Maggie Astoni

Last updated

Maggie Astoni
Home and Away character
Maggie Astoni.jpg
Portrayed by Kestie Morassi
Duration2017–2020
First appearance21 June 2017 (2017-06-21)
Last appearance14 July 2020 (2020-07-14)
Classification Former; regular
Introduced byLucy Addario
In-universe information
OccupationPrincipal of Summer Bay High
FatherRichard Walford
Mother Diana Walford
SistersKate Walford
Husband Ben Astoni
Daughters Ziggy Astoni
Coco Astoni
Granddaughters Izzy Thompson

Maggie Astoni is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away , played by Kestie Morassi. The character made her first screen appearance on 21 June 2017. Maggie arrives in Summer Bay and takes a job as the School Principal of Summer Bay High. She is characterised as a protective mother and career woman. The Astonis are Home and Away's first nuclear family to join the soap opera in 17 years, since the arrival of the Sutherlands in 2000. The show had long been missing traditional parent-child stories and used them to fill that void. Maggie was introduced alongside her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their two daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). Maggie decides to move to the town to offer her family a happier future. Maggie and Ben married when they were young and her mother did not approve of him. Morassi has described the Astoni marriage as a strong union, noting that they still have "passion and electricity" in their relationship.

Contents

Maggie's main stories have focussed on her various health issues. Firstly her battle to overcome Posttraumatic stress disorder following a robbery, was focused on in her introductory months. Then followed a long-running storyline exploring the effects of living with lymphoma cancer. Maggie was diagnosed with the illness following a bout of ill health. She underwent courses of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, fought pneumonia, faced death after the cancer had spread and shaved her head. The character ended the 2018 season being told she had entered remission. Morassi has been praised by viewers and critics for her portrayal of the illness and was nominated for two Digital Spy Reader Awards. The character departed the show on 14 July 2020.

Casting

Morassi's casting was revealed in early 2017 when she was pictured filming on set, while her character details were announced on 4 June. [1] Morassi originally auditioned for another role in Home and Away but was unsuccessful. Three weeks later she was invited back to audition for the role of Maggie. When she won the job she relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to accommodate her filming commitments. [2] Morassi told Luke Dennehy of Herald Sun that it took some time for her to get used to the fast-paced filming schedule of the show. She commented, "it was definitely a shock to the system. I'm mostly used to working on film, where you have a lot more time for rehearsals. With film you are shooting maybe three minutes a day, whereas here, you are shooting almost an episode a day." [1] Morassi found playing Maggie "one of the most enjoyable experiences" of her career. [3] The character made her first appearance on 21 June 2017. [4]

Development

Family

Maggie moves to Summer Bay with her husband Ben Astoni (Rohan Nichol) and their two daughters Coco (Anna Cocquerel) and Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman). [5] The Astonis are the first nuclear family to join the soap opera in 17 years, since the arrival of the Sutherlands in 2000. [1] Seth Adamson from TV Soap detailed that the family had begun to experience drama in their city lifestyle and decided to move to Summer Bay for a quieter life. Maggie was certain the town could offer them an easier living and guaranteed them happy future. [6] Maggie convinces Ben to move to Summer Bay following a job vacancy at Summer Bay High. Ziggy and Coco are initially reluctant to settle in the town. [7] The Astonis move into The Farmhouse after the landlord decides to sell the property. [8] The show used them to play out parent-child stories the show had not featured for some time. [9] Maggie and Ben are portrayed as having a strong and passionate relationship despite being together for many years. Morassi opined "she's lucky in that her marriage is strong and she has unwavering support in her husband Ben. They were childhood sweethearts and they've managed to keep the spark in their relationship alive." [2]

One of the family's first big stories revolves around Coco's eating disorder. She ends up being hospitalised and forbids Maggie from being told the cause of her collapse. Cocquerel told Alison James from Soaplife that Coco believes she has her condition under control and does not want her parents to know. Maggie and Ben eventually find out the truth and the actress added that the reveal has "serious repercussions for the Astoni family." [10] When Coco begins dating Ryder Jackson (Lukas Radovich) the family are supportive of them. Cocquerel told an Inside Soap reporter that she liked the Astoni family's supportive and close bond. She added "the best thing about them is that they are always there for each other - it's the Astoni way, Coco knows she has an incredible family who will all support her through anything." [11]

Another story which helped convey Maggie and Ben's strong relationship was a surprise vow renewal organised by Ben. After various dramas in their introductory months, Ben decides that arranging the vow renewal ceremony will help their relationship. [12] However the introduction of Maggie's overbearing mother Diana Walford (Sarah Chadwick) causes problems. Diana had always disapproved of Ben and tries to mar his efforts to make the ceremony happen. [12] Diana eventually decides to support them and Maggie arrives at the ceremony blindfolded. Maggie is happy when she discovers what Ben has done for her and more so that her mother is in attendance. Morassi told a New Idea reporter that "having Diana there to support her as well makes the whole thing very special. Maggie is known to hate surprises, but this was one that knocked her socks off in a great way." [13]

After one year on-screen, Morassi believed that the Astoni family had been successful additions to the show. [9] She told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that "the Astonis have struck a chord with a lot of viewers. It's really about the family unit. They're so tight, and they are confronted with issues that every normal family goes through in one way or another." [9] The family also had believable chemistry when in scenes together. Morassi credited this to their off-screen bond they had worked hard to forge. She added that in their own time they often had dinner parties around each others houses and have games nights, which made them closer friends. [9]

Characterisation

Maggie, might look like any other suburban mother and career woman, but there's also a certain edge to her. A 'fly in the face of convention' attitude, that saw her fall for the local bad boy and turn her back on an affluent lifestyle and upbringing.

An excerpt taken from the official Home and Away website. [14]

The character's backstory details that she had an affluent upbringing with her mother Diana. Maggie met Ben who was the "local bad boy" and decided to leave her affluent lifestyle behind to start a family. [15] Diana was not supportive of her life choices. A writer for TVNZ said that she "has a certain edge to her" and is "intelligent and caring". [15] [14] Maggie is characterised as the mother and career woman of the nuclear Astoni family. She loves her family but unafraid of "discipline and fighting for what's fair." She began a career as a teacher before progressing to the role of the principal at Summer Bay High. [15] Morassi told a writer from 7plus that "Maggie is like a lot of working mothers out there. She's juggling family and work life with little time for herself. She's not perfect, but she's doing the best she can 100% of the time." [2]

Maggie takes her responsibility as a mother seriously and will do anything to keep her two troubled teenagers safe. [16] The actress enjoyed playing the lovingly "fierce" and "strong working mother" role and believed it made the job a great experience. [2] Morassi believed that Maggie was similar to herself because of their shared love of teaching. Morassi had been a teacher as side career between acting roles. She added that the character is "happily married with two kids and living my 'sea change' dream." [17]

Posttraumatic stress disorder

Writers created a Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) story for Maggie. The issue based storyline began following a break-in at Summer Bay High, when student Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble) smashes her way into the school and brings back painful memories for Maggie. [18] She is working late at school when Raffy throws a brick through a window and sneaks around the school corridors. The incident scares Maggie and as she investigates the break-in she has flashbacks of her past. Morassi told a reporter from Inside Soap that her character suffers from a form of PTSD which developed following a break-in at a previous school. [17] Maggie was attacked and left with a serious concussion. Her attacker was never caught which left her with vulnerable. Morassi explained "when that's the case, victims can find it hard to feel safe. Now a familiar scenario is playing out right in front of Maggie, triggering the anxiety." [17]

When Maggie discovers that Raffy is behind the break-in she decides to let her off. The actress explained that Maggie is a "level-headed and fair" woman and can see that Raffy was pulling a prank that went wrong. In episodes that followed a terrified Maggie recalls details of the previous attack. Morassi added that Maggie still suffers from PTSD related migraines and knowing that her original attacker was not apprehended "unnerves her". [17]

Ziggy soon confesses that she was involved in the incident that left Maggie with PTSD. [19] Another incident occurs when Maggie gets a flat tyre and Mick Jennings (Kristian Schmid) helps her change it. Mick cuts his hand and Maggie takes him back to her house to bandage it. When Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) sees Mick, she tells Maggie that he is a rapist. Ben hears screams from the house and violently throws Mick out. [20] The incident forces Maggie and Ziggy to discuss the original break-in and Maggie forgives Ziggy, but tells her she cannot forget about it. [21]

Cancer

Producers created a Lymphoma cancer story for Maggie, which began to develop on-screen from early 2018. [6] Morassi was happy that the writing team had entrusted an issue lead storyline to her. She described the opportunity as "incredible" because she believed all actors relish the chance to portray emotionally charged stories. [9] She also felt honoured to show how Maggie copes with an illness that effects so many people. The actress added "it's an honour to represent something millions have struggled with. I hope viewers can relate to, and find solace in, the Astonis' journey." [9] She also researched the illness using the internet, watching videos and talking to people. She also looked into the effects it had on relatives off cancer patients. She was happy that the writers had included so much "realism and respect" in scripts. [22] The actress also became an ambassador for Cancer Council Australia's "Daffodil Day" charity event. [23] Nichol, who plays Ben felt that playing such emotional scenes with Morassi was easy because they were close friends, but he admitted that it had been a tiring experience. [24]

The story begins when Maggie is taken into hospital when Ben finds her collapsed under the local pier. She is later taken ill once again and this time her doctor Tori Morgan (Penny McNamee) informs her she may have cancer. Maggie has a series of tests done and awaits the results. [25] When she learns that she has cancer, Maggie initially decides to keep it a secret from her daughters. She thinks that if they know it would Coco's recovery from bulimia and Ziggy's romance with Brody. [6] [26] Ben warns Maggie that keeping secrets from Coco could also trigger her bulimia and that Ziggy would want to support her mother. [26] Maggie receives the results of a PET scan and is told that they have diagnosed her cancer in its early stages. But they stress that it is an aggressive form of cancer. [27]

Maggie's results reveal that she needs treatment immediately and she attends her first chemotherapy session. After she pretends everything is okay for her family's sake. Maggie later has an emotional moment with Ben where she reveals that she is not coping with her diagnosis. Ben reassures her that she will recover and makes her feel positive about fighting her cancer. When they discover the truth, Ziggy and Coco then offer their support and they see how ill Maggie looks. [28] Maggie is told an effective way to treat her cancer could be a stem cell transplant. Ben is tested but proves to be unsuitable. Tori tells Maggie that Ziggy may be a better option. She is reluctant to put her daughter through the process. Ben convince her to ask Ziggy who immediately agrees to get tested. [29] When Ziggy is proved to be a suitable match, Maggie and Ziggy undergo the stem cell transplant procedure. The side effects coupled with her chemotherapy take their toll on Maggie. She then starts to lose her hair and Coco suggests that she shaves her head to take control of the situation. Maggie eventually agrees and Ziggy shaves her head. [30]

Maggie is hospitalised with pneumonia and then has to undergo another course of chemotherapy. Worried by her deteriorating health, Maggie writes a series of goodbye letters to her family. Ben plans on a romantic holiday, but this gives her time to reflect on her life. [31] Morassi told an Inside Soap columnist that "Maggie is reflective, and feeling very sentimental. With time to think and breathe, she starts to think about the bigger picture, and what might lie ahead for her family." [31] Maggie accepts that she may die from her illness and decides to write the goodbye letters which are only to be read after she dies. Ziggy later finds the letters and is devastated. The actress explained that Maggie's family are "upset and confused" and fear that she has given up fighting her cancer. The letters bring out the harsh reality of the situation which Morassi believed her on-screen family had tried so hard not to think about. [31] In a separate interview with Ellis (also from Inside Soap) the actress said that Maggie does not want to die but becomes more aware how important each living moment is. [9] She wants to fight her illness for herself and her family but her future was uncertain. Morassi concluded that Maggie faces the reality of death because "she's practical and a realist." [9]

Maggie stops her treatment so she can attend Ziggy and Brody's wedding. While on The Morning Show , Morassi defended her character's decision claiming that it is a common reaction in cancer sufferers. She explained that chemotherapy leaves people feeling ill and like Maggie, some people want to feel as well as possible. [32] Following the wedding ceremony Maggie has a nose bleed, collapses and is rushed to hospital. [33] She is informed she needs a more aggressive form of chemotherapy to stand any chance of survival. Maggie eventually agrees to resume her treatment plan. [34] Diana arrives and tells Maggie that she will pay for her to take part in cancer medical trials in Europe. Maggie is tempted but Ben is not happy with the prospect of her travelling around the world while she is so ill. The issue causes an argument among the Astoni family. [35] Nichol stated that his character "is very apprehensive" because he feels Maggie is too ill to travel. He explained that Ben would not be able to cope if Maggie died because she is "the love of his life". [24] Tori researches the trial and advises Maggie to stay in Summer Bay. Adhering to Tori's advice Maggie declines her mother's offer. [35] A Home and Away publicist told a reporter from Soaplife that Diana is "devastated" by Maggie's decision and "the family ends up fighting among themselves". Diana leaves the hospital and refuses to speak to her family. They explained that "Maggie's heartbroken when her mum fails to return her calls, struggling at the rejection while also being in the throes of a brutal round of chemo." [35] Soon enough Maggie receives news that the hospital have found a new stem-cell donor. [35]

The transplant is successful and Maggie goes home to recover. She eventually reaches the point where she is classed as being in remission. [22] Morassi told Kerry Harvey from Stuff.co.nz that Maggie will always be concerned about having a relapse. But her experience with cancer changes her perception of the world and herself. She concluded, "I think it's changed her for the better in that it's given her a new and more profound appreciation for everything." [22] The cancer story proved popular with Home and Away's audience because it resonated with those who have been affected with cancer. Morassi received numerous messages via social media and letters written to her sharing their own cancer stories. [22] She also gained support on social media from fans rooting for the character to overcome cancer. Morassi found the reactions from viewers "very humbling". [22]

Departure

On 13 July 2020, Morassi confirmed her exit from the serial, as Maggie and Ben leave Summer Bay for Italy. [36] Morassi admitted that she would miss the show, saying "I expected it to be wonderful and exciting, but I didn't expect to fall so deeply in love with the people I worked with. I can't tell you the joy this job has brought me." [36] Morassi liked that the scriptwriters gave her character the chance to return in the future. [36] After separating and reuniting, Ben and Maggie decide on a fresh start in Italy. They leave the Bay after attending a surprise goodbye lunch hosted by their friends. [37] Morassi hoped the couple would be able to work things out properly and grow old together, adding "It's what they've always imagined for their future." [36]

Reception

In the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards, Morassi was nominated for "Best Actress" and Maggie's cancer story was nominated for "Best Soap Storyline". Both nominations came in last place with 1.1% and 1.3% of their total votes respectively. [38] A writer from Soaplife praised Maggie's cancer story and stated "during her brave battle with cancer, Maggie Astoni has remained strong for her family, even at the toughest times." [35] A columnist from Inside Soap praised the character and actress stating that "Summer Bay High principal Maggie Astoni has taken to her new seaside home like a duck to water - and the same is true of star Kestie Morassi." [17] Sarah Ellis writing for Inside Soap believed that Home and Away had long been dominated by "disjointed clans" and that it had lacked "parent-child" plots. She said that the "tight-knit" Astoni family changed that. [9] Kerry Harvey from Stuff.co.nz praised Morassi's performance during her cancer story stating "if the response from viewers is anything to go by, Morassi nailed it." [22] Television host Larry Emdur said that many people had been vocal about Morassi deserving a Logie Award nomination for her portrayal of cancer, despite being snubbed. [32]

Related Research Articles

Kestie Morassi is an Australian film and television actress. She played Natalie in the TV series Satisfaction (2007–2010) and Maggie Astoni in Home and Away (2017–2020). Morassi has also appeared in the films Dirty Deeds (2002), Wolf Creek (2005), The Illustrated Family Doctor (2005), and has made television appearances on Underbelly (2008), Wilfred (2010) and Black Snow (2022)

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summer Bay</span> Fictional coastal town

Summer Bay is the fictional coastal town featured in the Australian soap opera, Home and Away. Palm Beach, the northernmost beach in Sydney, is used for the show's exterior scenes to depict the Bay. Between 2010 and 2014, the Lane Cove River Tourist Park in Macquarie Park was used as the location for filming of scenes involving the Summer Bay Caravan Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maddy Osborne</span> Soap opera character

Maddy Osborne is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Kassandra Clementi. Maddy debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 24 January 2013. The actress was living abroad when she was offered the role and flew back to Sydney to take the role. Maddy is from a middle class Australian family and is a talented violinist. Despite this Maddy chose to run away from home and arrives in Summer Bay with her boyfriend Spencer Harrington. She is taken in by Roo Stewart and Harvey Ryan. The storyline was part of producer Lucy Addario's vision for Home and Away to revisit the issues of fostering. Maddy settles into the local school and her relationship with Spencer comes to an end. Following this the character begins to misbehave and is involved in a car accident. The writers then paired her up with new character Josh Barrett and their relationship dramas took Maddy through into her second year in the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VJ Patterson</span> Soap opera character

Vincent Alexandros "VJ" Patterson, Jr. is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away. VJ has been portrayed by various child actors since his introduction. Felix Dean played the role from 2007 until it was recast in 2014, and Matthew Little took over. VJ made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 30 November 2001. He is the son of Leah Patterson and Vinnie Patterson. After departing on 23 November 2017, he made a brief appearance in video footage on 5 February 2018. Little reprised the role in 2024 for Leah's wedding to Justin Morgan.

Rohan Nichol is an Australian television and film actor. His roles include Raymus Antilles in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Aaron Collingwood in All Saints, and Detective Luc Palermo in headLand. From June 2017, he began playing Ben Astoni in the television soap opera Home and Away.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Essie Harrison</span> Fictional character

Estelle "Essie" Harrison is a fictional character from the BBC medical drama Holby City, played by actress Kaye Wragg. She first appeared in the series sixteen episode "My Name Is Joe", broadcast on 6 May 2014. Essie arrives at Holby City employed as an agency nurse working on the hospital's AAU and Keller wards. She is characterised as an opinionated nurse who is not afraid to challenge the healthcare system. She is also played as a warm person who makes a good friend for fellow characters and strives to provide excellent patient care. Her introduction to the show was controversial and featured the discovery that her grandfather Joe Goodridge was an escaped Nazi war criminal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brody Morgan</span> Fictional character

Brody Morgan is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Jackson Heywood. The actor had previously appeared in the show as Lachie Cladwell in 2009. During the audition process, Heywood was paired up with several different actors until the producers found the right combination for the Morgan family. Heywood began filming his first scenes in December 2015. He made his first appearance as Brody during the episode broadcast on 7 June 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mishti Sharma</span> Fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours

Mishti Sharma is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Scarlet Vas. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 18 April 2017. The character was introduced alongside an extended branch of the show's long-standing Rebecchi family, who consist of Indian-Australians. The show's producer Jason Herbison thought their inclusion was important to better reflect Australian society. Actress Sharon Johal, who plays Mishti's sister Dipi Rebecchi, originally auditioned for the role of Mishti. When writers changed the character's age they hired Vas to play her instead. Vas made her final appearance as Mishti on 19 October 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willow Harris</span> Soap opera character

Willow Harris is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Sarah Roberts. The character made her first screen appearance on 14 November 2017. Roberts had auditioned for the roles of both Kat Chapman and Scarlett Snow prior to playing Willow. She auditioned successfully and attended screen testing with James Stewart who play's Willow's love interest Justin Morgan. Willow was originally going to be named Amber. She is characterised as a tough female who was raised in a broken home and has subsequently learned to look after herself. Roberts has said that she admires the character's strong personality. Willow is introduced into the show wearing leather, chains and riding a motorbike. This added to her image as a powerful female character.

Dean Thompson (<i>Home and Away</i>) Fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away

Dean Thompson is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Patrick O'Connor. The character made his first screen appearance on 1 February 2018. The character was introduced as one of Home and Away's new River Boys, who are a fictional criminal gang that reside in Mangrove River. The show had previously included actors playing the River Boys in their regular cast, most notably the Braxton brothers. They became popular with viewers and were led by actor Steve Peacocke as Darryl Braxton. When O'Connor joined the show he felt pressured to live up to the "legacy" Peacocke had created on the show. He watched old episodes and researched the role with two former cast members who played River Boys.

Justin Morgan (<i>Home and Away</i>) Soap opera character

Justin Morgan is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by James Stewart. The actor was contacted by his agent and the head of drama at Seven Network about the role. After hearing their pitch, Stewart auditioned and won the part. He began filming in December 2015, and made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 7 June 2016. Justin was introduced to the show along with his three siblings; Tori Morgan, Brody Morgan and Mason Morgan. The family received immediate comparisons to the show's popular Braxton brothers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryder Jackson</span> Fictional character

Ryder Jackson is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Lukas Radovich. The character made his first screen appearance on 25 October 2017. The character is introduced as the long-lost grandson of original character Alf Stewart. His mother is Quinn Jackson, who is estranged from Alf. When he arrives in Summer Bay Alf does not know he exists, but his aunt Roo Stewart convinces him to stay. Ryder is characterised as "mischievous" teenager with a "confident" and "cocky" attitude. Radovich has called him the product of a "broken home". Upon arrival he is portrayed as a "bad boy" committing thefts, including driving a stolen car which hits and injures Roo. Writers used Alf's influence over Ryder to help him improve his behaviour. The actor believed that Ryder grew up and matured during his first year on the show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colby Thorne</span> Fictional character

Colby Thorne is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Tim Franklin. The actor learned from his agent that he had secured the role on his 27th birthday. He had previously made a guest appearance in the series as Azza Mason in 2015, but Colby is his first full-time television role. Franklin began filming in August 2017, and he made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 February 2018. The character was introduced as a replacement for Kat Chapman, who died in the season finale, and his arrival was publicised in a trailer showcasing upcoming 2018 storylines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Astoni</span> Fictional character in Home and Away

Ben Astoni is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Rohan Nichol. The actor felt the offer of the role was good timing, as he was approaching his 40th birthday and feeling unconnected to anything. He previously appeared in the serial as Stafford McRae in 2004. Nichol relocated from Melbourne to Sydney to accommodate his filming commitments, and he began filming alongside his on-screen family in early 2017. Nichol expressed an interest in staying with the show for a long time. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 June 2017. Ben is introduced along with his wife Maggie Astoni and two daughters Ziggy Astoni and Coco Astoni, making them the first nuclear family to be introduced to Home and Away in 17 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mackenzie Booth</span> Soap opera character

Mackenzie Booth is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Emily Weir. Weir decided to audition for the role after reading the character brief. She was attending a different audition when her agent informed her that she had won the part of Mac. Weir described the moment as overwhelming and revealed that she had been a big fan of the show since she was young. She began filming in December 2018 and her casting was publicly revealed when she was photographed filming scenes at Palm Beach. Weir made her first appearance as Mac during the episode broadcast on 13 June 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ziggy Astoni</span> Soap opera character

Ziggy Astoni is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Sophie Dillman. Dillman was working as a day surgery nurse in Sydney when she auditioned for the role of Ziggy. She booked a holiday to Vietnam shortly afterward, but four days before she was due to leave, she was informed that she had won the role. Dillman joined the cast alongside Rohan Nichol, Kestie Morassi and Anna Cocquerel, who play Ziggy's parents Ben and Maggie Astoni and sister Coco Astoni respectively. The Astonis were the first nuclear family to be introduced to Home and Away in 17 years. Ziggy was the first member of the family to appear and she made her debut during the episode broadcast on 20 June 2017. She is portrayed as feisty, rebellious, and confident. Dillman felt that she and Ziggy were quite similar, but she admitted that unlike her character she could not surf and was not into cars. The Astoni family relocate from the city to Summer Bay and are given immediate links within the community. Ziggy is reunited with Brody Morgan, who helped her hide from Ben after she stole a car, while Maggie finds employment at the local high school.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Dennehy, Luke (4 June 2017). "New family for long-running soap Home and Away, set to make waves in Summer Bay". Herald Sun . (The Herald and Weekly Times). Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Kestie Morassi". 7plus . Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  3. "Home And Away: Kestie Morassi tells all". New Idea . (Pacific Magazines). 6 November 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  4. "Soap diary". TV Week (24). (Bauer Media Group). 17–23 June 2017.
  5. Groome, Imogen (8 June 2017). "Home and Away spoilers: There's a new family heading to Summer Bay". Metro . (DMG Media). Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  6. 1 2 3 Adamson, Seth (5–19 February 2018). "What's wrong with Maggie?". TV Soap . (nextmedia): 14, 15.
  7. Doctor, Vanessa (11 July 2017). "'Home and Away' spoilers for July 10–13: Hunter makes amends with Olivia; Maggie asks her husband to move out; Alf and Lea bid for pier purchase". International Business Times . Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  8. Groome, Imogen (21 June 2017). "Home and Away spoilers: 8 rumours about the new Astoni family". Metro . (DMG Media). Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ellis, Sarah (30 June – 6 July 2018). "Maggie wants too survive more than anything". Inside Soap (26). (Hearst Magazines UK): 52, 53.
  10. James, Alison (4–17 November 2017). "Coco collapses!". Soaplife (419). (TI Media): 38.
  11. "Coco's got a date!". Inside Soap (16). (Hearst Magazines UK): 27. 21–27 April 2018.
  12. 1 2 "Ben's big gesture!". Inside Soap (2). (Hearst Magazines UK): 27. 13–19 January 2018.
  13. "Home And Away: Surprise Wedding". New Idea . 6 November 2017. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  14. 1 2 "Maggie Astoni". 7plus . Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  15. 1 2 3 "Maggie Astoni". TVNZ . Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  16. "Meet Home And Away's newest family". Now To Love . (Bauer Media Group). 23 June 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 "School of hard knocks!". Inside Soap (43). (Hearst Magazines UK): 43. 28 October – 3 November 2017.
  18. Kilkelly, Daniel (21 October 2017). "Home and Away: 21 new spoiler pictures as Maggie Astoni is left terrified and Mason Morgan fears he's losing Beth". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  19. "Home And Away shock attack: Ziggy's in big trouble". New Idea . (Pacific Magazines). 23 October 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  20. "Mick strikes again?". Inside Soap (46). (Hearst Magazines UK): 26. 18–24 November 2017.
  21. Kilkelly, Daniel (11 November 2017). "Home and Away spoiler: Alf comes up with a way to get rid of Mick for good". Digital Spy . (Hearst Magazines UK). Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Harvey, Kerry (6 September 2018). "Fans hopeful for Home And Away cancer victim". Stuff.co.nz . (Fairfax New Zealand). Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  23. Brygel, Jackie (20 August 2018). "Home and Away's Kestie Morassi tells: Maggie's battle for life". New Idea . (Pacific Magazines). Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  24. 1 2 "Hope for Maggie". Inside Soap (31). (Hearst Magazines UK): 28. 4–10 August 2018.
  25. "What's wrong with Maggie?". Inside Soap (10). (Hearst Magazines UK): 31. 10–16 March 2018.
  26. 1 2 "Tough decision". Inside Soap (12). (Hearst Magazines UK): 35. 24–30 March 2018.
  27. "A family united". Inside Soap (13). (Hearst Magazines UK): 29. 31 March – 6 April 2018.
  28. "Maggie faces her darkest hour!". Soaplife (433). (TI Media): 46. 31 March – 6 April 2018.
  29. "Maggie's agony". Inside Soap (19). (Hearst Magazines UK): 29. 12–18 May 2018.
  30. "Maggie's brave act". Inside Soap (22). (Hearst Magazines UK): 30. 2–8 June 2018.
  31. 1 2 3 "Maggie's goodbye?". Inside Soap (25). (Hearst Magazines UK): 30. 23–29 June 2018.
  32. 1 2 Morassi, Kestie (29 June 2018). "Interview". The Morning Show (Interview). Interviewed by Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies. Seven Network.
  33. Hughes, Johnathon (14 July 2018). "Home and Away: Ziggy marries Brody – but tragedy strikes at the wedding". Radio Times . (Immediate Media Company). Retrieved 29 December 2018.
  34. "Maggie's new hope?". Soaplife (450). (TI Media): 37. 28 July – 3 August 2018.
  35. 1 2 3 4 5 "Maggie's second chance!". Soaplife (451). (TI Media): 36, 37. 4–10 August 2018.
  36. 1 2 3 4 Lee, Jess (13 July 2020). "Home and Away star Kestie Morassi breaks silence on exit from Summer Bay". Digital Spy . Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  37. Cullen, Tamara (13 July 2020). "H&A's Ben and Maggie leave The Bay". TV Week . Retrieved 13 July 2020 via MSN Entertainment.
  38. Robinson, Abby (28 December 2018). "Emmerdale wins big at the Digital Spy Reader Awards 2018". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 31 December 2018.