Charlie Buckton

When Charlie first arrived in the Bay, Channel Seven described her as having a "bone to pick and the prowess to do it" in reference to her father, Ross' (David Downer) relationship with Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances), which Charlie disapproved of because her mother had only recently died.[5] They also described her as having a "warm heart" and being "family oriented".[5] Charlie can be "misunderstood" at times, which makes her appear brash.[5] 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".[3] 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."[6]

Charlie's first relationship is with Roman Harris (Conrad Coleby), which was confirmed by Coleby via an interview in TV Week.[7] Roman initially rejects Charlie's advances; until she goes on a date with Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz). Coleby told TV Week that Charlie and Roman's first kiss is a "strange moment". The pair get off to a bad start because of a misunderstanding. Coleby said that Charlie is "feisty" and Roman finds that attractive. He added that Roman was not on the rebound after splitting up with Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon) because Roman ended it. Coleby said that his daughter, Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) creates problems with Charlie because Roman "has his hands full" with her.[7] Charlie's has headstrong expectations of herself and also expects the same from those around her. This trait often causes problems for her romance with Roman.[8]

Roman soon tires of Charlie's outlook on life and decides to end their relationship. Coleby told TV Week that "whenever things go wrong in life, Charlie sees them as black and white, whereas Roman can see that there are two sides to a story." Coleby opined that Roman has "residual feelings" for Martha that he is not aware of.Natalie Franklin (Adrienne Pickering) also makes Roman realise that Charlie is "kind of irritating". Natalie's actions make Roman realise that "they're just not suited to each other". However, Coleby said that he hoped there was a future for the characters, but felt it was better that they "move apart for a while".[9]

After their break up Charlie gets drunk and goes into work as normal the next day. While on duty Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best) becomes stuck down a storm drain. Charlie attempts to save her but a storm forces the water levels to rise.[10] As Charlie is hungover, Anderson told Inside Soap that "Charlie's a bit dazed and confused when all this happens". However, she is a "professional and goes straight into work mode". When Charlie frees Annie, a wave of water floods the drain and Charlie is swept away. Roman then arrives on the scene and fights to save Charlie. Anderson explained that it is up to Roman to save Charlie's life and said "of all people it has to be the guy who's just broken her heart".[10] Off-screen the scenes in the storm drain posed a series of logistical challenges for the production team. The series had a specially built set for the scenes and they placed jets under the water to create rough waves. Anderson said that she could swim and was not afraid to film in the water. The only problem was the temperature of the water. Anderson said "It was absolutely freezing. Filming was tough work, but I think the finished result is worth it."[10]

When I first saw the storyline, I knew straight away that it's an opportunity every actor looks for – to be given a challenge and a role and story to sink their teeth into, I looked forward to telling the story and working on telling it the right way.

— Anderson's reaction to receiving the storyline.[11]

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.[12] Over five weeks, the storyline would see Charlie realise that her friendship with Joey Collins (played by Kate Bell) is beginning to develop into something else.[11] As they fall for each other, Charlie and Joey share intimate kissing and dance scenes.[12] 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.[13] 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.[13] This was Anderson's first big storyline in the show and she was required to work more hours.[13] Anderson explained that she and Bell formed a trust early on, which helped them to portray the story in the right light.[11] Anderson spoke with gay friends, so she could form an accurate portrayal of her character's feelings.[13] The storyline "throws [Charlie's] world upside down" and changes her whole identity; it surprises her.[13]

Kate Bell (pictured) and Anderson developed a trust early on, which helped them to portray the storyline right.

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".[12] 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.[14] Following pressure from the conservative groups, it was announced that Channel Seven had decided to censor a kissing scene between Charlie and Joey.[14] Producers were to cut "intimate images" from a scene in which the characters share a passionate kiss.[14]

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.[15] The broadcaster said the kiss would air as planned, but they had decided against showing a "more lusty follow up" scene.[15] 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".[15] 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".[15] British broadcaster, Five, said that they would show the kiss during their airing of the episode.[16] 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".[16] 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.[16]

A Channel Seven spokeswoman revealed that the network received fewer than 30 telephone calls nationally after screening the "lesbian kiss" episode of the show. The calls were evenly split between those supporting the broadcast of the kiss, and those raising concerns.[17] 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".[18] 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".[18] She also said that she did not think the plot would be so shocking, but was glad the show was exploring a gay relationship.[18]

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.[19] Anderson also suggested that Hugo may have been enough to "sway" Charlie towards men.[20] Some sceptics had suggested that Home and Away would not allow Charlie and Joey to remain in a same-sex relationship.[19] Anderson later acknowledged she had feared that the story would see her typecast as "the lesbian cop."[4] 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."[21]

Luke Jacobz (pictured) played Angelo Rosetta; producers decided to separate Charlie and Angelo to provide a new challenge for them.

Charlie's relationship with Angelo 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."[22] 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.[22] Anderson also stated that the storyline sees a new side to Charlie, jealousy. She decides to get in the way of his new relationship.[22] Anderson went on to explain: "She admits part of her wanted to cause trouble, but Angelo is still attracted to Charlie and they sleep together."[22] The actress also defends Charlie's actions claiming she did not intentionally set out to hurt May.[22] 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!"[23]

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."[24] 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."[4] Of breaking Charlie and Angelo up, Welsh said, "The thinking behind that was to challenge the characters and do something a bit different."[25] 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.[25]

Another story arc saw Charlie reveal that her sister Ruby Buckton (Rebecca Breeds) is in fact her daughter.[26] Charlie gave birth to Ruby after she was raped by Grant Bledcoe (Clayton Watson), when she was younger.[27] Both Anderson and Breeds found the storyline challenging and felt they had to get it right.[26] Breeds said it made her nervous but was pleased with the result. She said she had to let it affect her own emotions to effect the viewing public.[26] "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.[26] 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."[26] 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."[26] 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."[26]

Charlie later struggles to deal with Ruby's relationship with Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes).[28] 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.[28] She concluded that Charlie's approach only causes conflict with Ruby because she is so strong-willed.[29]

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.[31] Charlie meets Darryl after she comes to ask him to keep his surf gang under control. During an interview with Digital Spy, 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."[32] When a fight breaks out at the Surf Club, Charlie arrives to investigate and she asks Darryl to step outside, so they can talk.[33] Darryl misinterprets the situation and believes Charlie just wants to be alone with him, he then kisses her.[33] Charlie is "horrified" and she arrests Darryl for assaulting a police officer.[33] Peacocke revealed that after the arrest, "things will develop dangerously" between Charlie and Darryl and that it will be "tense to watch!"[32] 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."[33]

Darryl is initially unsuccessful in his attempts to win Charlie over, but Anderson hinted that her character would fall for him.[30] 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."[30] 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."[29] 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."[21] She described the relationship as "fun and flirty" and said it shows another layer to Charlie, as it has brought out her fun side.[21] 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.[21]

In November 2011, Jonathon Moran and Elle Halliwell of The Daily Telegraph announced Anderson had quit Home and Away to further her acting career in Hollywood.[34] The following month, Inside Soap writer Sarah Ellis reported Anderson had confirmed her departure from the show.[35] Moran and Halliwell said it was unknown whether Charlie would be killed off or move to The city.[34] On 22 January 2012, The Daily Telegraph's Debbie Schipp reported Anderson had filmed her final scenes with the show in August and they would air later that week.[36] Anderson said she was happy with her decision to leave Home and Away and "throw my life in the air and see what happens."[36] On screen, Charlie decided to move to the city with Brax, Ruby and Casey.[37] However, at the end of the show's 23rd season, Charlie was shot twice by Jake Pirovic (Fletcher Humphrys), in revenge for her shooting dead his brother.[36][37] Charlie was critically injured and rushed to the hospital, where she underwent surgery.[36][38] Sid Walker (Robert Mammone) later told Ruby that Charlie was being kept alive by a ventilator and that she would not breathe on her own again. Ruby was then left with the decision as to whether she should turn Charlie's life support off or not.[38]

Both Ruby and Brax decide Charlie's ventilator should be turned off as there is nothing more the doctors can do for her and Charlie dies.[39] Speaking about her character's exit storyline, Anderson said "When I read the final script for Charlie's exit, I made sure I was in the privacy of my own home. It was written really well – it was a tragic love story and I hope the fans like it."[40] The actress explained that the storyline was great and the writers had done a brilliant job with Charlie and Brax. She also said some fans would be disappointed that the couple did not end up together.[40] Anderson revealed that the series producer had told her that after investing so much in getting Charlie together with Brax, she would not have left the Bay for another reason and killing her off was the best way.[40] Of her reaction to the storyline, Anderson said "I started sobbing! But that was the initial shock. You play this character for three and a half years and you really empathise with them. You have to love a part of them – it's a little extension of you. So it's just so final, the death. But once I had time to let it sink in, now I'm really, really happy with the ending. It's very dramatic and it's definitely going out with a bang, so to speak!"[40] Anderson departed on screen on 24 January 2012.[39]

On 25 November 2012, Debbie Schipp from the Herald Sun reported that Anderson would return to Home and Away in December to shoot "a handful of episodes" to be broadcast during the following year.[41] Schipp revealed that there was "intense speculation" about how the writers would get around the fact that Charlie died on-screen in January.[41] Of her return, Anderson explained "I told my mum and dad that I was coming back, and they almost fell off their chairs. They said: 'Hang on, didn't Charlie die?' It's hilarious, because this time twelve months ago I was keeping it the biggest secret from everyone as to whether Charlie would live or die, and now I'm in the same boat again as far as not giving anything away."[41] The actress added that the return storyline was outlined a couple of months ago and she just knew that she wanted to do it.[41] Charlie returned on 17 June 2013.[42]