Roxy" Miller | 1992-1995 |
Heath Ledger | Scott Irwin | 1997 |
Craig McLachlan | Grant Mitchell | 1989-1991 |
Julian McMahon | Ben Lucini | 1990-1991 |
Justin Melvey | Harry Reynolds | 1999-2001 |
Dannii Minogue | Emma Jackson | 1989-1990 |
Guy Pearce | David Croft | 1991-1992 |
Tammin Sursok | Dani Sutherland | 2000-2004 |
Naomi Watts | Julie Gibson | 1992 |
Celebrity guest appearances
- John Farnham (1988)
- Frente! (1993)
- Michael Palin as a surfer (1996)
- Kostya Tszyu (1997)
- Atomic Kitten (2001)
- Tina Baker (2001)
- Ian Thorpe
- Paulini Curuenavuli (2004)
- Eskimo Joe (2004)
- Lleyton Hewitt (2005)
- David Koch (2007)
Current Living Arrangements
Summer Bay House
Caravan Park
Beach House
Hunter/Holden House
Patterson/Baker House
The Diner Flat
- Martha MacKenzie
- Henk Van Minnen
The Pad (formerly the Holden House)
- Rachel Hyde
- Jack Holden
- Sam Tolhurst
- Rory Tolhurst
Penthouse (formerly Amanda's mansion)
Locations
Aside from the residents' houses Summer Bay has several well-known locations including:
- The Surf Club - As with many real life Australian beaches Summer Bay has its own Surf and Lifesaving Centre. Over the years as well as serving its purpose as a centre for sea and land rescues it has been a place for the young people of the Bay to relax and socialise. Town meetings are often held in the Surf Club. It has also been used as a polling station and a private party/formal venue and has housed various food outlets. Several characters have been trained as lifeguards over the years and surf competitions take place occasionally.
- Noah's Bar - Located in and joined to the Surf Club. Originally intended to be a business venture between newly-weds Noah Lawson and Hayley Lawson, the bar was renamed after Noah's tragic death and changed hands after Hayley's move to France with Scott Hunter. The only known licensed premises regularly shown on the show, it is also used for private functions. Martha Mackenzie, Cassie Turner and Alf Stewart run the bar. Sorry to say this but....Martha dies!!!!
- Summer Bay Super Bods - The gym is also located next to the Surf Club. Currently owned and run by Tony Holden. Previous employees include Jesse McGregor, Hayley Lawson and Kim Hyde.
- The Beachside Diner - More commonly known simply as The Diner. Originally owned by Bobby Simpson and her best friend and aunt Ailsa Stewart, currently by Leah Patterson-Baker and Irene Roberts, although Alf still owns half the building, with Leah owning the other half. It was gutted by fire in 2000 due to Colleen Smart pouring a drum of oil, which she mistook for water, on a raging fire. The diner was forced to move location. Above is a two-bedroomed flat where Martha currently lives. The Diner is the first port of call for any residents of the Bay who wish to have a "choccy milkshake", laid-back dinner or take-away. The diner also has an upstairs flat which is currently home to Martha Mackenzie.
- Summer Bay High - The local co-ed high school. It is also used as an evacuation centre in extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and has been the scene of a hostage situation. Most of the younger characters attend the school, and many of the adult characters have worked there as principals, teachers, admin staff and counsellors. These include Donald Fisher, Sally Fletcher, Irene Roberts, Amanda Vale, Tony Holden, Shauna Bradley, Brad Armstrong, Dan Baker and Noah Lawson.
- The Beach - The beach is an important part of the Bay and several major storylines have revolved around it. It is the main outdoor location, often used for casual encounters between characters. It also serves to showcase the looks of the cast, who are often seen wearing beachwear.
- The Police Station - Since the Zoe McAllister saga began Summer Bay Police Station has been an increasingly popular setting for scenes. Regular character PC Jack Holden works there. Former officers include Peter Baker, Nick Parrish, Joel Nash, Ashton Nader, Kim Mitchell, Detective Inspector Mike Carter and PC Pia Corelli. Other police officials are recurring characters (PC Lara "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, Detective Ken Harper and Senior Constable Darren McGrath) and regular viewers will know of their simple but recognisable characteristics.
- Northern Districts Hospital - Illnesses, accidents and emergencies have seen many characters brought to the hospital for treatment. Current hospital employees include characters Dr. Rachel Armstrong and Nurse Julie Cooper. Former hospital employees include Dr. Charlotte Adams, Dr. Lachlan Fraser, the late Dr. Flynn Saunders, physiotherapist Samantha Tolhurst, Dr. Kelly Watson and Hugh Sullivan.
- The Garage - First seen in 2006 although scenes are rarely shown here. Ric Dalby and Drew Curtis work here.
Filming in the United Kingdom
A few episodes of Home and Away have been filmed in the United Kingdom.[citation needed]
In 1998, Selina Roberts and Steven Matheson who had left the Bay a year previous made a call to Irene Roberts and were seen for the remainder of the episode.
In 2001, a storyline where Donald Fisher had his book Letter to Byron (in honour of his late son, Byron, who died in infancy) published, saw him, along with Hayley Smith and her brothers Will and Nick and their foster mother, Irene taking a trip to London. Whilst in London, Donald met up with his estranged wife Marilyn Fisher (Emily Symons) and gave the audience some closure to their marriage. British pop group Atomic Kitten made a cameo.
Production and broadcast schedule
The show is filmed five days a week for 46 weeks of the year. The crew is given a four week holiday at Christmas and a two week break for recuperation mid-year. A normal shooting day is 7:00am to 6:00pm, but can go later if shooting goes over time. There are an average of 8 weeks between shooting and airing the program. The interior shots are filmed at a permanent set for the show in Seven Sydney's Epping studio. The exterior scenes are filmed on location at Palm Beach and at Long Reef Beach in Sydney's Northern Beaches region. Filming normally takes place on Tuesdays.
Australian broadcasts
Home and Away is broadcast in Australia on weekdays at 7:00 p.m.. The show airs for 46 weeks each year (except for occasions where worldwide events take priority such as the Olympic Games). Each new season begins on the second Monday in January, and the season finale airs on the last Friday of the ratings period, at the end of November (the 2006 season however, started, and thus finished, one week later than normal).
The show rates very well in its timeslot, receiving between 1.1 and 1.5 million viewers per episode. The show's main rival is Temptation on the Nine Network, which usually comes second in this timeslot. In this timeslot Network Ten screens, at various times of the year, programs such as the Big Brother Australia Daily Show, The Biggest Loser, or repeats of The Simpsons, which usually come third in ratings behind networks Seven and Nine.
During the broadcast there are three ad-breaks and immediately following the broadcast of each episode there is a short promotional trailer for the next episode.
Repeat episodes of the series were broadcast between 1999 and 2002, with a one-year break in 2000. The first 623 episodes (except for Episode 469, which was overlooked when Seven were showing the tennis in September 2001) were shown in this run, before it was taken off in May 2002, and so far has never returned. Restrictions due to contracts with actors who appeared in the early days of the series prevent the Seven Network from showing repeats of Home and Away, or releasing DVD sets[1].
United Kingdom broadcasts
The show has more overall viewers in the UK market than it has in its home market,[citation needed] but Australia, because of it's lower population, has a higher proportion of viewers than the UK.[citation needed]
UK regions have historically had different timeslots for the programme. Most regions aired it at 5.10pm, however Central and Anglia originally showed it at 6.35pm, later 6pm. Thames and Granada then moved the show from 5.10pm to 6pm, Border at 6.30pm. TSW at 3.25pm from Wednesday 20 September 1989 after they had completed Sons and Daughters (6:30pm from 1992) before their successor Westcountry Television moved the series to 5.10pm in 1993. TSW's scheduling was controversial. In 1991 the lunchtime showing was 1.20pm with the repeat following at 3.25pm. TSW persisted with the 3:25pm slot for a long period (apparently to avoid having to schedule two quiz shows consecutively), despite the fact many of Home And Away's teenage followers would still have been at school at this time. By early 1992 TSW's argument was extremely hollow as they had five half hour Australian soaps follow each other from 1.20pm on some days - Home and Away, A Country Practice, The Sullivans, The Young Doctors and then the Home and Away repeat. All regions screened at 5pm from March 1999.
In the UK episode from 1993 onwards were sometimes censored for content. Two episodes were dropped in their entirety, one due to similarities to the Dunblane massacre, another due to similarities to the James Bulger kidnap & murder.
In 1999, ITV2 began broadcasting an omnibus on Saturday Mornings and by 2000, episodes aired in the UK were aired only one week after first showing in Australia. However, the shift in the UK in June 2000 from ITV to Five damaged the programme's ratings, as contract obligations kept it off air in the UK for a year.[citation needed] Also, Five having a smaller audience share than ITV contributed to the show achieving ratings significantly lower. Five funds more than half of the production costs, and it is officially Five's second highest rated show.
In accordance with European Union regulations for shows of this time-length, only one advertisement break is inserted into the programme at approximately the halfway point.[citation needed] An omnibus edition (when the week's episodes were repeated back-to-back) aired on Saturday mornings, until October 2005, and from October 2006 Five Life, a digital channel that started broadcasting on 2006-10-15, began airing the omnibus.
Home and Away on Five
From 16 July 2001, starting with the 2841st episode, Five aired a new episode of Home and Away at 6.00pm every weekday evening, with the episode repeated at 12.30pm, later 12.00pm, the following day, or in the case of a Friday episode, the following Monday afternoon. Furthermore, an omnibus aired on the Saturday from July 2001 to October 2005. It originally aired in an afternoon slot, then an early morning slot, before it was dropped from the schedules, later being picked up by Five Life.
On May 7 2007 this was/will be the same on May 28 2007 and August 27 2007, no episode was/will be aired on Five for the first time since it started showing the show. Since Five have aired episodes continuously, whilst in Australia Channel Seven take a six week break over December and January, Five caught up from over a year behind and are currently only 11 weeks and 2 days in arrears. Although as off August 28 2007 this will change to 11 weeks 3 days behind as Five are commisioning a film instead. No new/recent repeat episodes will be broadcast across the five network, but see Five Life for more details.
Home and Away on Five Life
In October 2006, Five launched two new digital TV channels, Five Life and Five US. As part of the plan to gain viewers, Home and Away aired at 6:30pm, a day ahead of the normal Five schedules. Home And Away on Five Life rates well, with audience figures between 500,000 and 800,000. An omnibus of the episodes aired that week is shown on a Saturday.
From May 21 2007, Five Life also started repeating episodes from the 2000 season of Home and Away, starting from Episode 2841, as they do not own rights to any episode previous. They air between 10.00am and 11.00am, meaning that 10 episodes are aired each week. Currently episode 2970 has just aired meaning that episodes currently being screened were screened in Australia back in the which means the 14th season (episodes that aired in Australia in 2001) have started this week and should end approximately about 17 January 2008. These started screening on New Years Eve 2001 just a mere 6 hours before the year 2002 had started.
Here is roughly when seasons should be airing between May 21 2007- August 10 2007 episodes that aired in the last 5 months of the 2000 season (season 13) August 13 2007- January 17 2008 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2001 season (season 14) January 20 2008- June 27 2008 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2002 season (season 15) June 30 2008- December 5 2008 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2003 season (season 16) December 8 2008- May 15 2009 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2004 season (season 17) May 18 2009- October 17 2009 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2005 season (season 18). The 4000th episode will air on August 8 2009 at 10.30am October 20 2009- March 28 2010 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2006 season (season 19) March 31 2010- October___ 2010 episodes that aired for the entire duration of the 2007 season (season 20)
On May 7 and May 28 2007, no new episode was aired on any Five channel, however on the latter day, Five Life screened six wedding themed episodes, as well as the two repeat episodes in the morning. No new episode will be screened across the network on August 27 2007, however Home and away the early years will be airing 9 (4 and a half hours worth of episodes) episodes on the day. There will be 2 blocks. The first consisting of 2 episodes (the normal 10am morning slot) and the second block consisting of 7 in the afternoon (3.30pm-7.00pm). It is thought that the theme this time is likely to be Sally and Flynn's relationship.
The episodes being shown are (in order): 3.30pm Kirsty flips out at her loved ones. Flynn prepares a surprise from Pippa to surprise Sally. Paris and Irene are falling apart. 4.00pm Dylan attempts to leave summer bay. Flynn pops the question to Sally. Scott finds out some interesting things about Kit. 4.30pm Sally gets married to Flynn whilst Pippa decides to stick around for a while 5.00pm Sally prepares a surprise, but Flynn is devastated when he learns he has Skin Cancer. Amanda does some nude modelling for a sleazy photographer. 5.30pm Sally and Flynn are struggling to come to terms with Flynn's cancer. Amanda makes a remarkable discovery. Scott and Hayley fall in love 6.00pm Flynn dies with Sally at his bedside 6.30pm Flynn's funeral is held and Sally is moved by a candlelit vigil for her husband. Tasha is another step closer to finding out the truth about the believers. 6.30pm
UK takes a revived interest
From May 2008 Home and Away will air on the same UK network as rival Neighbours for the first time, after Five won the UK rights to Neighbours from the BBC.
In the wake of this, it seems that more and more people are turning over to Home and Away at 6.00pm each night. As a result of the new interest, Five began to put together advertising campaigns, the first for Home and away since 2002. Home and Away is quickly rising from 2 million viewers per episode to roughly about 3.5 million.
Although confirmed earlier on Wikipedia (before deletion) that Home and away would be moving slots because of this, at the moment it seems as though things have changed. Home and away's schedule timings on both channels are staying although timings of the Weekly omnibus are still not yet confirmed. Neighbours will start airing at 6.30pm on Five straight after Home and away on 12 May 2008 6 weeks after finishing on BBC One. It is thought that why the distance between airing on ITV1 and Five for Home and away between 2000-1 because ITV1 was extremely unhappy to lose Home and away as it meant their other daily import which was already not faring well with Home and away there- Shortland Street- was about to lose more viewers because of this. Freemantle Media decided to move Neighbours as they felt it's slot was "invisible" and they wanted a quicker and easier move than ITV had done with Home and away
Sponsorship
Home and Away broadcasts have received sponsorship since they moved to Five. Sponsors include:
- Bodyform, between mid-2001 and mid-2004; (UK only)
- KFC, between mid-2004 and late 2005; (UK only)
- Weetos and Weetabix Minis since 2006. (UK and the Republic of Ireland)
Other international broadcasts
In New Zealand, the show used to be broadcast on TV One, later TV2 but now screens on TV3 on weekdays at 5:30pm, (repeated 10:30am on weekdays and an omnibus airs on Sundays at 10:15am). 1995 episodes were briefly shown on Prime TV at 3:30pm weekdays. New Zealand is exactly 6 weeks behind Australia.
In Ireland, the national state broadcaster RTE has shown the programme since its inception. The pilot episode was screened over two nights at 6pm on Monday and Tuesday 3 and 4 October 1988. From 5 October it was shown at 6.30pm. It has continually been a highly popular show, that has attracted a very wide and loyal fan base. The show is broadcast weekdays at 1:25pm on RTÉ One and repeated at 6:30pm on RTÉ Two regularly getting into the top 5 ratings for that week. It is approximately three months behind Australia. The show is now also repeated on RTÉ Two on Saturdays and Sundays (subject to no live sport etc.) with two episodes on Saturday and three on Sunday. In an email statement dated 21 August 2007, the Director of Broadcast & Acquisitions for RTÉ, stated that Five have negotiated a European premiere for the show, and there is nothing RTÉ can do about this as Five fund part of the shows production costs. This is the first time any broadcaster has over-taken the RTÉ transmission as they where always first to screen the show after Australia. Currently Five are 2 episodes ahead of the RTÉ broadcast, but this stands to change, as RTÉ will broadcast the same daily episode that Five screen. The statement from RTE also states that Five is available to less than 5% of Irish households, and their playing the episodes first hasn’t affected RTÉ ratings. Dublin City University students set up a Home and Away society in 2006 and one of the society's biggest achievements was meeting Ray Meagher who plays one of Summer Bay's oldest and most important residents, Alf Stewart.
Estonia is quite behind various other countries. The show has screened on ETV in the 1990s and on TV1 in the 2000s. Currently episodes from 2003 are shown on Kanal 2 every weekday at 6:30pm. In summertime (June-August), two episodes are shown instead of one. Other countries that broadcast Home And Away include: Belgium on Kanaal Twee with a double broadcast on weekdays; Belgium are just 6 weeks into the 2006 season at present date; Denmark; Iceland; Israel; Lithuania; Norway; Poland; Serbia; Macedonia; South Africa; Sweden it is broadcast weekday mornings at 7:25 on TV3 currently on the 2005 season; France.
The series is also broadcast in the following countries via the Australia Network: American Samoa; Cambodia; Cook Islands; East Timor; Federated States of Micronesia; Fiji; French Polynesia; Guam; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Japan; Kiribati; Laos; Macau; Malaysia; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Mongolia; Niue; Northern Mariana Islands; Norway; Pakistan; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Samoa; Singapore; Solomon Islands; South Korea; Sri Lanka; Taiwan; Thailand; Tonga; Vanuatu; Vietnam.
Theme
The theme's lyrics have remained the same since the pilot episode, but have been gradually reduced in length to keep newer versions of the song at a shorter length. The theme was released as a single in the UK in 1989 and peaked at #73 on the UK single charts.[citation needed] The single track includes the opening and closing themes and an additional saxophone section. Since the launch of the 1995 version of the theme tune, extracts from the second verse of the full-length sountrack have been used to close the show, as opposed to an edited version of the opening song which was used until this point. The theme was shortened in 1996, and again in 2004.
- Version 1: Mark Williams and Karen Boddington (1988-1995)
- Version 2: Doug Williams and Erana Clark (1995-1999)
- Version 3: The Robertson Brothers (1999-2003)
- Version 4: The Robertson Brothers (2004-2006)
- Version 5: Israel Cannan (2007)
- Version 6: Luke Dolahenty (2007-)
The current theme, was recorded by 20-year-old actor and musician, Luke Dolahenty. Originally Israel Cannan sang the theme in early 2007, but due to complaints from fans, Channel Seven decided to re-do it, making it the shortest running theme tune in the programme's history.
Awards
Home and Away has won many awards in the past, in particular at the Logies. Below is a list on Logies won:
- 2007: Kate Ritchie, Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on TV.
- 2007: Kate Ritchie, Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress
- 2007: Most Popular Drama Series
- 2007: Amy Mathews, for Most Popular New Talent - Female
- 2006: Kate Ritchie, for Most Popular Actress
- 2006: Paul O'Brien, for Most Popular New Talent - Male
- 2006: Jodi Gordon, for Most Popular New Talent - Female
- 2006: Most Popular Drama
- 2005: Bec Cartwright, for Most Popular Actress
- 2005: Chris Hemsworth, for Most Popular New Male Talent
- 2004: Kip Gamblin, for Most Popular New Male Talent
- 2004: Isabel Lucas, for Most Popular New Female Talent
- 2001: Tammin Sursok, for Most Popular New Female Talent
- 2000: Justin Melvey, for Most Popular New Male Talent
- 1999: Kimberley Cooper, for Most Popular New Female Talent
- 1996: Dieter Brummer. for Most Popular Actor
- 1996: Nic Testoni, for Best New Talent (Renamed retroactively Most Popular New Talent in 1998)
- 1996: Most Popular Series
- 1995: Dieter Brummer, for Most Popular Actor
- 1995: Melissa George, for Most Popular Actress
- 1995: Most Popular Series
- 1994: Most Popular Series
- 1993: Most Popular Series
- 1991: Craig McLachlan, for Most Popular Actor
- 1991: Most Popular Drama Series
- 1989: Nicolle Dickson, for Best New Talent (Renamed retroactively Most Popular New Talent in 1998)
Home and Away has also been nominated for awards in the UK in the past, at such events like the BAFTAs, The British Soap Awards, Inside Soap Awards and National Television Awards. Home and Away has been nominated every year it has been broadcast in the UK from March 1988 onwards. However, it has so far been unsuccessful in all catergories nominated.
External links
- Home and Away on Yahoo!7
- Home and Away on five.tv
- Directory of Home & Away sites
- Home and Away discussion forum at Baylinks
- ^ Mercado, Andrew. Super Aussie Soaps, Pluto Press Australia, 2004. ISBN 1-86403-191-3 p 208
- ^ Mercado, Andrew. Super Aussie Soaps, Pluto Press Australia, 2004. ISBN 1-86403-191-3 p 208-9
- ^ Mercado, Andrew. Super Aussie Soaps, Pluto Press Australia, 2004. ISBN 1-86403-191-3 p 209
- ^ Mercado, Andrew. Super Aussie Soaps, Pluto Press Australia, 2004. ISBN 1-86403-191-3 p 231
- ^ "BTTB EXCLUSIVE: Official News on Brad and more details on the Season Finale", Back to the Bay, 2007-07-06. Retrieved on 2007-07-26.