Charlie Buckton
Encyclopedia
Charlotte "Charlie" Buckton is a fictional character
from the Australian Channel Seven
soap opera
Home and Away
, played by Esther Anderson. Anderson was added to the cast in a bid to add more "sex appeal" to the show. She said it was her dream job and relocated to Sydney immediately to accommodate filming. The character made her on-screen debut during the episode airing on 6 June 2008. Charlie was billed as having a "warm heart" and being "family oriented", however her actions are often misunderstood and her persona has been perceived as "brash". She is described as being "passionate about her work" and often neglects her daughter, Ruby
's (Rebecca Breeds) needs. Charlie's first notable storyline was a lesbian relationship with Joey Collins (Kate Bell
). The storyline was implemented by producers to boost ratings and Anderson said it helped portray Charlie's vulnerable side. The storyline angered Christian and conservative oriented family groups. They complained that Home and Away had featured sexualised plot lines unsuitable for children, and Channel Seven was inundated with parental complaints stating that children should not be exposed to same-sex relationships in a family show. Viewership declined after transmission of the storyline and producers cut scenes to attune to viewers wishes, which outraged the LGBT
community. The storyline came to a natural end and Anderson and executive producer Cameron Welsh
praised the plot because it portrayed a real-life situation and denounced the conservative views as outdated. Anderson stated that the storyline was a great one to portray in terms of acting.
Charlie's sexuality was sidelined and she began a relationship with Angelo Rosetta
(Luke Jacobz
). Throughout their romance Charlie played out various family oriented plots and was described as having strong feelings for him. Their romance was portrayed to be wayward and unstable. In 2011, their relationship ended after producers felt there were no more storylines to give to the pair. Charlie later develops feelings for Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke). Another notable storyline for the character saw her reveal that her supposed sister, Ruby, was in fact her daughter. Anderson said the filming process was challenging as they felt the need to get the story right. Viewers sympathised with Charlie and saw a "beautiful element" in the portrayal. The revelation ruined the on-screen relationship between Charlie and Ruby, and was never repaired. Charlie has received critical analysis through her storylines and persona and opinion has been mixed. Ruth Deller of Lowculture
said Charlie had endured "scandalous-headline-grabbing-faux-lesbianity", whilst Holy Soap
stated that she has a "questionable taste in men." Charlie has been ill received by Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
because of her on-off relationship with Angelo and Stephen regularly expresses her general dislike of the character in her column. In contrast, the Daily Star liked Charlie's image, which they branded "sexy", and the Daily Record
praised her for the drama she creates. Anderson's portrayal of Charlie has seen her earn various award nominations, including the "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television
" and "Most Popular Actress" Logie Awards.
described her as having a "bone to pick and the prowess to do it" in reference to her father's relationship with Morag Bellingham
(Cornelia Frances
), which Charlie disapproved of because her mother had only recently died. They also described her as having a "warm heart" and being "family oriented". Charlie can be "misunderstood" at times, which makes her appear brash. On her character, Anderson said, "Charlie is strong-willed with lots of guts and she is never afraid to show who she is, which makes her genuine and likeable". Whilst interviewed by the Llanelli Star
, Anderson described Charlie's responsibilities stating: "Charlie is very passionate about her work. She cares about Ruby more than life itself and is responsible for her, so these are priorities over a finding a man. I don't think it's a matter of need for her but she definitely would like someone to share her life with and that romantic element is a good balance in Charlie's somewhat serious life."
) is beginning to develop into something else. As they fall for each other, Charlie and Joey share intimate kissing and dance scenes. Anderson explained that the producers came to her about the storyline and asked if she was okay with it, as it was to be emotional and it required commitment. Anderson told them that she was okay with it and she said she was pleased to be given the storyline as it showed more of Charlie's vulnerable side. This was Anderson's first big storyline in the show and she was required to work more hours. Anderson explained that she and Bell formed a trust early on, which helped them to portray the story in the right light. Anderson spoke with gay friends, so she could form an accurate portrayal of her character's feelings. The storyline "throws [Charlie's] world upside down" and changes her whole identity; it surprises her.
Upon the announcement of the storyline, church and conservative family groups attacked the plot. Pro-Family Perspectives director Angela Conway said "They (Home and Away) continue to market to kids and they continue to develop quite sexualised plot lines". Two weeks after the storyline began airing, viewing figures for the show fell by over 100,000 and Channel Seven
was inundated with complaints from parents asking for their children not to be exposed to same-sex relationships in a family show. Following pressure from the conservative groups, it was announced that Channel Seven had decided to censor a kissing scene between Charlie and Joey. Producers were to cut "intimate images" from a scene in which the characters share a passionate kiss.
Gay and lesbian groups staged protests against the show, despite an announcement from Channel Seven saying that the episode would be shown in its entirety. The broadcaster said the kiss would air as planned, but they had decided against showing a "more lusty follow up" scene. Seven's head of creative drama and development, Bevan Lee, said Home and Away bosses cut the "more lusty follow up because it fitted better with the storyline". Lee added that he was "saddened" that the storyline had been reduced to a "facile argument about six missing seconds of screen time and that the bulk of commentators, both conservative and liberal, are making pronouncements on story material they know nothing of". British broadcaster, Five, said that they would show the kiss during their airing of the episode. The channel said "Five, the UK broadcaster for Home and Away, will screen a lesbian kiss in a forthcoming episode. It forms part of a six-week long story, about the attraction between two female characters, Joey and Charlie. There will be several episodes where the characters kiss". They added that the producers at Channel Seven "edit all episodes for artistic and editorial reasons only" and the storyline would remain uncompromised in its Australian airing.
The show's series producer Cameron Welsh and Anderson both spoke out in defence of the storyline. Welsh said, "The idea of this show has always been that we hold a mirror to society – and when society changes, we change with it. What's ahead in Home and Away is right not only for the series, but also for the times we are living in". Anderson said that she felt it was the right time to tell this story and added, "It's really important for us to reflect society, and this storyline is what is going on for many people in real life". She also said that she did not think the plot would be so shocking, but was glad the show was exploring a gay relationship.
The end of the storyline was criticised by gay advocates after Charlie was seen having sex with Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry
) and Joey left Summer Bay alone. Anderson also suggested that Hugo may have been enough to "sway" Charlie towards men. Some sceptics had suggested that Home and Away would not allow Charlie and Joey to remain in a same-sex relationship. Anderson later admitted she had feared that the story would see her typecast as "the lesbian cop." Anderson reflected on the storyline during an interview with The Daily Telegraph
, saying "The Charlie/Joey (lesbian) storyline was the first time you got to see Charlie's vulnerable side. (The controversy) blew my mind - I wasn't expecting it at all. I think it was a fantastic storyline because for the first time I got to show the producers and audience what I could do."
(Luke Jacobz
) has been a focal point in her storylines. They originally date, but break up after Angelo kills Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien
). Charlie becomes jealous when Angelo begins dating May Stone (Alin Sumarwata) and Anderson told Inside Soap
that "Charlie's feelings for Angelo are complex." Charlie cannot fight her attraction to Angleo and the actress claimed that the couple would not have broken up if it had not been for Jack's death. Anderson also stated that the storyline sees a new side to Charlie, jealousy. She decides to get in the way of his new relationship. Anderson went onto explain: "She admits part of her wanted to cause trouble, but Angelo is still attracted to Charlie and they sleep together." The actress also defends Charlie's actions claiming she did not intentionally set out to hurt May. Charlie and Angeo's relationship dynamic becomes strained after Charlie refuses to give Angelo an "easy life." Although they have a "great connection between them", Anderson felt Angelo would not put up with Charlie for long because she can be "quite bossy." She also said "Charlie's got the good end of the stick and poor Angelo is in for a pretty rough ride!"
Anderson later revealed that Charlie and Angelo would face tough times in 2011, stating: "They've had their fair share of hurdles – and there are more to come." Charlie and Angelo split up and Anderson admitted she was happy that there is always drama in Charlie's love life and she added "I think it's going to be full-on for Ms Buckton this year. But, you know, romances in Summer Bay never last." Of breaking Charlie and Angelo up, Welsh said, "The thinking behind that was to challenge the characters and do something a bit different." He went on to explain that with characters who have been together a long time, there is a temptation to repeat storylines and the team wanted to change the dynamic between Charlie and Angelo.
(Rebecca Breeds) is in fact her daughter. Charlie gave birth to Ruby after she was raped by Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson
), when she was younger. Both Anderson and Breeds found the storyline challenging and felt they had to get it right. Breeds said it made her nervous but was pleased with the end result. She said she had to let it affect her own emotions in order to effect the viewing public. "The revelation ruins their relationship, and Anderson said that Charlie was "trying desperately to bridge this gap". Breeds added "Ruby just wants to get some security back, everything she thought her life was is totally up in the air". Ruby becomes confused and starts to ask herself questions such as "Where do I stand now?" and "How do I reconcile this?" Breeds said it was a "big exploration" and a journey for Ruby, with Anderson agreeing. Anderson felt there was a beautiful element to the storyline and opined: "Although it is tragic, you feel sorry for Charlie and you can sort of understand where it has all come from." She added that everyone feels sorry for Ruby, meaning neither are wrong. Furthermore she said, "You are just rooting for them, you just want them to get back to how they were and it is a bit of a journey." Comparing the storyline to the lesbian plot she said, "Perhaps this storyline was a little bit harder, you've seen the start of this storyline and there is a lot more to come and it wasn't easy."
Charlie later struggles to deal with Ruby's relationship with Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). Discussing Charlie's motives, Anderson stated: "Ruby's at that age where she is quite impressionable, and Charlie doesn't want to see her getting hurt. She's only very recently been in a relationship with Romeo Smith
(Luke Mitchell
), and Charlie is concerned about her moving from one guy to the next too quickly." Anderson opined it is Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) who gives Charlie her first piece of good parenting advice. She concluded that Charlie's approach only causes conflict with Ruby because she is so strong-willed.
, Peacocke was asked if Darryl likes Charlie romantically and he said, "For a bloke like Brax, Charlie is pretty ideal – she's smart, sexy and is strong enough to take him on. He's all about testing himself and he knows he'll be running a gauntlet if he pursues her. She's got that X-factor he can't ignore." When a fight breaks out at the Surf Club, Charlie arrives to investigate and she asks Darryl to step outside, so they can talk. Darryl misinterprets the situation and believes Charlie just wants to be alone with him, he then kisses her. Charlie is "horrified" and she arrests Darryl for assaulting a police officer. Peacocke revealed that after the arrest, "things will develop dangerously" between Charlie and Darryl and that it will be "tense to watch!" Charlie is put under pressure from the community to find a more serious crime with which to charge Darryl and his gang. She believes that he is selling stolen alcohol to Angelo, but everything checks out and Darryl come to the belief that the kiss has "sparked something in Charlie."
Darryl is initially unsuccessful in his attempts to win Charlie over, but Anderson hinted that her character would fall for him. She said, "I think the way Steve [Peacocke] has played Brax, there is definitely enough there for Charlie to see that he has a heart and to see the good side in him as well." Discussing the plot in which Charlie tried to keep Ruby away from Casey, Anderson said, "I think she's also telling herself to stay away from Brax, but Charlie can't get him out of her head." Colin Vickery of The Daily Telegraph said Darryl had turned Charlie's "safe police world" upside down, and Anderson told him, "What is wonderful about this relationship is that it is forbidden love. There is this element of danger that brings excitement along with it." She described the relationship as "fun and flirty" and said it shows another layer to Charlie, as it has brought out her fun side. The arrival of Darryl's ex-girlfriend Tegan Callahan (Saskia Burmeister
) causes Charlie and Darryl to split. However, Vickery said it was obvious that Charlie cannot stay away from Darryl for long.
(Cornelia Frances
) to leave her father, Ross (David Downer), alone. However, Ross tells her that he loves Morag. Charlie is partnered with Jack when she starts her job as a Senior Constable at the Yabbie Creek Police Station and her sister, Ruby, arrives in the Bay. Charlie begins a relationship with Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby
) and she eventually accepts Ross and Morag being together. Ross and Morag marry, but after they come back from their honeymoon, Charlie realises something is wrong with her father. Ross is diagnosed with Alzheimer's
, devastating Charlie. He later moves into a home. Roman breaks up with Charlie and she begins drinking and refusing help. She rescues Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best
) from a storm drain and nearly dies. She is rescued by Roman, which makes her bitter. Charlie gets a promotion at work and she goes on a date with Angelo Rosetta. Charlie becomes a respected member of the community and she builds up strong friendships with Leah Patterson-Baker
(Ada Nicodemou
) and Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart
).
Charlie gets involved in Joey Collins' rape investigation. When Joey's brother, Brett (Toby Levins), kicks her out of their home, Charlie invites her to stay at Leah's. Charlie and Joey grow closer and after Charlie saves Joey from drowning, they kiss. Charlie rejects Joey, but she eventually admits that she likes her and they begin a relationship. One night, Charlie gets drunk and sleeps with Hugo Austin. Joey finds out and leaves town. Charlie admits to Angelo that she has feelings for him and they begin dating. Charlie is deliberately run over by Brett during a date with Angelo. She is taken to the hospital and a doctor notices a cesarean scar. Morag confronts Charlie and she claims that she had a baby boy who died. Charlie later tells Angelo and Ruby that she was raped by her boyfriend, Grant, when she was fourteen and that Ruby is actually her daughter. Ruby runs away, but she returns and moves in with Irene Roberts
(Lynne McGranger
). Grant arrives in the Bay, horrifying Charlie. She angrily confronts Grant and later kidnaps him and tries to force him into confessing that he raped her. Grant later dies and Charlie becomes the prime suspect. She is arrested, but Ross later confesses to killing Grant.
Angelo is promoted to Sergeant and Charlie is promoted to Leading Senior Constable, becoming his second-in-command, which causes tension between the pair. Angelo is forced to leave the police force and Charlie feels guilty when she is made Sergeant. She encourages Angelo when he decides to set up a restaurant. They later decide to end their relationship and agree to remain friends. Ross dies and Charlie and Ruby attend his funeral. Charlie becomes annoyed when the River Boys, a surf gang from Mangrove River, arrive in town. Darryl Braxton flirts with Charlie and he later kisses her. Charlie arrests him for assault, but she is forced to release him. She becomes concerned when Ruby tells her that she had sex with Romeo and later suffers a hypoglycemic
attack. Charlie discovers Ruby with Casey Braxton and she tells Darryl to try and keep Casey away from Ruby. Charlie is called out to a party at a mansion and arrests Casey. She realises that Ruby was also involved and threatens to stop her from seeing Casey. Darryl comes to see Charlie and they argue. When Charlie goes to slap him, Darryl kisses her and they have sex. She tells him that it was a mistake, but later kisses him again and asks him to keep their relationship quiet.
Angelo tells Charlie about a marijuana plantation, but when Charlie gets to it, she just finds Heath Braxton (Daniel Ewing
) making a getaway and Angelo missing. Charlie worries about her relationship with Darryl, especially when evidence points to his involvement. Angelo is found, but he tells Charlie that he does not remember what happened. Charlie decides to publicly reveal her relationship with Darryl, but Morag, who has noticed them flirting, talks her out of it. Angelo also discovers the relationship and Charlie decides to end things with Darryl. They eventually get back together and continue their relationship in secret. Darryl's ex-girlfriend, Tegan (Saskia Burmeister
), arrives in the Bay and works out that Charlie is seeing Darryl, Tegan then tells Charlie that her secret is not safe. Charlie arrests Heath and Jake Pirovic (Fletcher Humphrys
) following a drug raid and Ruby learns of Charlie and Darryl's relationship. Darryl and Charlie split up again. Charlie goes to see Darryl, but finds Tegan in his bed. Charlie is devastated. Charlie arrests Heath again and he is sent to jail. Darryl is stabbed and Charlie finds him and gets him to the hospital. She realises she loves him, but Tegan arrives with her daughter and announces Darryl is her father.
Charlie learns Tegan was lying and she is relieved. Heath gets out of jail and walks in on Charlie and Darryl together. Charlie tells the Inspector about her relationship with Darryl, but he allows her stay with the case. Following a big storm, Charlie is called out to attend a car accident and finds Tegan is the driver. Tegan dies and Charlie learns Jake's brother, Hammer (Benedict Samuel), has threatened her life. While she is out jogging, Charlie is shot at. Darryl pushes her out of the way, but she sustains an injury to her arm. Hammer later kidnaps Charlie and holds her and Darryl hostage. Just as Hammer goes to shoot Darryl, Charlie shoots him dead. She is then suspended from her job and she goes away to clear her head. Charlie's job is reinstated and she begins investigating an arson attack at Jake's place. Charlie arrests Casey as he has no alibi and has been caught on CCTV going to and from the direction of Jake's place. During Casey's hearing, his lawyer, Hayley O'Connor (Alyssa McClelland
), exposes Charlie and Darryl's relationship. The Coastal News publishes a front page article about it and Charlie tells Darryl they should be together. However, Charlie finds Hayley's earring in Darryl's car and he admits to having sex with her.
Charlie investigates a robbery at a petrol station and she goes on a date with Simon Peet (Rory Williamson). Forensics link Darryl to the robbery and he tells Charlie he is being set up. Charlie is later removed from the case and she gives Darryl an opportunity to steal evidence. Charlie goes to a cabin in the countryside with Bianca Scott
(Lisa Gormley
) and Darryl and Heath show up. Darryl and Charlie talk and they get back together. On their way home, Charlie and Darryl crash into Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead
). Bianca and Heath cover for them and Charlie's friendship with Bianca breaks down. Charlie decides to quit her job and she asks Darryl to leave the River Boys, which he does. Charlie and Darryl then make plans to move to the city with Casey and Ruby. On her last day in uniform, Charlie is shot twice by Jake.
, Anderson received a nomination for "Sexiest Female". In 2010, she was nominated for "Best Daytime Star". That same year saw Anderson earn nominations for the "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television
" and "Most Popular Actress
" Logie Awards. 2011 saw Anderson nominated once again for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards.
Holy Soap
described the character's most memorable moment as "Locking lips with gal pal Joey".
In her book Free to a Good Home, author Catherine Deveny
criticised the reaction to Charlie and Joey's same sex relationship. She called the first kiss between the couple the "TV disapointment of the year" and she nicknamed the soap Homo Go Away because the scene in which the kiss featured were diluted to suit certain viewers. Of the decline in ratings during the storyline, Deveny said "Since the lesbian plotline began two weeks ago, 100,000 people have turned off. Wow! Turned off. That must be the first time the words 'lesbian' and 'turn off' have occurred in the same sentence. And all we'd seen until Tuesday was lingering touches and intense stares." Deveny then explained that she would rather let her children watch lesbians on television than Christians. She then highlighted that only mothers complained to the network about their children being exposed to a same-sex relationship during a family show, not fathers.
In September 2010, the Holy Soap website ran a poll to find viewers' favourite Home and Away couple, which Charlie and Angelo won with 45% of the vote. The website branded them as the "The Bay's criminally hot couple" and said they had been keeping viewers glued to their screens with their on/off-relationship. They later said Charlie had a "questionable taste in men". Peter Dyke, writing for British tabloid the Daily Star, branded Charlie as "Sexy" and states: "Most fellas would not mind feeling the strong arm of the law if this beauty was their local police officer." The Daily Record
opined that Charlie's determination to prove Grant as a rapist was "dangerously close to an obsession." They also said that ever since Charlie and her family arrived in Summer Bay they have "created drama."
The character was negatively received by Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture
and Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
. In May 2009, Deller placed Charlie at number five on her list of worst soap opera characters segment. Deller said, "The Summer Bay cop may have lots of storylines, but the LC community don't really approve – mainly due to Esther Anderson's apparent lack of acting chops. It's like our hatred for Michelle Connor
(Coronation Street
) all over again, only this time with added scandalous-headline-grabbing-faux-lesbianity!" In July 2009, Deller said, "It would be easy to spend every month slagging off Charlie, because there's so much to dislike". Deller also added that Charlie's daughter is "everything Charlie isn't". Stephen wondered if Charlie is going through an early menopause as she always appears "to be in a sweat onscreen." During a storyline, which saw Charlie decide she needs a counsellor to find her self identity, Stephen complained that it was all she seemed to mention since her "foray into lesbianism." Stephen did, however, agree that Charlie needed a counsellor. She also stated she could help by telling her; "Charlie: you're a mess." Stephen was critical of Charlie's relationship with Angelo, which she described as a "rocky road". She wanted to know how much the show could "wring out of their on/off romance" and asked if somebody could send them out to sea in a sinking boat. Following Charlie and Angelo's 2011 break up, Stephen stated that the show needs to "change the record!"
Upon seeing the beginning of Charlie's storyline with Darryl Braxton, Stephen said, "Oh, please not another Angelo – I can't go through all that again." When Charlie arrests Darryl for kissing her, Stephen quipped: "That woman will do anything to get a guy in handcuffs." All About Soap
said Charlie and Darryl's chemistry was "clear for everyone to see" and wondered when she would stop hiding behind her "law-abiding facade". When Charlie and Darryl share their "steamy moment", Erin Miller of TV Week said "It was the moment we've all been waiting for."
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the Australian Channel Seven
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Home and Away
Home and Away
Home and Away is an Australian soap opera that has been produced in Sydney since July 1987 and is airing on the Seven Network since 17 January 1988. It is the second-longest-running drama and most popular soap opera on Australian television...
, played by Esther Anderson. Anderson was added to the cast in a bid to add more "sex appeal" to the show. She said it was her dream job and relocated to Sydney immediately to accommodate filming. The character made her on-screen debut during the episode airing on 6 June 2008. Charlie was billed as having a "warm heart" and being "family oriented", however her actions are often misunderstood and her persona has been perceived as "brash". She is described as being "passionate about her work" and often neglects her daughter, Ruby
Ruby Buckton
Ruby Buckton is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Rebecca Breeds. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 6 June 2008. Ruby was created by executive producer Cameron Welsh. When she was first introduced she appeared to hide her...
's (Rebecca Breeds) needs. Charlie's first notable storyline was a lesbian relationship with Joey Collins (Kate Bell
Kate Bell
Kate Bell is an Australian actress.-Biography:Bell played the role of Bec Sanderson in the television series Blue Water High, and it was for this role that she learned to surf. After playing Bec, she played Joey in Home And Away...
). The storyline was implemented by producers to boost ratings and Anderson said it helped portray Charlie's vulnerable side. The storyline angered Christian and conservative oriented family groups. They complained that Home and Away had featured sexualised plot lines unsuitable for children, and Channel Seven was inundated with parental complaints stating that children should not be exposed to same-sex relationships in a family show. Viewership declined after transmission of the storyline and producers cut scenes to attune to viewers wishes, which outraged the LGBT
LGBT
LGBT is an initialism that collectively refers to "lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender" people. In use since the 1990s, the term "LGBT" is an adaptation of the initialism "LGB", which itself started replacing the phrase "gay community" beginning in the mid-to-late 1980s, which many within the...
community. The storyline came to a natural end and Anderson and executive producer Cameron Welsh
Cameron Welsh
Cameron Welsh is an Australian actor, writer, producer and director, best known for his role as Mitch McColl on Australian soap opera Home and Away from 1999 until 2001. He was nominated for a Logie Award in 2000 for Most Popular New Male Talent...
praised the plot because it portrayed a real-life situation and denounced the conservative views as outdated. Anderson stated that the storyline was a great one to portray in terms of acting.
Charlie's sexuality was sidelined and she began a relationship with Angelo Rosetta
Angelo Rosetta
Angelo Rosetta is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Luke Jacobz. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 6 July 2008. He has been central to many notable storylines including shooting dead Jack Holden, his time working as a...
(Luke Jacobz
Luke Jacobz
Luke Jacobz on 14 February 1981, Sydney is an Australian actor and television presenter.-Career:'Jacobz' is a screen name, derived from adding a 'z' to the actor's middle name of Jacob...
). Throughout their romance Charlie played out various family oriented plots and was described as having strong feelings for him. Their romance was portrayed to be wayward and unstable. In 2011, their relationship ended after producers felt there were no more storylines to give to the pair. Charlie later develops feelings for Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke). Another notable storyline for the character saw her reveal that her supposed sister, Ruby, was in fact her daughter. Anderson said the filming process was challenging as they felt the need to get the story right. Viewers sympathised with Charlie and saw a "beautiful element" in the portrayal. The revelation ruined the on-screen relationship between Charlie and Ruby, and was never repaired. Charlie has received critical analysis through her storylines and persona and opinion has been mixed. Ruth Deller of Lowculture
Lowculture
lowculture.co.uk is a UK television website founded in January 2003 by Paul Lang, who currently works as the art director of Doctor Who Adventures.-Purpose:...
said Charlie had endured "scandalous-headline-grabbing-faux-lesbianity", whilst Holy Soap
Holy Soap
Holy Soap is a UK television and entertainment website founded in June 2009 by the British television company Channel 5. The website is the official UK home of the Australian soap operas Home and Away and Neighbours, which are broadcast on the channel...
stated that she has a "questionable taste in men." Charlie has been ill received by Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
because of her on-off relationship with Angelo and Stephen regularly expresses her general dislike of the character in her column. In contrast, the Daily Star liked Charlie's image, which they branded "sexy", and the Daily Record
Daily Record (Scotland)
The Daily Record is a Scottish tabloid newspaper based in Glasgow. It had been the best-selling daily paper in Scotland for many years with a paid circulation in August 2011 of 307,794 . It is now outsold by its arch-rival the Scottish Sun which in September 2010 had a circulation of 339,586 in...
praised her for the drama she creates. Anderson's portrayal of Charlie has seen her earn various award nominations, including the "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television
Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television
The Gold Logie Award has been awarded annually to the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television at the TV Week Logie Awards since 1960...
" and "Most Popular Actress" Logie Awards.
Casting
In May 2008, former model Anderson was recruited by Home and Away in a bid to add "sex appeal" to the show. Anderson was a long-time fan of Home and Away and she said she was "thrilled" when she won the role of Charlie after an audition. Four days after hearing that she had landed the part, Anderson had to move to Sydney from Melbourne for filming. Anderson has said that her job as a model should not reflect on her acting ability. She added "For me, modelling was just an avenue that got me into acting, I have always wanted to act". She also stated that the role is her dream job.Characterisation
When Charlie first arrived in the Bay, Channel SevenSeven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
described her as having a "bone to pick and the prowess to do it" in reference to her father's relationship with Morag Bellingham
Morag Bellingham
Morag Bellingham is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Cornelia Frances. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 17 June 1988. She appeared until 1989 and briefly appeared in 1993. She returned yearly from 2001 until 2009 and...
(Cornelia Frances
Cornelia Frances
Cornelia Frances is a British-born actress based in Australia since the early 1970s. Frances is best known for her recurring role as judge Morag Bellingham on Home and Away.-Early life and personal life:...
), which Charlie disapproved of because her mother had only recently died. They also described her as having a "warm heart" and being "family oriented". Charlie can be "misunderstood" at times, which makes her appear brash. On her character, Anderson said, "Charlie is strong-willed with lots of guts and she is never afraid to show who she is, which makes her genuine and likeable". Whilst interviewed by the Llanelli Star
Llanelli Star
The Llanelli Star is a Welsh regional newspaper covering the areas of Llanelli and Carmarthen in the county of Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is published on a weekly basis in a tabloid form. The newspaper is published by South West Wales Publications, the same company behind the South Wales Evening...
, Anderson described Charlie's responsibilities stating: "Charlie is very passionate about her work. She cares about Ruby more than life itself and is responsible for her, so these are priorities over a finding a man. I don't think it's a matter of need for her but she definitely would like someone to share her life with and that romantic element is a good balance in Charlie's somewhat serious life."
Relationship with Joey Collins
In 2009, Home and Away producers introduced a storyline that saw Charlie begin a relationship with another woman. Producers hoped the plot would boost the shows ratings. Over five weeks, the storyline would see Charlie realise that her friendship with Joey Collins (played by Kate BellKate Bell
Kate Bell is an Australian actress.-Biography:Bell played the role of Bec Sanderson in the television series Blue Water High, and it was for this role that she learned to surf. After playing Bec, she played Joey in Home And Away...
) is beginning to develop into something else. As they fall for each other, Charlie and Joey share intimate kissing and dance scenes. Anderson explained that the producers came to her about the storyline and asked if she was okay with it, as it was to be emotional and it required commitment. Anderson told them that she was okay with it and she said she was pleased to be given the storyline as it showed more of Charlie's vulnerable side. This was Anderson's first big storyline in the show and she was required to work more hours. Anderson explained that she and Bell formed a trust early on, which helped them to portray the story in the right light. Anderson spoke with gay friends, so she could form an accurate portrayal of her character's feelings. The storyline "throws [Charlie's] world upside down" and changes her whole identity; it surprises her.
Upon the announcement of the storyline, church and conservative family groups attacked the plot. Pro-Family Perspectives director Angela Conway said "They (Home and Away) continue to market to kids and they continue to develop quite sexualised plot lines". Two weeks after the storyline began airing, viewing figures for the show fell by over 100,000 and Channel Seven
Seven Network
The Seven Network is an Australian television network owned by Seven West Media Limited. It dates back to 4 November 1956, when the first stations on the VHF7 frequency were established in Melbourne and Sydney.It is currently the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach...
was inundated with complaints from parents asking for their children not to be exposed to same-sex relationships in a family show. Following pressure from the conservative groups, it was announced that Channel Seven had decided to censor a kissing scene between Charlie and Joey. Producers were to cut "intimate images" from a scene in which the characters share a passionate kiss.
Gay and lesbian groups staged protests against the show, despite an announcement from Channel Seven saying that the episode would be shown in its entirety. The broadcaster said the kiss would air as planned, but they had decided against showing a "more lusty follow up" scene. Seven's head of creative drama and development, Bevan Lee, said Home and Away bosses cut the "more lusty follow up because it fitted better with the storyline". Lee added that he was "saddened" that the storyline had been reduced to a "facile argument about six missing seconds of screen time and that the bulk of commentators, both conservative and liberal, are making pronouncements on story material they know nothing of". British broadcaster, Five, said that they would show the kiss during their airing of the episode. The channel said "Five, the UK broadcaster for Home and Away, will screen a lesbian kiss in a forthcoming episode. It forms part of a six-week long story, about the attraction between two female characters, Joey and Charlie. There will be several episodes where the characters kiss". They added that the producers at Channel Seven "edit all episodes for artistic and editorial reasons only" and the storyline would remain uncompromised in its Australian airing.
The show's series producer Cameron Welsh and Anderson both spoke out in defence of the storyline. Welsh said, "The idea of this show has always been that we hold a mirror to society – and when society changes, we change with it. What's ahead in Home and Away is right not only for the series, but also for the times we are living in". Anderson said that she felt it was the right time to tell this story and added, "It's really important for us to reflect society, and this storyline is what is going on for many people in real life". She also said that she did not think the plot would be so shocking, but was glad the show was exploring a gay relationship.
The end of the storyline was criticised by gay advocates after Charlie was seen having sex with Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry
Bernard Curry
Bernard Curry is a Sydney-based Australian actor, best known for his role in soap operas Neighbours and Home and Away.-Career:...
) and Joey left Summer Bay alone. Anderson also suggested that Hugo may have been enough to "sway" Charlie towards men. Some sceptics had suggested that Home and Away would not allow Charlie and Joey to remain in a same-sex relationship. Anderson later admitted she had feared that the story would see her typecast as "the lesbian cop." Anderson reflected on the storyline during an interview with The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
The Daily Telegraph is an Australian tabloid newspaper published in Sydney, New South Wales, by Nationwide News, part of News Corporation.The Tele, as it is also known, was founded in 1879. From 1936 to 1972, it was owned by Frank Packer's Australian Consolidated Press. That year it was sold to...
, saying "The Charlie/Joey (lesbian) storyline was the first time you got to see Charlie's vulnerable side. (The controversy) blew my mind - I wasn't expecting it at all. I think it was a fantastic storyline because for the first time I got to show the producers and audience what I could do."
Relationship with Angelo Rosetta
Charlie's relationship with Angelo RosettaAngelo Rosetta
Angelo Rosetta is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Luke Jacobz. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 6 July 2008. He has been central to many notable storylines including shooting dead Jack Holden, his time working as a...
(Luke Jacobz
Luke Jacobz
Luke Jacobz on 14 February 1981, Sydney is an Australian actor and television presenter.-Career:'Jacobz' is a screen name, derived from adding a 'z' to the actor's middle name of Jacob...
) has been a focal point in her storylines. They originally date, but break up after Angelo kills Jack Holden (Paul O'Brien
Paul O'Brien
Paul O'Brien is a South-African-born Australian actor.-Biography:Paul O'Brien was born on 14 April in South Africa, and grew up in Australia. He spent several years on the Gold Coast, with his family...
). Charlie becomes jealous when Angelo begins dating May Stone (Alin Sumarwata) and Anderson told Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
that "Charlie's feelings for Angelo are complex." Charlie cannot fight her attraction to Angleo and the actress claimed that the couple would not have broken up if it had not been for Jack's death. Anderson also stated that the storyline sees a new side to Charlie, jealousy. She decides to get in the way of his new relationship. Anderson went onto explain: "She admits part of her wanted to cause trouble, but Angelo is still attracted to Charlie and they sleep together." The actress also defends Charlie's actions claiming she did not intentionally set out to hurt May. Charlie and Angeo's relationship dynamic becomes strained after Charlie refuses to give Angelo an "easy life." Although they have a "great connection between them", Anderson felt Angelo would not put up with Charlie for long because she can be "quite bossy." She also said "Charlie's got the good end of the stick and poor Angelo is in for a pretty rough ride!"
Anderson later revealed that Charlie and Angelo would face tough times in 2011, stating: "They've had their fair share of hurdles – and there are more to come." Charlie and Angelo split up and Anderson admitted she was happy that there is always drama in Charlie's love life and she added "I think it's going to be full-on for Ms Buckton this year. But, you know, romances in Summer Bay never last." Of breaking Charlie and Angelo up, Welsh said, "The thinking behind that was to challenge the characters and do something a bit different." He went on to explain that with characters who have been together a long time, there is a temptation to repeat storylines and the team wanted to change the dynamic between Charlie and Angelo.
Illegitimate daughter
Another story arc saw Charlie reveal that her sister Ruby BucktonRuby Buckton
Ruby Buckton is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Rebecca Breeds. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 6 June 2008. Ruby was created by executive producer Cameron Welsh. When she was first introduced she appeared to hide her...
(Rebecca Breeds) is in fact her daughter. Charlie gave birth to Ruby after she was raped by Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson
Clayton Watson
Clayton Watson is an Australian producer, actor, writer, and director. He grew up in the Australian outback on a sheep station close to Morgan, a small town in South Australia...
), when she was younger. Both Anderson and Breeds found the storyline challenging and felt they had to get it right. Breeds said it made her nervous but was pleased with the end result. She said she had to let it affect her own emotions in order to effect the viewing public. "The revelation ruins their relationship, and Anderson said that Charlie was "trying desperately to bridge this gap". Breeds added "Ruby just wants to get some security back, everything she thought her life was is totally up in the air". Ruby becomes confused and starts to ask herself questions such as "Where do I stand now?" and "How do I reconcile this?" Breeds said it was a "big exploration" and a journey for Ruby, with Anderson agreeing. Anderson felt there was a beautiful element to the storyline and opined: "Although it is tragic, you feel sorry for Charlie and you can sort of understand where it has all come from." She added that everyone feels sorry for Ruby, meaning neither are wrong. Furthermore she said, "You are just rooting for them, you just want them to get back to how they were and it is a bit of a journey." Comparing the storyline to the lesbian plot she said, "Perhaps this storyline was a little bit harder, you've seen the start of this storyline and there is a lot more to come and it wasn't easy."
Charlie later struggles to deal with Ruby's relationship with Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes). Discussing Charlie's motives, Anderson stated: "Ruby's at that age where she is quite impressionable, and Charlie doesn't want to see her getting hurt. She's only very recently been in a relationship with Romeo Smith
Romeo Smith
Todd "Romeo" Smith is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Luke Mitchell. He made his first appearance on 10 September 2009. The character of Romeo is Mitchell's third acting job and he began filming his scenes in May 2009. Romeo is described...
(Luke Mitchell
Luke Mitchell (actor)
-External links:...
), and Charlie is concerned about her moving from one guy to the next too quickly." Anderson opined it is Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) who gives Charlie her first piece of good parenting advice. She concluded that Charlie's approach only causes conflict with Ruby because she is so strong-willed.
Darryl Braxton
In February 2011, Darryl Braxton was introduced to the show and The Daily Telegraph reported that he was set to get to know Charlie in a future storyline. Charlie meets Darryl after she comes to ask him to keep his surf gang under control. During an interview with Digital SpyDigital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
, Peacocke was asked if Darryl likes Charlie romantically and he said, "For a bloke like Brax, Charlie is pretty ideal – she's smart, sexy and is strong enough to take him on. He's all about testing himself and he knows he'll be running a gauntlet if he pursues her. She's got that X-factor he can't ignore." When a fight breaks out at the Surf Club, Charlie arrives to investigate and she asks Darryl to step outside, so they can talk. Darryl misinterprets the situation and believes Charlie just wants to be alone with him, he then kisses her. Charlie is "horrified" and she arrests Darryl for assaulting a police officer. Peacocke revealed that after the arrest, "things will develop dangerously" between Charlie and Darryl and that it will be "tense to watch!" Charlie is put under pressure from the community to find a more serious crime with which to charge Darryl and his gang. She believes that he is selling stolen alcohol to Angelo, but everything checks out and Darryl come to the belief that the kiss has "sparked something in Charlie."
Darryl is initially unsuccessful in his attempts to win Charlie over, but Anderson hinted that her character would fall for him. She said, "I think the way Steve [Peacocke] has played Brax, there is definitely enough there for Charlie to see that he has a heart and to see the good side in him as well." Discussing the plot in which Charlie tried to keep Ruby away from Casey, Anderson said, "I think she's also telling herself to stay away from Brax, but Charlie can't get him out of her head." Colin Vickery of The Daily Telegraph said Darryl had turned Charlie's "safe police world" upside down, and Anderson told him, "What is wonderful about this relationship is that it is forbidden love. There is this element of danger that brings excitement along with it." She described the relationship as "fun and flirty" and said it shows another layer to Charlie, as it has brought out her fun side. The arrival of Darryl's ex-girlfriend Tegan Callahan (Saskia Burmeister
Saskia Burmeister
Saskia Burmeister is anAustralian actress. She is most known for her roles in Hating Alison Ashley and Sea Patrol....
) causes Charlie and Darryl to split. However, Vickery said it was obvious that Charlie cannot stay away from Darryl for long.
Storylines
Charlie arrives in Summer Bay to tell Morag BellinghamMorag Bellingham
Morag Bellingham is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Cornelia Frances. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 17 June 1988. She appeared until 1989 and briefly appeared in 1993. She returned yearly from 2001 until 2009 and...
(Cornelia Frances
Cornelia Frances
Cornelia Frances is a British-born actress based in Australia since the early 1970s. Frances is best known for her recurring role as judge Morag Bellingham on Home and Away.-Early life and personal life:...
) to leave her father, Ross (David Downer), alone. However, Ross tells her that he loves Morag. Charlie is partnered with Jack when she starts her job as a Senior Constable at the Yabbie Creek Police Station and her sister, Ruby, arrives in the Bay. Charlie begins a relationship with Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby
Conrad Coleby
Conrad Julius Coleby is an Australian actor.-Biography:Coleby is the son of actor Robert Coleby and brother of actress Anja Coleby. He attended Somerset College on the Gold Coast, graduating in 1996. In the same year, he played the role of Colonel Juan Perón in the school's production of Evita...
) and she eventually accepts Ross and Morag being together. Ross and Morag marry, but after they come back from their honeymoon, Charlie realises something is wrong with her father. Ross is diagnosed with Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
, devastating Charlie. He later moves into a home. Roman breaks up with Charlie and she begins drinking and refusing help. She rescues Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best
Charlotte Best
Charlotte Best is an Australian actress.-Personal life:Charlotte grew up in the town of Gosford where she attended Central Coast Grammar School and was friends with Romy Gilbert and the like.. She then moved to Sydney with her family...
) from a storm drain and nearly dies. She is rescued by Roman, which makes her bitter. Charlie gets a promotion at work and she goes on a date with Angelo Rosetta. Charlie becomes a respected member of the community and she builds up strong friendships with Leah Patterson-Baker
Leah Patterson-Baker
Leah Helena Adara Patterson-Baker is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Ada Nicodemou. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 22 March 2000...
(Ada Nicodemou
Ada Nicodemou
Ada Nicodemou is a Greek Cypriot-born Australian actress, best known for her role as Leah Patterson-Baker in the soap opera Home and Away.-Early life:Nicodemou was born in Larnaca, Cyprus. She has been an Australian resident since 1987....
) and Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart
Josh Quong Tart
Josh Quong Tart is an Australian actor who has performed in several television, commercial and film roles.-Biography:...
).
Charlie gets involved in Joey Collins' rape investigation. When Joey's brother, Brett (Toby Levins), kicks her out of their home, Charlie invites her to stay at Leah's. Charlie and Joey grow closer and after Charlie saves Joey from drowning, they kiss. Charlie rejects Joey, but she eventually admits that she likes her and they begin a relationship. One night, Charlie gets drunk and sleeps with Hugo Austin. Joey finds out and leaves town. Charlie admits to Angelo that she has feelings for him and they begin dating. Charlie is deliberately run over by Brett during a date with Angelo. She is taken to the hospital and a doctor notices a cesarean scar. Morag confronts Charlie and she claims that she had a baby boy who died. Charlie later tells Angelo and Ruby that she was raped by her boyfriend, Grant, when she was fourteen and that Ruby is actually her daughter. Ruby runs away, but she returns and moves in with Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Lynne McGranger. She was previously played by actress Jacqui Phillips from 1991 until 1992 when McGranger took over the role. Irene was originally a recurring character, in 1993 McGranger...
(Lynne McGranger
Lynne McGranger
Lynne McGranger is an Australian actress best known for her role as Irene Roberts on soap opera Home and Away. She is the second-longest serving cast member as she joined in 1992 in the show at the moment, taking over from Jacqui Phillips.-Life and career:McGranger was originally a primary school...
). Grant arrives in the Bay, horrifying Charlie. She angrily confronts Grant and later kidnaps him and tries to force him into confessing that he raped her. Grant later dies and Charlie becomes the prime suspect. She is arrested, but Ross later confesses to killing Grant.
Angelo is promoted to Sergeant and Charlie is promoted to Leading Senior Constable, becoming his second-in-command, which causes tension between the pair. Angelo is forced to leave the police force and Charlie feels guilty when she is made Sergeant. She encourages Angelo when he decides to set up a restaurant. They later decide to end their relationship and agree to remain friends. Ross dies and Charlie and Ruby attend his funeral. Charlie becomes annoyed when the River Boys, a surf gang from Mangrove River, arrive in town. Darryl Braxton flirts with Charlie and he later kisses her. Charlie arrests him for assault, but she is forced to release him. She becomes concerned when Ruby tells her that she had sex with Romeo and later suffers a hypoglycemic
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia or hypoglycæmia is the medical term for a state produced by a lower than normal level of blood glucose. The term literally means "under-sweet blood"...
attack. Charlie discovers Ruby with Casey Braxton and she tells Darryl to try and keep Casey away from Ruby. Charlie is called out to a party at a mansion and arrests Casey. She realises that Ruby was also involved and threatens to stop her from seeing Casey. Darryl comes to see Charlie and they argue. When Charlie goes to slap him, Darryl kisses her and they have sex. She tells him that it was a mistake, but later kisses him again and asks him to keep their relationship quiet.
Angelo tells Charlie about a marijuana plantation, but when Charlie gets to it, she just finds Heath Braxton (Daniel Ewing
Daniel Ewing (actor)
Daniel "Dan" Ewing , is an Australian actor. He appeared on Seven Network's Home and Away series as Reuben Humphries, during 2005...
) making a getaway and Angelo missing. Charlie worries about her relationship with Darryl, especially when evidence points to his involvement. Angelo is found, but he tells Charlie that he does not remember what happened. Charlie decides to publicly reveal her relationship with Darryl, but Morag, who has noticed them flirting, talks her out of it. Angelo also discovers the relationship and Charlie decides to end things with Darryl. They eventually get back together and continue their relationship in secret. Darryl's ex-girlfriend, Tegan (Saskia Burmeister
Saskia Burmeister
Saskia Burmeister is anAustralian actress. She is most known for her roles in Hating Alison Ashley and Sea Patrol....
), arrives in the Bay and works out that Charlie is seeing Darryl, Tegan then tells Charlie that her secret is not safe. Charlie arrests Heath and Jake Pirovic (Fletcher Humphrys
Fletcher Humphrys
Fletcher Humphrys is an Australian actor. He is best known for his roles as Brett 'Brick' Buchanon in McLeod's Daughters and as Alex Kearns in All Saints.-Career:...
) following a drug raid and Ruby learns of Charlie and Darryl's relationship. Darryl and Charlie split up again. Charlie goes to see Darryl, but finds Tegan in his bed. Charlie is devastated. Charlie arrests Heath again and he is sent to jail. Darryl is stabbed and Charlie finds him and gets him to the hospital. She realises she loves him, but Tegan arrives with her daughter and announces Darryl is her father.
Charlie learns Tegan was lying and she is relieved. Heath gets out of jail and walks in on Charlie and Darryl together. Charlie tells the Inspector about her relationship with Darryl, but he allows her stay with the case. Following a big storm, Charlie is called out to attend a car accident and finds Tegan is the driver. Tegan dies and Charlie learns Jake's brother, Hammer (Benedict Samuel), has threatened her life. While she is out jogging, Charlie is shot at. Darryl pushes her out of the way, but she sustains an injury to her arm. Hammer later kidnaps Charlie and holds her and Darryl hostage. Just as Hammer goes to shoot Darryl, Charlie shoots him dead. She is then suspended from her job and she goes away to clear her head. Charlie's job is reinstated and she begins investigating an arson attack at Jake's place. Charlie arrests Casey as he has no alibi and has been caught on CCTV going to and from the direction of Jake's place. During Casey's hearing, his lawyer, Hayley O'Connor (Alyssa McClelland
Alyssa McClelland
Alyssa McClelland is an Australian actress and filmmaker. McClelland was educated at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts in Sydney and holds a BA Communications in Media Arts and Production from the University of Technology Sydney...
), exposes Charlie and Darryl's relationship. The Coastal News publishes a front page article about it and Charlie tells Darryl they should be together. However, Charlie finds Hayley's earring in Darryl's car and he admits to having sex with her.
Charlie investigates a robbery at a petrol station and she goes on a date with Simon Peet (Rory Williamson). Forensics link Darryl to the robbery and he tells Charlie he is being set up. Charlie is later removed from the case and she gives Darryl an opportunity to steal evidence. Charlie goes to a cabin in the countryside with Bianca Scott
Bianca Scott
Bianca Scott is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Lisa Gormley. Gormley had recently graduated from NIDA when she secured the role of Bianca, who was introduced as the sister of fellow new character April Scott . Bianca debuted on-screen...
(Lisa Gormley
Lisa Gormley
Lisa Gormley is an Australian actress and best known for playing Bianca Scott on the Channel 7 serial drama Home and Away. She is a NIDA graduate.- Early life :...
) and Darryl and Heath show up. Darryl and Charlie talk and they get back together. On their way home, Charlie and Darryl crash into Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead
Axle Whitehead
Axle Whitehead is a former Australian Video Hits TV host and current singer, musician, and actor. In 2008, he released his first studio album Losing Sleep which debuted outside of the ARIA top 50...
). Bianca and Heath cover for them and Charlie's friendship with Bianca breaks down. Charlie decides to quit her job and she asks Darryl to leave the River Boys, which he does. Charlie and Darryl then make plans to move to the city with Casey and Ruby. On her last day in uniform, Charlie is shot twice by Jake.
Reception
For her portrayal of Charlie, Anderson has garnered various award nominations. At the 2008 Inside Soap AwardsInside Soap Awards
The Inside Soap Awards is a yearly award ceremony run by Inside Soap magazine since 1996. The awards celebrate the British and Australian soap operas and their actors. Until 2007, EastEnders had won the award for "Best Soap" on every occasion...
, Anderson received a nomination for "Sexiest Female". In 2010, she was nominated for "Best Daytime Star". That same year saw Anderson earn nominations for the "Most Popular Personality on Australian Television
Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television
The Gold Logie Award has been awarded annually to the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television at the TV Week Logie Awards since 1960...
" and "Most Popular Actress
Logie Award for Most Popular Actress
The Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress is an award in the annual Australian Logie Awards.-2010s:2011The Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress is an award in the annual Australian Logie Awards.-2010s:2011...
" Logie Awards. 2011 saw Anderson nominated once again for "Best Daytime Star" at the Inside Soap Awards.
Holy Soap
Holy Soap
Holy Soap is a UK television and entertainment website founded in June 2009 by the British television company Channel 5. The website is the official UK home of the Australian soap operas Home and Away and Neighbours, which are broadcast on the channel...
described the character's most memorable moment as "Locking lips with gal pal Joey".
In her book Free to a Good Home, author Catherine Deveny
Catherine Deveny
Catherine Deveny is a comedy writer and stand-up comedian, and was a regular columnist in The Age newspaper between 2001 and 2010...
criticised the reaction to Charlie and Joey's same sex relationship. She called the first kiss between the couple the "TV disapointment of the year" and she nicknamed the soap Homo Go Away because the scene in which the kiss featured were diluted to suit certain viewers. Of the decline in ratings during the storyline, Deveny said "Since the lesbian plotline began two weeks ago, 100,000 people have turned off. Wow! Turned off. That must be the first time the words 'lesbian' and 'turn off' have occurred in the same sentence. And all we'd seen until Tuesday was lingering touches and intense stares." Deveny then explained that she would rather let her children watch lesbians on television than Christians. She then highlighted that only mothers complained to the network about their children being exposed to a same-sex relationship during a family show, not fathers.
In September 2010, the Holy Soap website ran a poll to find viewers' favourite Home and Away couple, which Charlie and Angelo won with 45% of the vote. The website branded them as the "The Bay's criminally hot couple" and said they had been keeping viewers glued to their screens with their on/off-relationship. They later said Charlie had a "questionable taste in men". Peter Dyke, writing for British tabloid the Daily Star, branded Charlie as "Sexy" and states: "Most fellas would not mind feeling the strong arm of the law if this beauty was their local police officer." The Daily Record
Daily Record (Scotland)
The Daily Record is a Scottish tabloid newspaper based in Glasgow. It had been the best-selling daily paper in Scotland for many years with a paid circulation in August 2011 of 307,794 . It is now outsold by its arch-rival the Scottish Sun which in September 2010 had a circulation of 339,586 in...
opined that Charlie's determination to prove Grant as a rapist was "dangerously close to an obsession." They also said that ever since Charlie and her family arrived in Summer Bay they have "created drama."
The character was negatively received by Ruth Deller of television website Lowculture
Lowculture
lowculture.co.uk is a UK television website founded in January 2003 by Paul Lang, who currently works as the art director of Doctor Who Adventures.-Purpose:...
and Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
. In May 2009, Deller placed Charlie at number five on her list of worst soap opera characters segment. Deller said, "The Summer Bay cop may have lots of storylines, but the LC community don't really approve – mainly due to Esther Anderson's apparent lack of acting chops. It's like our hatred for Michelle Connor
Michelle Connor
Michelle Sinéad Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Kym Marsh, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006...
(Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
) all over again, only this time with added scandalous-headline-grabbing-faux-lesbianity!" In July 2009, Deller said, "It would be easy to spend every month slagging off Charlie, because there's so much to dislike". Deller also added that Charlie's daughter is "everything Charlie isn't". Stephen wondered if Charlie is going through an early menopause as she always appears "to be in a sweat onscreen." During a storyline, which saw Charlie decide she needs a counsellor to find her self identity, Stephen complained that it was all she seemed to mention since her "foray into lesbianism." Stephen did, however, agree that Charlie needed a counsellor. She also stated she could help by telling her; "Charlie: you're a mess." Stephen was critical of Charlie's relationship with Angelo, which she described as a "rocky road". She wanted to know how much the show could "wring out of their on/off romance" and asked if somebody could send them out to sea in a sinking boat. Following Charlie and Angelo's 2011 break up, Stephen stated that the show needs to "change the record!"
Upon seeing the beginning of Charlie's storyline with Darryl Braxton, Stephen said, "Oh, please not another Angelo – I can't go through all that again." When Charlie arrests Darryl for kissing her, Stephen quipped: "That woman will do anything to get a guy in handcuffs." All About Soap
All About Soap
All About Soap is a fortnightly UK magazine, released on Tuesday. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia....
said Charlie and Darryl's chemistry was "clear for everyone to see" and wondered when she would stop hiding behind her "law-abiding facade". When Charlie and Darryl share their "steamy moment", Erin Miller of TV Week said "It was the moment we've all been waiting for."
External links
- Character profile at the Official AU Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Official UK Home and Away website