Matilda Hunter
Encyclopedia
Matilda Harriet Jane "Mattie" Hunter is a fictional character
from the Australian soap opera
Home and Away
, played by Indiana Evans
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 January 2004. Matilda is the daughter of Beth
and Jack Hunter and sister to Scott
, Kit
, Robbie
and Henry. Matilda departed on 24 July 2008 to go to university.
In April 2008, it was announced that Evans was to leave Home and Away after producers decided not to renew her contract.
said these are all learning curves for Matilda.
. Matilda was seen binge eating
, before making herself vomit. She later broke down in her mother's arms and she ended up in hospital. The show's writing department and a medical adviser worked with eating disorder experts for the scripts. Channel Seven said "Our writers and producers are always speaking to experts in a particular field and those that have experienced an issue. Naturally, each actor also adds input to the character, performance and the storyline." During the storyline, Beth Hunter
(Clarissa House
) was seen calling the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria's helpline and following this the foundation received many calls from young people who had watched the show. The Sydney Morning Herald
said that some had identified with Matilda and had sought help, others had found the scene's so distressing that they needed support to stop themselves from doing the same.
Sarah Walker, an assistant with the Victorian Centre for Excellence in Eating Disorders, said that she had reservations about the storyline concluding too quickly as people with eating disorders often go for years without asking for help. She added that it was "essential" Home and Away handled the story well and that it "could encourage people to seek help." Ian Lang, a professor at the Victorian College of the Arts
also expressed his view on the storyline concluding quickly. He said "I think anybody who has suffered a serious illness like bulimia knows that it's not possible to really portray it in a half-hour drama." Rick Kausman of the Australian Medical Association
spoke to groups of high school students in Geelong and said the storyline was raised by the students. Of this, he said "The whole upside to this is, we've got to get it out to the community that this is a health issue that's not unusual, it's not isolated." Frances Sanders of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria was concerned that someone at risk of developing bulimia may see the show and try it. She thought that it was good that Home and Away was addressing the issue though, as viewers would think they need to get some help. She said the resolution of Matilda's problem would be important." The Sydney Morning Herald said that it was "unreasonable" to expect Matilda's storyline to continue for over eight to ten years, but Matilda will have issues with food for the rest of her life. Sanders added that this character development would make her "normal".
(Michael Beckley
). Matilda is initially unimpressed with the bay, as she is used to a posh boarding school and is frequently rude and sarcastic to Rhys' children and nephew, Max (Sebastian Elmaloglou
). One afternoon, Matilda is electrocuted by her brother Robbie's (Jason Smith
) invention and is hospitalized. Shortly after being discharged, Matilda and Henry begin scamming people by pretending Matilda can see into the future.
Matilda later tries to attract the attentions of the much older Kim Hyde
(Chris Hemsworth
)
and even fakes drowning to get him to notice her. However, this backfires when Matilda struggles for real and Kim is forced to save her. After recovering, Kim tells Matilda he has no feelings for her, leaving her devastated.
When Beth and Rhys separate at the end of the year, The Hunters swap houses with Flynn Saunders
(Joel McIlroy
) and Sally Fletcher
(Katie Ritchie). After overhearing a conversation between Kim and Robbie in which Kim tells Robbie he likes one of his sisters, Matilda immediately assumes it's her until she finds out it's her older sister Kit (Amy Mizzi
).
Matilda later begins a friendship with Eric "Ric" Dalby (Mark Furze
), who had bullied Henry previously and tries to make a move on him but he rejects her advances and begins dating Cassie Turner
(Sharni Vinson
). After feeling rejected, Matilda then begins sneaking out to wild parties and rock concerts. This behaviour culminates in her almost being date-raped by Callan Sherman (Kain O'Keeffe).
When The Holden family move to Summer Bay, and next door to the Hunters, Matilda befriends the youngest son, Lucas
(Rhys Wakefield
) and they are soon cast as the leads in Colleen Smart
's (Lyn Collingwood
) pantomime. After they share their first kiss on stage, Matilda and Lucas become a couple but their relationship ultimately ends shortly after both their families move into one house as their respective single parents Beth and Tony (Jon Sivewright
) are dating.
Matilda is chosen to be Martha MacKenzie
's (Jodi Gordon
) bridesmaid for her wedding to Lucas' older brother Jack (Paul O'Brien
). The day is marred by an explosion caused by Eve Jacobsen, which leaves Matilda very badly burned. She then later develops bulimia after disgust with her body image following the explosion. Matilda collapses one day and then agrees to go to retreat for people with similar issues. While there she meets Dean Silverman, who she begins dating. Lucas is suspicious of Dean and is shocked when he finds him hugging his ex-boyfriend, Gareth in a secluded spot. Matilda refuses to believe this at first but then is devasted when she finds the truth.
As 2007 begins, Matilda begins dating Ric, who has not long broken up with Cassie. Beth disapproves at first but eventually comes around. When Ric is imprisoned for murdering Rocco Cooper
(Ian Meadows), Matilda stands by him. Ric is eventually released after the real culprit is found and the two resume their relationship.
After Beth is killed in a head-on car crash, Matilda, Kit and the Holdens are left devastated.
Soon after, Kit leaves and Matilda feels abandoned as she is the only member of her family left in the bay. This takes a toll on her schoolwork and Matilda fails her HSC and opts to repeat Year 12 the following year.
Matilda later finds out that Ric has been cheating on her with Viv Anderson and later dumps him.
They are later reunited but it is cut short when Matilda is accepted to a University in Perth and leaves immediately. Ric, on the advice of his grandfather, Alf Stewart
(Ray Meagher
) follows her there and finds Nathan, the resident adviser in her bed. Ric prepares to return to Summer Bay but Matilda stops him and they have a heart-to-heart and reconcile.
. The following year, Evans received two nominations for "Sexiest Female" and "Best Couple", along with co-star Mark Furze
. At the 2008 Dolly Teen Choice Awards
, Evans won the "Queen of Teen" award.
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 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 Indiana Evans
Indiana Evans
Indiana Rose Evans is an Australian actress and singer best known for her role as Matilda Hunter in the soap opera Home and Away and as Isabella "Bella" Hartley in the children's show H2O: Just Add Water.-Early life:...
. She made her first on-screen appearance on 21 January 2004. Matilda is the daughter of Beth
Beth Hunter
Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Hunter is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Clarissa House. She made her first on-screen appearance on 17 April 2003. The character departed on 30 January 2007...
and Jack Hunter and sister to Scott
Scott Hunter (Home and Away)
Scott John Hunter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Kip Gamblin. He made his first on-screen appearance on 23 January 2003. The character was riding a white horse onto the beach, where he was spotted by Dani Sutherland...
, Kit
Kit Hunter
Catherine Matilda "Kit" Hunter is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Amy Mizzi. Kit made her first on-screen appearance on 25 April 2003 and made her final appearence as a regular character in February 2004 but continued to reappear in a...
, Robbie
Robbie Hunter (Home and Away)
Robert George "Robbie" Hunter is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Jason Smith. He made his first on screen appearance on 25 November 2003 and departed on 10 October 2006...
and Henry. Matilda departed on 24 July 2008 to go to university.
Casting
Evans was filming the television show Snobs when she was asked to audition for the role of Matilda on Home and Away. Her agents told her that she had won the part and Evans said "I had been watching Home and Away for quite a while, so joining the cast was quite weird. The show is so fast-paced and at first it was overwhelming but at the same time was quite laid back."In April 2008, it was announced that Evans was to leave Home and Away after producers decided not to renew her contract.
Characterisation
Matilda is described as a "bit of a snobby brat" who can also be a "drama queen". However, she is not necessarily mean. Matilda is angry when her mother begins dating another man shortly after her father died. After she settles in the Bay, Matilda develops some "desperate" crushes on a some of the boys in the area. 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...
said these are all learning curves for Matilda.
Bulimia
In 2006, viewers saw Matilda develop bulimiaBulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time, followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed, usually by purging and/or by laxative, diuretics or excessive exercise. Bulimia nervosa is...
. Matilda was seen binge eating
Binge eating
Binge eating is a pattern of disordered eating which consists of episodes of uncontrollable eating. It is sometimes as a symptom of binge eating disorder. During such binges, a person rapidly consumes an excessive amount of food...
, before making herself vomit. She later broke down in her mother's arms and she ended up in hospital. The show's writing department and a medical adviser worked with eating disorder experts for the scripts. Channel Seven said "Our writers and producers are always speaking to experts in a particular field and those that have experienced an issue. Naturally, each actor also adds input to the character, performance and the storyline." During the storyline, Beth Hunter
Beth Hunter
Elizabeth Ann "Beth" Hunter is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Clarissa House. She made her first on-screen appearance on 17 April 2003. The character departed on 30 January 2007...
(Clarissa House
Clarissa House
Clarissa House is an Australian actress who played Beth Hunter Sutherland in the soap opera Home and Away.Previous work includes a short stint on the '90s titillating Channel Nine drama Chances....
) was seen calling the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria's helpline and following this the foundation received many calls from young people who had watched the show. The Sydney Morning Herald
The Sydney Morning Herald
The Sydney Morning Herald is a daily broadsheet newspaper published by Fairfax Media in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1831 as the Sydney Herald, the SMH is the oldest continuously published newspaper in Australia. The newspaper is published six days a week. The newspaper's Sunday counterpart, The...
said that some had identified with Matilda and had sought help, others had found the scene's so distressing that they needed support to stop themselves from doing the same.
Sarah Walker, an assistant with the Victorian Centre for Excellence in Eating Disorders, said that she had reservations about the storyline concluding too quickly as people with eating disorders often go for years without asking for help. She added that it was "essential" Home and Away handled the story well and that it "could encourage people to seek help." Ian Lang, a professor at the Victorian College of the Arts
Victorian College of the Arts
The Faculty of the VCA and Music is a faculty of the University of Melbourne, in Victoria . VCAM is located near the Melbourne central business district, on two campuses, one - the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music - on the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne, and the other - the...
also expressed his view on the storyline concluding quickly. He said "I think anybody who has suffered a serious illness like bulimia knows that it's not possible to really portray it in a half-hour drama." Rick Kausman of the Australian Medical Association
Australian Medical Association
The Australian Medical Association is a professional association for Australian doctors and medical students.The AMA uses a representative structure involving state branches and committees to work with members to promote and protect the interests of doctors.The mechanisms that allow this include:*...
spoke to groups of high school students in Geelong and said the storyline was raised by the students. Of this, he said "The whole upside to this is, we've got to get it out to the community that this is a health issue that's not unusual, it's not isolated." Frances Sanders of the Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria was concerned that someone at risk of developing bulimia may see the show and try it. She thought that it was good that Home and Away was addressing the issue though, as viewers would think they need to get some help. She said the resolution of Matilda's problem would be important." The Sydney Morning Herald said that it was "unreasonable" to expect Matilda's storyline to continue for over eight to ten years, but Matilda will have issues with food for the rest of her life. Sanders added that this character development would make her "normal".
Storylines
Matilda is first seen along with her twin brother, Henry when they arrive at the caravan park to return home to live with their mother Beth and stepfather-to-be, Rhys SutherlandRhys Sutherland
Rhys Sutherland is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by actor Michael Beckley from 2000 to late 2004....
(Michael Beckley
Michael Beckley
Michael Beckley is an Australian actor. He played Rhys Sutherland in the Australian television soap opera Home and Away. He has also appeared in Water Rats, Farscape and A Country Practice. He appeared in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre in London as Ernst Ludwig and as part of the Mamma Mia...
). Matilda is initially unimpressed with the bay, as she is used to a posh boarding school and is frequently rude and sarcastic to Rhys' children and nephew, Max (Sebastian Elmaloglou
Sebastian Elmaloglou
Sebastian Elmaloglou is an Australian stage, film and television actor best known for portraying the role of Max Sutherland on the long-running Australian soap opera Home and Away from 2002 to 2004.-Background:...
). One afternoon, Matilda is electrocuted by her brother Robbie's (Jason Smith
Jason Smith (actor)
Jason Smith is an Australian actor and singer, best known for his roles in Home and Away and Power Rangers: Jungle Fury.-Career:...
) invention and is hospitalized. Shortly after being discharged, Matilda and Henry begin scamming people by pretending Matilda can see into the future.
Matilda later tries to attract the attentions of the much older Kim Hyde
Kim Hyde
Kimberly Jonathan "Kim" Hyde is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Chris Hemsworth. He made his first on screen appearance on 17 February 2004 and departed on 3 July 2007.-Casting:...
(Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth
Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor most notable for portraying Thor in the Marvel Studios film Thor. Hemsworth is set to reprise his role as Thor in the upcoming films The Avengers in 2012 and Thor 2 in 2013. He also starred as Kim Hyde in the Australian soap opera Home and Away...
)
and even fakes drowning to get him to notice her. However, this backfires when Matilda struggles for real and Kim is forced to save her. After recovering, Kim tells Matilda he has no feelings for her, leaving her devastated.
When Beth and Rhys separate at the end of the year, The Hunters swap houses with Flynn Saunders
Flynn Saunders
Dr Flynn Saunders is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Joel McIlroy. The character was originally played by Martin Dingle-Wall from 2001 until 2002. He made his first on-screen appearance on 13 July 2001....
(Joel McIlroy
Joel McIlroy
Joel McIlroy is an Australian actor, best known for being the second actor to take on the role of Flynn Saunders, a character of the popular soap opera Home and Away. McIlroy took over the role of Flynn in 2003 after Martin Dingle-Wall left the role in 2002.-Early years:Joel McIlroy grew up in the...
) and Sally Fletcher
Sally Fletcher
Sally Louise Fletcher is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Kate Ritchie...
(Katie Ritchie). After overhearing a conversation between Kim and Robbie in which Kim tells Robbie he likes one of his sisters, Matilda immediately assumes it's her until she finds out it's her older sister Kit (Amy Mizzi
Amy Mizzi
Amy Mizzi is an Australian actress. She starred as Kit Hunter in the Australian soap opera Home and Away in 2003 and early 2004. Mizzi's departure from Home and Away was announced on 13 February 2004 but she continued to appear on a recurring basis throughout 2004 and returned in August 2005...
).
Matilda later begins a friendship with Eric "Ric" Dalby (Mark Furze
Mark Furze
Mark Furze is an Australian actor and singer who is best known for his role as Eric "Ric" Dalby on the popular Australian soap opera Home and Away. Mark played the role of Ric from September 2004 to July 2008.-Career:...
), who had bullied Henry previously and tries to make a move on him but he rejects her advances and begins dating Cassie Turner
Cassie Turner
Cassandra "Cassie" Turner is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Sharni Vinson. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 18 March 2005. Vinson originally auditioned for the role of Martha MacKenzie , but later secured the role of...
(Sharni Vinson
Sharni Vinson
-External links:...
). After feeling rejected, Matilda then begins sneaking out to wild parties and rock concerts. This behaviour culminates in her almost being date-raped by Callan Sherman (Kain O'Keeffe).
When The Holden family move to Summer Bay, and next door to the Hunters, Matilda befriends the youngest son, Lucas
Lucas Holden
Lucas Anthony Holden is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, first introduced in 2005 and portrayed by actor Rhys Wakefield. Lucas was the youngest of the Holden family. He left the Bay in 2008.- Background :...
(Rhys Wakefield
Rhys Wakefield
Rhys Wakefield is an Australian actor. He is best known for portraying the main character Thomas in the 2008 film The Black Balloon., for the 2011 film Sanctum, and portraying Lucas Holden in the long-running TV series Home and Away.-Biography:Before appearing as Lucas in Home and Away, Wakefield...
) and they are soon cast as the leads in Colleen Smart
Colleen Smart
Colleen Smart is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Lyn Collingwood. The character debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 7 March 1988. She was introduced as a recurring character by producer Alan Bateman. She served as comic relief...
's (Lyn Collingwood
Lyn Collingwood
Lyn Collingwood is an Australian actress. Collingwood was cast as Colleen Smart on Home and Away and was recurring character in 1988–1989, and returned in 1997 for one episode and then returned in 1999 as regular character....
) pantomime. After they share their first kiss on stage, Matilda and Lucas become a couple but their relationship ultimately ends shortly after both their families move into one house as their respective single parents Beth and Tony (Jon Sivewright
Jon Sivewright
Jon Sivewright in Fremantle is an Australian actor. He is best known for portraying Tony Holden inHome and Away, a role he played from 2005–2010- Biography :...
) are dating.
Matilda is chosen to be Martha MacKenzie
Martha MacKenzie
Martha Jane MacKenzie is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Jodi Gordon. Martha made her first on-screen appearance on 8 September 1988. She was originally played by Burcin Kapkin until her departure in 1989...
's (Jodi Gordon
Jodi Gordon
Jodi Lee Gordon is an Australian actress and model.-Early life:Gordon was born in Mackay to Bronwyn and Ray. She has an older brother, Ben. Her father was born in New Zealand and is of Māori descent. From the age of 8, Gordon's family moved to various locations along the coast from Mackay,...
) bridesmaid for her wedding to Lucas' older brother Jack (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...
). The day is marred by an explosion caused by Eve Jacobsen, which leaves Matilda very badly burned. She then later develops bulimia after disgust with her body image following the explosion. Matilda collapses one day and then agrees to go to retreat for people with similar issues. While there she meets Dean Silverman, who she begins dating. Lucas is suspicious of Dean and is shocked when he finds him hugging his ex-boyfriend, Gareth in a secluded spot. Matilda refuses to believe this at first but then is devasted when she finds the truth.
As 2007 begins, Matilda begins dating Ric, who has not long broken up with Cassie. Beth disapproves at first but eventually comes around. When Ric is imprisoned for murdering Rocco Cooper
Rocco Cooper
Rocco Cooper was a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away. He was played by Ian Meadows.-Storylines:Rocco caused trouble even before he arrived in the Bay when Deputy Principal Sally Fletcher authorised him to move to Summer Bay High over the head of Principal Brad Armstrong...
(Ian Meadows), Matilda stands by him. Ric is eventually released after the real culprit is found and the two resume their relationship.
After Beth is killed in a head-on car crash, Matilda, Kit and the Holdens are left devastated.
Soon after, Kit leaves and Matilda feels abandoned as she is the only member of her family left in the bay. This takes a toll on her schoolwork and Matilda fails her HSC and opts to repeat Year 12 the following year.
Matilda later finds out that Ric has been cheating on her with Viv Anderson and later dumps him.
They are later reunited but it is cut short when Matilda is accepted to a University in Perth and leaves immediately. Ric, on the advice of his grandfather, Alf Stewart
Alf Stewart
Alfred Douglas "Alf" Stewart is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Ray Meagher. The character debuted on-screen during the serial's pilot episode on 17 January 1988...
(Ray Meagher
Ray Meagher
Ray Meagher surname pronouned "Marr" , is a veteran Australian character actor. He has appeared regularly in Australian film and television since the mid 1970s, and is notable as the longest continuing performer in an Australian television role, as Alf Stewart on Home and Away, having played the...
) follows her there and finds Nathan, the resident adviser in her bed. Ric prepares to return to Summer Bay but Matilda stops him and they have a heart-to-heart and reconcile.
Reception
For her portrayal of Matilda, Evans was nominated for "Best Young Actor" at the 2007 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...
. The following year, Evans received two nominations for "Sexiest Female" and "Best Couple", along with co-star Mark Furze
Mark Furze
Mark Furze is an Australian actor and singer who is best known for his role as Eric "Ric" Dalby on the popular Australian soap opera Home and Away. Mark played the role of Ric from September 2004 to July 2008.-Career:...
. At the 2008 Dolly Teen Choice Awards
Dolly Teen Choice Awards
The Dolly Teen Choice Awards began in 2006 as a non-broadcast show with hosts Stephanie McIntosh and Jules Lund. The show was held at Sydney's Luna Park Big Top on August 31, 2006 and included guests The Veronicas, Anthony Callea, Guy Sebastian, Lee Harding, Rogue Traders, Girlband, and Kid...
, Evans won the "Queen of Teen" award.
External links
- Character profile at the Official AU Home and Away website
- Character profile at the Official UK Home and Away website
- Character profile at Homeandaway.com.au
- Character profile at Internet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie DatabaseInternet Movie Database is an online database of information related to movies, television shows, actors, production crew personnel, video games and fictional characters featured in visual entertainment media. It is one of the most popular online entertainment destinations, with over 100 million...