Haydn Ross

Last updated

Haydn Ross
Home and Away character
Haydn Ross.jpg
Portrayed by Andrew Hill
Duration1990–91, 1994, 1996
First appearance31 October 1990
Last appearance14 August 1996
Classification Former; regular
Introduced byDes Monaghan (1990)
Andrew Howie (1994)
John Holmes (1996)
In-universe information
OccupationStudent at Summer Bay High (1990–91)
Father Michael Ross
Mother Cynthia Ross
Stepmother Pippa Ross
Brothers Christopher Fletcher (adoptive)
SistersKate Ross
Half-brothers Dale Ross

Haydn Ross is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away , played by Charlton Hill (known then as Andrew Hill) The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 31 October 1990 and departed on 17 September 1991. He returned in 1994 and 1996.

Contents

Casting

Hill told Nigel May from Look-in that he won the role of Haydn by chance because agent made a mistake during the application process. Hill arrived at the Seven Network studios under the impression that he was auditioning for a washing powder commercial. When handed the scripts for Haydn, he was confused but carried on with the audition. Hill said that he impressed the casting department because he "remembered everything". [1] In 1991, Hill decided to leave the series because the long filming hours had interfered with his studies. He planned to go to college and catch up on the work he had missed. [1]

Character development

A columnist for TV Week said that when Haydn arrives in Summer Bay, he thinks it is a "hick town". [2] Haydn is the son of Cynthia (Belinda Giblin) and Michael Ross (Dennis Coard). He benefited from his father's boating marina business by attending a private school. [3] In their book Home and Away Annual Kesta Desmond and David Nicholls describe Haydn as being "athletic and determined like his father"; but like his mother too because he has a "love of culture and a comfortable lifestyle". [3] Haydn used to like family life until his parents divorced. He could not accept the ramifications of Michael's failed business ventures and finds it hard to adjust to life outside of private school. His mother is no longer around when Haydn needs her and Michael is not in the position to take him on holidays. They added that a "lifetime of coddling" makes living in Summer Bay difficult for him. However, Haydn tries to accept his new "enforced lifestyle". [3] Andrea Black writing in Home and Away – Official Collector’s Edition explained that the arrival of Haydn and Sophie Simpson (Rebekah Elmaloglou) "meant serious strife" in Summer Bay. [4]

In 1991, Haydn pretended to go missing in the bush in an attempt to reconcile his warring parents. Things didn't go to plan when he fell down a mineshaft. Black said that Michael "raced to the rescue of his son". But Haydn "didn't stay long in the bay" and he then exited the show. [5] On 1 January 1994, a reporter from TV Week announced that Hill had agreed to reprise the role of Haydn for a two-month guest stint. [6] Hill told a reporter from Inside Soap that Haydn returns because he feels it is the right time to rebuild his relationship with Michael. [7] Ally Oliver from Inside Soap reported that Michael is "thrilled to see him back and more than ready to forgive his son for their troubled past together." He added that Haydn appears to have "grown up". [8] But in addition to this, Haydn has also got himself "so deeply in debt from his gambling habits". Hill explained that Haydn is "not a bad guy". While he is "completely addicted" and "so wrapped up" with gambling, those around him "feel sorry for him more than anything else". Haydn needs all the help he can get but is not prepared to tell Michael the truth. Producers also created a new romance for Haydn with Finlay Roberts (Tina Thomsen). [7]

Hill and Thomsen had begun an off-screen relationship together three years prior. [8] Producers were inspired by their romance and decided that their character should enter into a relationship. Oliver said that producers "were taking a gamble" in case the actors fell out on set. But Thomsen told the writer that she and Hill were on set, they had made an effort to keep their personal lives separate from their work. She added that when they left the studios they would "give each other a big hug" and normality would resume. [8] On-screen Finlay cannot resist Haydn's charms and they get together. Thomsen told Oliver that Haydn is "tall, handsome, he's sincere and he's nice to her - what more could a girl want?" [8]

He later has a "fling" with Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) and producers later cast Melissa Bell to play Haydn's ex-girlfriend, Suzie Hudson, who is pregnant with his child. [9] [10]

Storylines

Haydn arrives in Summer Bay shortly after his father; Michael separates from his mother, Cynthia. Haydn is enrolled at Summer Bay much to his displeasure as he has previously attended private school and on manages to upset Sophie by pointing out her literacy struggles and finds himself in argument with Blake Dean (Les Hill). Haydn confides in teacher Grant Mitchell (Craig McLachlan) about his unhappiness about being forced to move by his father. Karen (Belinda Jarrett), Blake's sister takes a liking to Haydn and makes her feeling clear but he rejects her. After a talk with Michael, Haydn begins to calm down.

When roles are cast for a year ten production of Romeo and Juliet, Haydn is cast opposite Sophie, who is dating Blake. Haydn relishes the chance to goad Blake about it at every opportunity. Sophie eventually realises she has feelings for Haydn and they kiss. Karen witnesses this and is hurt. Blake sees Sophie and Haydn kissing several weeks later and punches Haydn. They later resolve matters and become friends. Cynthia arrives in Summer Bay and Haydn tries to reunite his parents but when he realises that they will not get back together and Michael is in a relationship with Pippa Fletcher (Debra Lawrence), Haydn runs away and falls into a mineshaft and is missing for several days. He is eventually found and leaves to stay with Cynthia for several weeks. Haydn later stands as Michael's best man when he marries Pippa. Haydn and Sophie later break up and Haydn leaves after a disagreement with new principal Lois Crawford (Tina Bursill).

Haydn later returns to ask Michael and Pippa for a loan in order for him to set up a surf shop in the bay. This causes a rift between Michael and Pippa when Michael suggests remortgaging the caravan park in order to help Haydn. It soon becomes apparent that Haydn has a gambling problem which plays havoc with his relationship he has recently begun with Finlay. Finlay's mother Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger) is opposed to the union but the couple continue. Haydn quickly slips back into his habit and begins betting again. Finlay discovers this and tries to help him through it but Haydn's resolve is weak and he flees after his horse loses and leaves notes for Michael and Finlay.

Following Michael's death, Haydn returns to the Bay for the funeral and Pippa is hostile to him and when he tries to save his conscience by returning half of the money he borrowed, Pippa initially refuses but eventually swallows her pride and accepts. After learning of Marilyn's failed engagement to Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn), Haydn takes an interest in Marilyn and they begin dating. This is only temporary as Haydn soon leaves to take a job on an oil rig but returns several months later to win Marilyn back when she resumes her relationship with Donald but she turns him down after she learns he has got another woman, Suzie Hudson, pregnant and he leaves again.

Reception

A columnist for Inside Soap said that Haydn was the "prodigal" and "errant" son of Michael. They observed him as once being a "snooty" private schooled child who later grew up to be street wise. They added that viewers would not catch anyone hassling Haydn for being snooty in his latter appearances. [7] While another said that Haydn was a "good boy gone bad". [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sally Fletcher</span> Soap opera character

Sally Louise Fletcher is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Kate Ritchie. She made her first screen appearance during the serial's pilot episode, which was broadcast on 17 January 1988. Sally became the longest running original female cast member. She departed on 3 April 2008. Ritchie earned various awards and nominations for her portrayal of Sally. In February 2013, it was announced that Ritchie would be reprising her role. Sally returned during the episode broadcast on 15 July 2013 with her daughter. They departed on 5 September 2013.

Irene Roberts (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character

Irene Roberts is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away. She was originally played by actress Jacqy Phillips from her introduction in Episode 887 shown on 29 October 1991, until 13 May 1992. Following Phillips' departure, the part was recast to Lynne McGranger, who debuted in Episode 1147, broadcast on 12 January 1993. Irene was initially a recurring character, but on 7 October 1993 McGranger was promoted to the regular cast. McGranger is one of the longest-serving cast members on the show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophie Simpson</span> Fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away

Sophie Dean is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Rebekah Elmaloglou. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 23 January 1990 and appeared as a regular until 1993. Elmaloglou returned to filming when Sophie made subsequent guest appearances in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

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

Jack Wilson is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Daniel Amalm. He made his first appearance on 1 April 1994. Jack was introduced as a new foster child for the characters of Michael and Pippa Ross. Amalm auditioned for the role in the place of his friend, who could not attend. Many actors auditioned to play Jack, but Amalm was eventually cast. Jack is characterised as a "bad boy" and a "wild child" and Amalm enjoyed playing the role of the "baddie". Jack's storylines feature racial abuse, rebellious behaviour, joy riding and various romances. In 1996, Amalm quit the series to concentrate on a music career. The actor did not like the monotony that accompanied playing the same role, but he remained open minded about a future return. He did so in 2000, when Jack returned as part of episodes centred on foster sister Sally Fletcher wedding.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justine Welles</span> Soap opera character

Justine Welles is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Bree Desborough. She made her first on-screen appearance on 5 June 1997 and departed on 7 April 2000.

Ryan Lee (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character

Ryan Lee is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Alistair MacDougall. He made his first screen appearance on 22 August 1991. Ryan was MacDougall's first television role after previously working as a model. Ryan is characterised as a rich, good time guy with a selfish and manipulative personality. The character was introduced into the series as the ex-boyfriend of Lucinda Croft. He arrives hoping to reconcile their relationship but is shocked to find her coupled with Nick Parrish. Writers played the two characters as complete opposites and Nick the dependable policeman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roxy Miller</span> Soap opera character

Roxanne "Roxy" Miller is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Lisa Lackey. She made her first screen appearance in the episode broadcast on 13 October 1992 and departed on 9 February 1995.

Casey Mitchell (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character

Casey Mitchell is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Rebecca Croft. Casey made her first on-screen appearance on 10 July 1996 and departed on 14 November 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucinda Croft</span> Soap opera character

Lucinda Claire "Lou" Croft is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Dee Smart. The character made her first screen appearance on 13 June 1991. Smart successfully auditioned for the role in her final year of drama studies and began filming in April 1991. Lucinda is characterised as a "tomboy" who rides a motorbike and has a self-assured persona. Lucinda arrives in Summer Bay to live with her uncle, Donald Fisher. Writers soon introduced her estranged brother David Croft and set up a romance with Nick Parrish.

Blake Dean (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

Blake Dean is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Les Hill. Blake debuted on screen during the episode broadcast on 26 July 1990.

Simon Fitzgerald (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

Simon Fitzgerald is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Richard Norton. The character debuted on-screen during the episode broadcast on 25 September 1991. Norton was cast in the show after appearing in fellow soap opera Neighbours just a few months prior. Simon is characterised as a "joker" who enjoys playing pranks on his friends. Simon was introduced alongside his criminal father Bill Fitzgerald, who soon abandoned him. Writers paired Simon with Sophie Simpson for his first relationship story, although she is pregnant with another man's child. Producers decided to write Norton out of the show after one year, which shocked Norton. This led him to accuse the show's production of promoting other cast members better in storylines. Simon departed during the episode broadcast on 24 July 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damian Roberts</span> Soap opera character

Damian Roberts is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Matt Doran. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 6 November 1991, and departed on 15 March 1996. Ben Hamilton played a young Damian in flashbacks in 1997.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finlay Roberts</span> Soap opera character

Finlay "Fin" Roberts is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by Tina Thomsen. She made her first appearance during the episode airing on 18 September 1991 and departed on 20 May 1994. Thomsen made return guest appearances in 1996 and 1997. Jessie Bullions portrayed a young Finlay in a flashback in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Rainbow</span> Soap opera character

Joey Rainbow is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Alex O'Han. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 June 1996. O'Han joined the serial while he was still in high school and was assisted by an on-set tutor. His decision to quit the serial three years later was based on the decision to concentrate on his education. Joey departed on 11 May 1999.

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

Thomas "Tom" Nash is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Graeme Squires. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 February 1998. Tom was introduced to Home and Away along with his family. Zac Drayson was originally cast in the role, but when the producers thought he would be more suitable for Will Smith, Squires received the part. The actor decided to leave Home and Away in early 2000 after two years and he made his screen exit on 16 May 2000. Squires returned to film the show's 3,000th episode special in 2001.

References

  1. 1 2 May, Nigel (25 April 1992). "The Hills are alive!...". Look-in . IPC Media (17): 8, 9.
  2. ↑ "Twenty years of Home and Away Part one 1988–1997". TV Week . ACP Magazines: 2–11. 12–18 January 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 Kesta and Nicholls 1992, p.13.
  4. ↑ Black 2009, p.13.
  5. ↑ Black 2009, p.20.
  6. ↑ "Match-ups, break-ups, mix-ups... and punch-ups!". TV Week (27): 12, 13. 1 January 1994.
  7. 1 2 3 Oliver, Ally (October 1994). "What's Haydn got to hide?". Inside Soap . Attic Futura (UK) Ltd (26): 12.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Oliver, Ally (September 1994). "We don't take our love to work with us!". Inside Soap . Attic Futura (UK) Ltd (25): 10, 11.
  9. ↑ "Marilyn returns". Yahoo!7 . (Yahoo! and Network Seven). Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  10. ↑ Herbison, Jason (27 July – 9 August 1996). "Home and Away here we come!". Inside Soap . Attic Futura (UK) Ltd (54): 38.
  11. ↑ "Pippa's flock!". Inside Soap . Attic Futura (UK) Ltd (54): 16. 27 July – 9 August 1996.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.