Lance Smart

Last updated

Lance Smart
Home and Away character
Lance Smart.jpg
Portrayed byPeter Vroom
Duration1988–90, 2000–06
First appearance17 January 1988
Last appearance1 December 2006
Classification Former; regular
Introduced byAlan Bateman (1988)
John Holmes (2000)
Julie McGuaran (2001–06)
In-universe information
OccupationOyster farm worker
Road Gang worker (1988, 1989)
Soldier (1990–2000)
Army sergeant
Father Les Smart
Mother Colleen Smart
Half-sisters Maureen Evans
Wife Debbie Langford (2000–)
Daughters Maggie Smart
Grandfathers Gordon Stewart
GrandmothersMavis Hickey
UnclesRoy Smart
Alf Stewart
Aunts Morag Bellingham
Celia Stewart
Barbara Stewart
Debra Stewart
Patricia Turner
First cousins Narelle Smart
Rebecca Nash
Alan Fisher
Bobby Marshall
Owen Dalby
Quinn Jackson
Roo Stewart
Duncan Stewart
Other relatives Martha MacKenzie
Ric Dalby

Lance Smart is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away , played by Peter Vroom. Vroom appeared from the pilot episode as one of the serial's original characters. Lance is characterised a "slow witted" larrikin and those around him see him as a "joke". Lance forms an on-screen partnership with Martin Dibble (Craig Thomson) and their characters were subsequently used as the serial's comedy characters. Both Vroom and Thomson said that their characters did not provide a realistic representation of young people as the production team often censored their dialogue. Lance also has an over-protective mother Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood) with whom he had to contend with. His main romantic relationship is with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) and the pair became engaged. Their romance was short-lived as Lance decided against marrying her. Lance and Martin were named as the "thickest characters ever to grace soapland" in the Daily Record .

Contents

Vroom was axed from the series alongside Thomson after producer Andrew Howie wanted to focus on new characters. Vroom finished filming in March 1990 and departed during the episode aired on 11 April. Vroom later returned to the soap in 2000 on a guest contract. He subsequently made short returns during the five years that followed and his final appearance aired on 1 December 2006.

Character development

Characterisation and relationships

Peter Vroom secured the role of Lance after he completed a course at the Australian Theatre for Young People, making it his first television role. [1] Lance is characterised as having little intelligence and is "slow witted". [2] Vroom told Inside Soap that "Lance was a caricature, he was never very successful at anything, and people generally thought he was a joke. That was his role, to provide a few laughs." [3] Lance forms an on-screen duo as the "partner in crime" of Martin Dibble (Craig Thomson). [2] Thomson said that the characters are Home and Away's answer to Laurel and Hardy. [4] Like Martin, Lance is unpopular with females and even "their closest friends" see them as not being "heart-throbs". They are portrayed as a pair of "yobbos and larrikins" who work at a local oyster farm. Lance and Martin share common enemies, their biggest feud is with Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) who throws them out of cadet corps. They also have a general dislike for the local "surfie" males, who later become their "great nemesis" due to them receiving all the attention from the local females. Lance holds an opinion that Martin is "irresistible" to the opposite sex and is impressed by his persona. [5]

"I enjoy it when we have a really serious scene to play. Usually Lance and Martin are drinking yobs, but they're not allowed to swear which is not so realistic." [6]

—Vroom on the realism of Lance. (1990)

Thomson has stated that the duo "stand out a lot" because of their over-the-top nature. While Vroom felt they rarely got "serious" scenes because they were mostly involved in comedic storylines. [5] Vroom criticised the writing Martin and Lance received because he did not think it represented how young people behave. Home and Away's critics also scrutinised the writing "for a lack of realism". Thomson said the serial's early evening time slot often caused dialogue to be censored. The actor stated that "Lance and Martin are definitely drinkers and if it wasn't for the timeslot they would be into marijuana too." Though he defended the characters because they had to be responsible and cater for young viewers. [7] Vroom told a writer from Look-in that Lance always appeared "abnormally tall" on-screen because no other cast members were over six foot in height like himself. He also said that he was the "worst out of the whole cast" for laughing during filming. [8]

Lance is the "beloved" son of Colleen Smart (Lyn Collingwood), she "dotes on" Lance and often intimidates him into doing things she wants. [9] Lance also had a relationship with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) which does not work out. Colleen is so protective of Lance that twenty years later she still does not "like or trust" Marilyn for breaking "her Lancey's' heart". [10] Lance and Marilyn got engaged and even went wedding dress shopping. [11] Their engagement followed a series of arguments but Lance plans a surprise meal and proposes. Symons explained to David Brown from TV Week "that's what she's always wanted, then she goes full swing. She buys a wedding dress and starts to refurbish Lance's home!" [12] Symons later recalled "I've got a old photo of me [Marilyn] in a wedding dress, but he dumped Marilyn before they got to the altar, so the wedding never happened." [11]

Departure and returns

The actor's contract was due to expire in February 1990 but was informed in 1989 that he would lose his job. Producer Andrew Howie decided not to renew either Thomson or Vrooms's contracts as he wanted to concentrate on developing new characters. Howie told Brown (TV Week) that "We feel we've exhausted their characters and their stories. With the new members of the cast, we have greater potential with other characters for 1990. It's sad to lose original cast members, but it's a developing program. We think viewers will like the direction Home and Away will take." [12] Vroom filmed his final scenes in March 1990. [3] After leaving Summer Bay, Lance becomes an army sergeant and resides in Townsville. [9]

Vroom returned to filming in 2000, for a storyline which sees Lance back in Summer Bay to attend the wedding of Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie) and Kieran Fletcher (Spencer McLaren). [13] Vroom said that Lance had grown up and "matured" in his absence and "won the respect of his peers" in his army career. Though Lance's love life does not fare as well and he does not talk about it much upon his return. Vroom said "he admits he's been seeing a girl who upset him quite a bit, but that's all". [3] Vroom found it challenging to reprise the role because Lance had changed. He felt that he did not have to portray him like he used to, adding it was like "editing an old character". Home and Away decided to sign Vroom up to make additional appearances later that year. Vroom said he would have liked to return on a more permanent basis. [3] He returned in 2002 as part of the serial's fourteenth anniversary celebrations. [14] During his time off-screen Lance became a father to baby Maggie. [15] He returned once again in 2005 as part of the 4000th episode of Home and Away. In the storyline Lance arrives to celebrate Alf Stewart's (Ray Meagher) birthday. [16]

Storylines

Lance and Martin save Carly Morris (Sharyn Hodgson) from drowning, though she then causes them to crash their van. Donald's brother, Clive fires them from the local oyster farm and they take revenge by planting a jellyfish in Donald's car. They then bully Nico Pappas (Nicholas Papademetriou), who is handicapped, into spraying manure over Donald's lawn. He forces Lance to clean it up by hand and Alf bans them from buying alcohol. Martin convinces Lance to help brew their own. When Tom Fletcher (Roger Oakley) is fired from his job, Lance and Martin arrange a strike. Lance then gets Donald's cat drunk on the home brew and hides it until it sobers up. Lance then drills a hole in the shower block at the caravan park so he can spy on Dawn (Jenny Cook), a resident. Her boyfriend, Russell (Grant Bennett) discovers the hole and another woman hits Lance with a broom. Lance and Martin start a rumour that Carly is sleeping with the science teacher Andrew Foley (Peter Bensley), which results in his career being ruined and he leaves Summer Bay.

Carly buys Lance a lottery ticket which wins him half a million dollars. Lance then purchases a mobile home in the caravan park. His father, Les (Kevin Golsby) takes $50,000 from Lance and runs off with another woman, leaving Colleen heart-broken. She decides to move in with Lance, who does not want her to stay with him. Lance buys a new car with some of his money. Martin then acts irresponsibly which results in the vehicle being stolen, Lance nearly tells him he wants nothing to do with him. When Colleen decides she wants to date Donald, Lance spikes his drink. However, Celia Stewart (Fiona Spence) drinks it. He continues to try to keep the two apart. Gary Samuels (Darius Perkins) convinces Lance to invest money in a nightclub. Lance does not realise that Gary is conning him and the nightclub does not exist. Alison Patterson (Kathryn Ridley) then pretends she is attracted to Lance so he will buy her a new dress and hire a limousine for her. She then attempts to persuade him to buy a new car for her and he does so, only it is a toy. Lance then decides to give his money away.

When Martin gets a girlfriend, Lance feels alone and runs away. No one notices Lance has even gone and he later returns claiming to have a girlfriend named Marilyn. He then feels sorry for Dodge (Kelly Dingwall) who is in trouble with the police and lets him hide in his house. He fears he will be charged for aiding Dodge and no one believes that Marilyn exists. When Marilyn arrives in Summer Bay everyone cannot believe that she would want to be with Lance. He takes her on a date via a boat, but during an accident they become lost at sea. After the event Marilyn decides to move to the town. Lance thinks they are getting too serious, so she decides to go on a date with Martin. They split up and Lance throws Martin out of his home. He pays Bobby Simpson (Nicolle Dickson) to give Marilyn a job at the Diner to win her back. Bobby soon fires Marilyn so Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances) decides to give her a job. However Marilyn decides to dump Lance after being influenced by Morag. After they reunite, he tries to force her out of her job, but Morag remains one step ahead. After Marilyn gets on well with Colleen, Lance dumps her.

Lance then joins a band but the manager, Nina Olivera (Raquel Suarstzman), attempts to use his talent to make more money than Lance. Morag decides to rewrite the contract so it is fair for Lance. Marilyn decides to distance herself from Lance for band image purposes. Lance feel as though Nina is manipulating him and gets cold feet at the fame he faces. He puts on a ski mask to escape, but the incident leaves him as a suspect in a masked man who had followed schoolgirl Sally. Lance then sabotages TV appearances and songs leading to the band to be dropped, leaving Martin and Marilyn furious with him. Lance then wins some money and starts a hotdog business with the help of Celia. When they fail to bring in business she threatens to sack them. When they do not follow correct procedures, they become convinced that Celia will have food poisoning. Celia collapses and "dies", leaving the pair horrified. She then gets back up and tells them she was teaching them a lesson. He then becomes unsure whether or not to marry Marilyn, their relationship has more good and bad moments. Martin later leaves town to join the army. Lance later tells Sally that he does not want to marry Marilyn, he decides he too wants to join the army and departs leaving Marilyn. When Colleen returns, she reveals Lance is now a sergeant living in Townsville, Queensland.

A decade later, Lance returns for Sally's surprise 21st birthday party. During his visit, Lance helps rescue some refugees and reveals to Colleen he has since been discharged from the army and is now married to Debbie (Kelly Butler), who Colleen takes a dislike to. When Colleen suffers a turn during an argument with Debbie, Debbie accuses her of faking but Lance sees she is genuine. After Colleen recovers, Lance and Debbie return home. Lance is next seen when he arrives on the eve of Sally's wedding to Kieran Fletcher and reconnects with Martin who left the army before he did and they celebrate Kieran's stag night, getting drunk. After Keiran's infidelity is exposed, Lance is there to comfort Sally. The following year, Lance returns with his daughter, Maggie in the midst of a split with Debbie. Debbie follows Lance to the Bay and they reconcile, leaving once more.

Lance and a number of previous Summer Bay residents return for the town's 150th celebrations. The event is marred by a huge storm and Lance, Martin several others form a search party to find a group of Summer Bay residents who have been shipwrecked. Lance and Debbie return a few months later believing Colleen is a millionaire after, following the release a book that she has allegedly written. The truth is revealed that Colleen did not write the book and they leave again. Lance continues to make sporadic appearances over the next few years including, Sally's wedding to Flynn Saunders (Joel McIlroy), The christening of Sally's daughter (at which Lance is her godfather), Pippa and Alf's 60th birthday party. Lance makes a brief return at Christmas 2006 to star as one of the three wise men in one of Colleen's Nativity play. A few years later, Colleen reveals Lance and Debbie are moving to Las Vegas and is invited to join them and she accepts.

Reception

Ahead of the pilot's airing, Lucy Clark of The Sun-Herald described Lance and Martin as "Two surfie blokes who are thick as two short planks". [17] A columnist of the Daily Record said that Lance and Martin were the "thickest characters ever to grace soapland". [13] Jason Herbison from Inside Soap said that Lance was a "loveable joker". [3] Clive Hopwood wrote in his book Home and Away Special that Lance lacked enough intelligence that he had "difficulty knowing which way round to sit on a bicycle." [4] He also said that Lance and Martin only provided comic relief and always come up with "madcap" and "totally disastrous" schemes. [18] Sarah Thomas of The Sun-Herald branded Lance a "loveable halfwit". [19] Jason Herbison from All About Soap wrote that it is "hard to forget" the "dopey and loveable Lance from the early days." [20]


Related Research Articles

Philip Martin (<i>Neighbours</i>) Soap opera character

Philip Gordon Martin is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Rawlings. Originally played by Christopher Milne during the character's first appearance in 1985, Rawlings took over the role when the character returned to the show in 1992 and remained until 1999. He briefly returned in 2005 for several episodes, and later in 2017 for the web series Neighbours vs Time Travel, and in 2022 for the show's then finale. Rawlings reprised the role in 2023.

Donald Fisher (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

Donald Fisher is a fictional character in the Australian television soap opera Home and Away played by actor Norman Coburn as a regular character, from the soap's inception in 1988 to 2003. The role initially had the name Raymond Phillips however producers changed the name prior to final filming. He acts as the main antagonist in the show's pilot episode, willing to go to any lengths to ensure local teen Bobby Simpson is locked up, however his character soon softens. He spends almost his entire tenure on the show as the Principal of Summer Bay, where he is stern but fair to all the students. Although departing as a main character in 2003, Coburn has since returned for brief appearances in 2004, 2005 and 2007. Coburn's long-running portrayal of Fisher earned him a place in the 2002 Guinness World Records alongside castmates Ray Meagher and Kate Ritchie as the longest serving cast member of an Australian soap opera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roo Stewart</span> Soap opera character

Ruth "Roo" Stewart is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Justine Clarke from 1988 to 1989. The character made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 January 1988. Clarke quit the role in 1989 and the character was written out. In August 2010, it was announced that Roo would return to Home and Away with Georgie Parker in the role. The character returned on 29 October 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steven Matheson</span> Fictional character

Steven Matheson is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Adam Willits. Steven was created by Alan Bateman as one of the serial's original characters and he first appeared in the pilot episode. Willits received the role after being one of over three hundred actors to audition for the roles of the serial's foster children. He was a regular cast member from 1988 to 1991 and again between 1995 and 1996. He has continued to make guest appearances in from 1997 until 2008.

Marilyn Chambers (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away

Marilyn Chambers is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Emily Symons. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 May 1989. When Symons auditioned for the role she created a backstory for the character and dressed in a mini dress, stilettos and put on a breathy voice. She was successful and producer Andrew Howie cast her in the role. Writers introduced her as the girlfriend of established character Lance Smart. Marilyn is characterised as a bubbly and ditsy hairdresser. She has a distinct bouffant hairstyle and unique dress sense which includes high heel shoes. Marilyn has become one of the show's most iconic characters during her tenure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carly Morris</span> Soap opera character

Carly Lucini is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by actress Sharyn Hodgson. She was one of the soap's original female protagonists, appearing as one of the Fletchers' foster children in the pilot episode on 17 January 1988. The soap's primary focus was placed upon the Fletchers and their gang of foster children, moving as outsiders to a caravan park in the seaside town of Summer Bay. Carly remained in the serial as a regular character until 1991, covering issues such as rape, alcoholism and child abuse, as well as a problematic marriage to soldier Ben Lucini, played by actor Julian McMahon. Hodgson has made numerous guest appearances since her exit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebecca Nash</span> Fictional character from Home and Away

Rebecca Nash is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away. The character was played by actress Jane Hall in 1989, Danielle Carter in 1994, and Belinda Emmett from 1996 to 1999. Megan Connolly temporarily played the character in 1998, while Belinda Emmett received treatment for cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colleen Smart</span> Soap opera character

Colleen Stewart is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Lyn Collingwood. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 7 March 1988. She was introduced as a recurring character by producer Alan Bateman. She served as comic relief and busybody from 1988. She returned briefly in 1997 before returning as a regular on 23 September 1999 until January 2013. Colleen has been portrayed as the serial's "local gossip", a role that been well received by certain critics. Many storylines have centered on her over protective nature towards her son Lance Smart. Collingwood revealed that she often pitched storylines for Colleen in the hope they would play out on-screen. Collingwood decided to leave the series in January 2012 and Colleen departed on 23 May 2012. She made a brief return from 27 November 2012 and officially departed on 24 January 2013.

Bobby Simpson (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character

Bobby Marshall is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Nicolle Dickson. She was introduced in the pilot episode by executive producer Alan Bateman. Nearly four hundred actresses auditioned to play Bobby, with Dickson taking the role. Bobby is described as a trouble-making teen who is rebellious and a loner. Bobby became a popular character because of her confronting attitude. Bobby's story lines have focused on finding her biological parents, her feud with Roo Stewart, adoption and her marriage to foster brother Frank Morgan. Bobby's marriage to Frank was only implemented when script writers were sure viewers approved of it. At certain points in Bobby's duration, Dickson disapproved of her actions, for instance she became frustrated with her because she decided to find her biological parents without thinking about her foster parents' feelings. Dickson decided to leave the serial in 1993, and the character was killed off in a boat accident. In 1995 Dickson made a cameo appearance when Ailsa Stewart has hallucinations of Bobby in her fridge door. Dickson has received a Logie Award for her portrayal of Bobby and she has been referred to as a "Summer Bay icon".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Celia Stewart</span> Soap opera character

Celia Stewart is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away played by Fiona Spence. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 January 1988. The character is portrayed as a gossiping busybody and spinster who occupies her time with the Presbyterian church. In her early appearances, she formed an alliance with Donald Fisher and, though she has conservative views, she is not malicious. After one year as Celia, Spence hoped that she would find romance and change her attire. Producers decided to implement change and added smart outfits to the character's wardrobe. Spence decided to leave the series in 1990 and Celia departed the same year. She has since reprised the role on four occasions. After carrying out missionary work in Africa she returned to Summer Bay in 2000, 2002 and 2005. In 2012, it was announced that Spence had agreed to return once again. Originally heralded as the chance for Celia to reconnect with her on-screen brother, Alf Stewart, it was later revealed that she was hiding a shameful secret.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Lucini</span> Soap opera character

Benito "Ben" Lucini is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Julian McMahon. The character made his first screen appearance on 27 February 1990. McMahon wanted to appear in another prime-time soap opera having previously appeared in The Power, The Passion and had to audition for the role of Ben four times. Ben was introduced as a new love interest of established character Carly Morris. The show's producer, Andrew Howie, had already planned their wedding before Ben had debuted on-screen.

John Palmer (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

John Palmer is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Shane Withington. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 27 March 2009. Withington was introduced as a recurring cast member for twelve weeks. John was initially an angry father, but Withington thought that the character would not last if he continued that way, so began portraying him as "funny and very human". John is also egotistical and insecure. He has worked several jobs during his time in Summer Bay, including managing the Juice Bar and working as a Surf Life Saver. The character was married to school principal Gina Austin and they fostered Jett James. Following Gina's death, John married Marilyn Chambers in 2014.

Matt Wilson (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

Matthew "Matt" Wilson is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by Greg Benson. He debuted on-screen during the pilot episode airing on 17 January 1988. He was introduced as a recurring character and was later promoted to a series regular. He left the series in 1991 and returned for a guest appearance in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Cameron</span> Soap opera character

Adam Cameron is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Mat Stevenson. Stevenson had previously filmed a guest role on a rival soap opera when he was cast. Adam first appeared on-screen 28 June 1989 until Stevenson left the series in 1994. Adam was reintroduced into the series for a short time in 1999. Adam is characterised as an "intelligent and good-natured guy", though Stevenson said he is a "layabout" who will not do anything that "interferes with having a good time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martin Dibble</span> Soap opera character

Martin Dibble is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Craig Thomson. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 17 January 1988, during the show's pilot episode. Martin is characterised as an idle and concoctor of schemes that are always unsuccessful. Thomson has described him numerous times as a "yobbo" or a "yob". Writers often used Martin for comic relief in between the show's more serious stories. They also created an on-screen partnership between him and Lance Smart. Together they were the show's "larrikins" with over-the-top personalities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morag Bellingham</span> Fictional character in Home & Away

Morag Buckton QC is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Cornelia Frances. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 7 June 1988. She appeared until 1989 and briefly appeared in 1993. She returned yearly from 2001 until 2009, again from 2011 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2017. Before she died, Frances had expressed her desire to once again become a permanent cast member. Morag has been described as an antagonistic, independent and cold character. Morag is portrayed as a tough lawyer. She has been involved in storylines such as adopting out her illegitimate daughter Bobby Simpson, being widowed, helping her brother Alf Stewart through his many legal battles and a friendship with troubled teen Aden Jefferies. She has been well received by certain critics for her feisty persona, whilst others have criticised her professional skills.

Frank Morgan (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character in Home and Away

Frank Jonathan Morgan is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Alex Papps. Frank debuted on-screen in the serial's pilot episode and was the first character to appear. Frank is one of the five foster children of Pippa and Tom Fletcher who move to Summer Bay to begin a new life. The serial's creator Alan Bateman thought of the idea while observing the locals of a rural town in New South Wales opposing the idea of foster children living in the area. Papps was cast into the role and immediately began receiving fan mail. Frank has been played by actors Bradley Pilato and Michael Scilusa during flashback sequences.

References

  1. Kesta 1990, p.56.
  2. 1 2 Kesta 1990, p.10.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Herbison, Jason (5–18 February 2000). "Blast from the past". Inside Soap (146). Attic Futura UK Ltd: 24.
  4. 1 2 Hopwood 1990, p.46.
  5. 1 2 Oram 1989, p.100.
  6. Clayden 1989, p.26.
  7. Oram 1989, p.101.
  8. "Summer Bay watch". Look-in (41). IPC Media: 15. 13 October 1990.
  9. 1 2 "Colleen Smart". Yahoo!7 . (Yahoo! and Network Seven). Retrieved 5 December 2011.
  10. "Marilyn returns". Yahoo!7 . (Yahoo! and Seven Network). Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
  11. 1 2 Downie, Stephen (4–10 July 2015). "Emily's memories". TV Week (27). Bauer Media Group: 102.
  12. 1 2 Brown, David (16 September 1989). "Off to the altar ...then out of the show!". TV Week . Southdown Press: 29.
  13. 1 2 "Soap gossip..." Daily Record . (Trinity Mirror). 14 July 2001. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
  14. Doherty, Ben (15 May 2002). "Channelsurf". The Newcastle Herald . (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 5 December 2011.
  15. "Many unhappy returns". Inside Soap (227). (Hachette Filipacchi UK): 28–29. 15–28 March 2003.
  16. "Home and Away is celebrating". Showbizz-Site (in Dutch). (CIM Metriweb). 20 February 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2011.
  17. Clark, Lucy (10 January 1988). "Big News - If You Don't like the news". The Sun-Herald . Fairfax Media. p. 55. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
  18. Hopwood 1990, p.8.
  19. Thomas, Sarah (24 August 2014). "Why there's no place like their home". The Sun-Herald . (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  20. Herbison, Jason (28 July – 25 August 2001). "Crying at the chapel". All About Soap . No. 24. (Attic Futura UK Ltd). p. 16.