Gilly Austen

Gilly (pronounced, unusually, with a hard G) was an English backpacker who began renting Vinnie and Tom’s spare room at the old Nash house shortly after Leah moved out. She and Tom quickly showed signs of being attracted to each other but Gilly made it clear nothing could happen, since her visa would expire soon and she would have to return to England. The prospect didn’t seem to delight her as she complained about English weather.

Tom quickly cottoned on to the fact that she could stay in the country if they were married and the pair became engaged. However, the relationship was distinctly lacking in support: Tom’s parents Joel and Natalie believed he was rushing into things for the wrong reasons while Vinnie accused Gilly of trying to scam him.

While Gilly did seem to have genuine feelings for Tom, she also had an English boyfriend, Rory, who had convinced an Australian girl to marry him. Rory’s fiancé was fully aware it would only be a marriage of convenience and he was concerned when Gilly admitted Tom was in love with her. Gilly agreed to spend the night with Rory at a motel but was spotted leaving his room by Tom, whilst visiting Natalie who was also staying there after her recent split with Joel. Gilly insisted it had been a mistake and it was Tom she loved but Tom felt used and ended the engagement. Gilly returned to England with Rory.