45 Facts About Home and Away

Home and Away, one of Australia's most beloved television soap operas, has been a staple of Australian television for over three decades. Since its debut in 1988, the show has captivated audiences with its dramatic storylines, memorable characters, and picturesque setting. Here are 45 fascinating facts about Home and Away that delve into its history, production, and impact on popular culture.

Origin and Early Days

Home and Away has a rich history that dates back to its inception in the late 1980s. Let's explore some intriguing facts about its beginnings.

1. Origin and Name Change: Home and Away was originally titled "Refuge," but the name was changed to better suit a family-friendly show.
2. First Episode: The first scene of the pilot episode, which aired in 1988, was a flashback to 1978. A policeman chased an eight-year-old Frank (played by Bradley Pilato) down a rainy street, shouting, “Frankie!”
3. Longest-Serving Actors: Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart, and Kate Ritchie, who played Sally Fletcher, along with Norman Coburn (Fisher), hold a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving actors and actress in an Australian drama series.
4. Ray Meagher's Initial Contract: Ray Meagher was initially offered a two-year contract but agreed to only sign up for six months. He has since become the longest-serving actor on an Australian drama series.

Memorable Characters and Storylines

The characters and storylines of Home and Away have left a lasting impact on viewers. Here are some notable facts about them.

5. Summer Bay Haunting: Summer Bay is often described as haunted, with ghostly reappearances from several dead characters, including Ailsa and Tom.
6. Movie Stars: Home and Away has launched the careers of several notable actors, including Naomi Watts, Julian McMahon, Isla Fisher, and the late Heath Ledger.
7. Shocking Storylines: The show has never shied away from tackling tough and often shocking storylines, including teen pregnancy, abortion, surrogacy, bullying, domestic violence, and more.
8. Neighbours' Influence: Home and Away was created as a response to the cancellation of Neighbours. The show's success led to it becoming one of Australia's most popular television programs.
9. Theme Tune Changes: The theme tune of Home and Away has been rerecorded or shortened for the opening titles a total of seven times since its inception.
10. Cast Key to the Beach: In 2009, to mark the 21st anniversary of the show, the cast was given the Australian equivalent of being handed the Freedom of Dublin—the key to Palm Beach, where the show is filmed.

International Reach and Popularity

Home and Away has not only captivated Australian audiences but has also gained international fame. Let's look at some facts about its global reach.

11. Millions of Viewers: Home and Away is watched by millions of viewers each week. The show has averaged at least three deaths per year, with few of them being from natural causes.
12. Ireland as the First International Viewer: Ireland was the first country outside of Australia to air Home and Away, just a few months after its launch in 1988.
13. Irish Tour: The cast of Home and Away has toured Ireland, performing at various nightclubs and becoming popular among Irish audiences.
14. The City: The term "The City" is often used in the show to refer to Sydney, but the exact location of Summer Bay is north of Sydney, approximately 100km away.

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes, Home and Away has had its share of secrets and interesting tidbits. Here are some facts about the production and cast.

15. On-Set Secrets: Home and Away has had its share of on-set secrets and discarded storylines over the years, adding to the intrigue and longevity of the show.
16. TV WEEK Logie Awards: Home and Away has won 46 TV WEEK Logie Awards, more than any other Australian series.
17. Discarded Storylines: Some storylines were discarded due to their sensitivity or complexity, such as a plot involving a character's terminal illness that was deemed too intense for television.
18. Cult Leader Storyline: In 1996, a creepy cult leader named Saul kidnapped and attempted to murder Selina. The storyline was a significant plot point in the show's history.
19. Brainwashed Characters: In 2005, Tasha Andrews was brainwashed by a cult called ‘The Believers,’ adding to the show’s repertoire of complex and intriguing storylines.
20. Filming Locations: The majority of Home and Away is filmed at Palm Beach, where a real surf club stands with a sign bearing Alf Stewart's name as president. Additional scenes are filmed in the Channel 7 studios.

Iconic Moments and Characters

Home and Away has had its share of iconic moments and unforgettable characters. Here are some highlights.

21. Yabbie Creek: Yabbie Creek is another fictional town on Home and Away, but it is not where everyone lives. It serves as a secondary location for some storylines.
22. Iconic Characters: Characters like Alf Stewart, played by Ray Meagher, have become iconic figures in Australian television. Alf has survived numerous life-threatening situations, including a brain tumor.
23. Ghostly Reappearances: Ailsa Stewart, Alf's late wife, appeared as a ghost due to Alf's brain tumor. The scenes were hilarious to shoot, according to Judy Nunn, who played Ailsa.
24. Twin Siblings: Several actors on the show have twin siblings, including Raechelle Banno (Olivia), Scott Lee (Hunter), and James Stewart (Justin).
25. Almost Axed: Home and Away was almost axed after just six weeks on air but managed to improve its ratings with an extra three weeks of production.

Special Episodes and Guest Stars

Home and Away has had special episodes and guest stars that have added to its charm. Here are some interesting facts.

26. Hawaii Filming: In 2011, the show filmed on location in Hawaii for scenes featuring Samara Weaving (Indi) and Luke Mitchell (Romeo).
27. Simon Baker’s Brief Stint: Simon Baker, known for his work in E Street, had a brief stint on the show as James Hudson, a heart-throb teacher who stole Roxy’s heart.
28. Shane and Angel’s Love Story: From 1993 to 1996, fans lapped up Shane and Angel’s love story. However, away from the cameras, co-stars Melissa George and Dieter Brummer didn’t get along and haven’t spoken since leaving the show.

Awards and Recognition

Home and Away has received numerous awards and recognition over the years. Here are some notable achievements.

29. IMDb Rating: Home and Away has an IMDb rating of 5.1/10 based on over 6,600 user ratings.
30. Awards and Nominations: The show has received 55 wins and 145 nominations throughout its run, showcasing its impact on Australian television.
31. Episode Count: As of the latest updates, Home and Away has aired over 8,400 episodes, making it one of the longest-running television shows in history.

Cast and Crew

The cast and crew of Home and Away have played a significant role in its success. Here are some facts about them.

32. Cast Members: The show boasts a diverse cast, including Ray Meagher, Lynne McGranger, Emily Symons, Ada Nicodemou, Shane Withington, Georgie Parker, Norman Coburn, Kate Ritchie, Judy Nunn, James Stewart, Nicolle Dickson, Debra Lawrance, Lyn Collingwood, Felix Dean, Dennis Coard, David Jones-Roberts, Josh Quong Tart, Luke Jacobz.
33. Debra Lawrance’s Role: Debra Lawrance replaced Vanessa Downing as Pippa Fletcher in 1990. After her departure in 1998, both actresses' likenesses were used in flashbacks and photographs.
34. Goofs: Characters often refer to "the city" (Sydney) as being either "up" or "down" from Summer Bay. However, Summer Bay is north of Sydney.
35. Crazy Credits: In June 1996, the credits changed so Shane approaches from the other side of the screen, causing Angel to be confused.

Cultural Impact

Home and Away has had a significant impact on Australian culture and beyond. Here are some facts about its influence.

36. Connections: Home and Away has been featured in other television shows, including Coronation Street: Episode #1.3347 (1992).
37. Soundtracks: The show features a soundtrack titled "From the Sea," written by Stuart MacLeod, Joel Quartermain, and Kavyen Temperley, performed by Eskimo Joe.
38. User Reviews: Audiences have mixed opinions about the show, with some admiring its longevity and others criticizing its repetitive storylines.
39. Past Glories: The show had its best days in the mid-90s with good actors and decent storylines. However, it started to decline after 1997 when characters became too similar and storylines were revisited.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some fun facts and trivia about Home and Away that you might not know.

40. Top Picks: Viewers can sign in to rate and watchlist episodes for personalized recommendations.
41. FAQ: The show has been asked many questions over the years, including how many seasons it has. Home and Away has been on the air for over 32 years, with over 8,400 episodes.
42. Tech Specs: The show’s technical specifications include detailed information about its production and broadcasting.
43. Related News: Home and Away has been featured in various news articles discussing its impact on Australian television and popular culture.
44. Summer Bay’s Setting: Summer Bay is a fictional coastal town in the upper Northern Beaches of Sydney, New South Wales. The show often depicts the town as sunny, despite its dramatic storylines.
45. Northern Districts Hospital: The hospital has had many doctors from Summer Bay working there, including Dr. Flynn Saunders, Dr. Charlotte, and the Fraser brothers Locky and James.

Home and Away's Lasting Impact

Home and Away has become more than just a TV show; it's a cultural icon in Australia. With over 8,400 episodes, it has entertained millions and launched the careers of stars like Naomi Watts and Heath Ledger. The show's ability to tackle tough issues like teen pregnancy and domestic violence while keeping viewers hooked with dramatic storylines is impressive. Ray Meagher's portrayal of Alf Stewart has made him a household name, and the show's setting in Summer Bay has become iconic. Despite nearly being axed early on, Home and Away has proven its staying power, winning numerous awards and maintaining a loyal fanbase. Its influence on Australian television and popular culture is undeniable, making it a beloved staple for over three decades.