Best Character Awards : 9 to 5...

5. Morag Bellingham (1988-1989, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

Played by Cornelia Frances
I never watched during the time that Cornelia Frances was a regular character on the show, but her guest appearances from 2001 onwards have had an impact to say the least…

She’s a woman who does what she has to do, and says what she’s inclined to say, without agonising over what people will think of her… and the patronising and verging-on-bitter remarks that she comes out with sometimes… the “Stupid woman!” remarks aimed at Colleen, and the “presumptuous little upstart” comment to Josh, amongst others, manage to say *exactly* what no one else dares to actually come out and say… with the tone in which they’re presented not so much nasty as ‘matter-of-fact’… wonderful lines with equally fantastic delivery.

I’ve never had the delight of seeing her, Alf and Celia in the same scene, and would adore a full Stewart sibling reunion, if just to see the interaction between the three. The constant bickering between Alf and Morag is just hilarious… comedy genius.

She’s the sort of woman you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of, and yet would also be invaluable to have on your side in an argument… a woman to be reckoned with, who will happily combat the forces of evil… she went head-to-head with Angie, put her career on the line to get Dani released from prison, and is shortly to take on Josie.

And yet despite all the hard front and bitterness there are the rare compassionate moments to prove that she is indeed human, the tears she shed whilst Alf was at his lowest during his tumour being truly touching.

A classic character and absolute credit to the show, and I’m delighted to have Cornelia back gracing our screens so frequently.
Written by Claire

6. Alf Stewart (1988- )

Played by Ray Meagher
Alf has been a stalwart of the show since it began 16 years ago. Married twice, to Martha, then Ailsa as well as running a succession of different businesses, he has certainly been kept busy over the shows run and he has still had time to foster several different children. Alf has recently discovered of a family he never knew he had.

7. Sally Fletcher (1988- )

Played by Kate Ritchie.
Along with Alf, the only remaining character from the original cast. Indeed, many long term viewers feel that they have grown up with Sally. The youngest of the Fletcher foster children when the show started, Sally has had to cope with losing both her parents in a boating accident, and then two foster dads. Now she is happily married to Flynn and has a baby daughter, Pippa.

8. Kit Hunter (2003-2004)

Played by Amy Mizzi
Only on the show for less than a year, though she has subsequently made several guest appearances Kit has became very popular in a short space of time. Her struggle to overcome her alcoholism, but eventually succeeding and going off to university, her story was another Home and Away troubled teenager turned good success story.

9. Vinnie Patterson (1998-2002)

Played by Ryan Kwanten
A great source of comedy during his time on the show, Vinnie was always trying to find a way to get rich. Eventually he settled down and married Leah, and they had a child, VJ. However he went into business with his crook of father Ralph and was sent to jail for fraud in 2002, and then his subsequent death in the season finale in a prison fire, recently stories may point to the fact that Vinnie is still alive.

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