Melody Jones
Encyclopedia
Melody Jones is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven
soap opera Home and Away
, played by Celeste Dodwell
. Dodwell originally auditioned for a separate part in the serial, but was offered the role of Melody instead. Dodwell said the part was a "dream come true". Melody is characterised as a shy student but has a "psycotic" side to her persona. Her main storyline arcs include a fued with her overprotective mother, Christine Jones (Liz Alexander) and a relationship with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis
).
Melody is also admitted into a psychiatric clinic after Axel Hay
(Trent Dalzell
) assaults her and Christine tries to kidnap her. Dodwell said she carried out extensive research to help her portray the issue of mental health. She also found some of Melody's material challenging to play. In 2009, it was announced that Dodwell had decided to leave the serial and pursue further education overseas. Melody departed on-screen in February that year, which saw her move to New Zealand
.
. Dodwell originally auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin
, however Tessa James
became the sucsessful candidate. Dodwell's agent informed her about Melody's "character breakdown" and she said that it "intrigued" her. Dodwell said it was a "dream come true" and accepted straight away. In 2009, TV Week
reported that Dodwell had decided to quit the serial in order to attend drama school in the United Kingdom
.
In one storyline Melody is sexually assaulted by Axel Hay
(Trent Dalzell
). Dodwell said from an actor's perspective, it was "a tough journey to go on" because Melody's scenes are "demanding". As a result Melody has a "big breakdown", Dodwell said she had to delve deep into her character's psychology and admitted it was a harsh experience. To research the plot Dodwell gained inspiration from watching the film Girl, Interrupted
and visiting a psychiatric clinic. The "very dark and solemn" atmosphere in within the two helped Dodwell with the psychological build up in Melody. When is admitted into a psychiatric clinic, where Aden Jefferies
(Todd Lasance
) is also being treated. While Axel is killed by Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson). Lasance said that Aden had been "protective of Melody after Axel took advantage of her". The pair share an "unspoken bond" because of their past experiences and he "understands exactly what she's going through." While he tries to help her, "Melody thinks she is evil" because she prayed for Axel to die. Aden's help "brings her back down to earth". Melody has hallucinations of Axel trying to attack her again, Dodwell said it was a "toiling sitation" to get herself into Melody's frame of mind. Melody's interfering mother Christine Jones' (Liz Alexander) has Melody discharged from the clinic. This worsens Melody's condition because she believes Axel will get her - Dodwell added that "she doesn't know he's dead, she doesn't feel safe anywhere, especially with her mum, so she decides to sleep at the school!"
When she begins to recover, Melody decides she wants to rekindle her relationship with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis
), however, Geoff has moved on with Nicole Franklin
(Tessa James
). Dodwell said Melody is "almost psychotic" in her attempts to win him back. She had previously happy while with Geoff, so "she's obssessed with having that happiness again". When Melody finds out about Nicole, her "heart breaks, it shatter into a thousand little pieces" and she thinks she will become "unstuck" again because she still feels "unstable". Dodwell said Melody should have given up at that point, but Melody thinks through "determination" she can win him back. Dodwell also had members of the public approaching her and recommending that Melody seeks professional help.
Series producer Cameron Welsh
said Melody's journey is "interesting" because "it gets worse before it gets better" for her. He said she had been a "fascinating character" for the production team to develop, because she is the opposite to traditional Home and Away characters with problems. Melody started out as "well and has gone bad", whereas "most characters start out a lot of issues, then time in Summer Bay reforms them." Melody is later taken in by Miles Copeland
(Josh Quong Tart
). Melody's behaviour becomes a problem when she goes on a "downward spiral" and develops an attitude problem. She later runs away to Melbourne
, believing that everyone else will be better off without her. In the storyline Miles and Charlie Buckton
(Esther Anderson) travel to Melbourne to search for Melody. The episodes marked the first time the cast had filmed in Melbourne. Location shoots took place at Queen Victoria Market
, Docklands Studios Melbourne
and St Kilda
. Anderson told Inside Soap that "It's a nice self-contained little storyline" and described it as a treat for British and Irish viewers. She added that Melody ends up on the streets and Charlie and Miles fail to locate her straightaway, which leads her into trouble."
In the build up to Melody's exit, she finally meets her grandmother Audrey Long (Wendy Playfair
), who caused her Christine's bitter outlook on life. When Audrey reveals her "true colours" to Melody, she makes the decision to go and live in New Zealand.
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 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 Celeste Dodwell
Celeste Dodwell
Celeste Dodwell is an Australian actress perhaps best known for her role as Melody Jones on popular Australian soap opera Home and Away since 2008....
. Dodwell originally auditioned for a separate part in the serial, but was offered the role of Melody instead. Dodwell said the part was a "dream come true". Melody is characterised as a shy student but has a "psycotic" side to her persona. Her main storyline arcs include a fued with her overprotective mother, Christine Jones (Liz Alexander) and a relationship with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis
Lincoln Lewis
Lincoln Clay Lewis is an Australian actor. He is best known for playing the role of Geoff Campbell in the Australian television series, Home and Away from 2007 to 2010, and Kevin Holmes in the film Tomorrow, When the War Began....
).
Melody is also admitted into a psychiatric clinic after Axel Hay
Axel Hay
Axel Hay is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by actor Trent Dalzell since early 2008.-Character history:Axel first appeared as a friend of Aden Jefferies and like him he loved to cause trouble...
(Trent Dalzell
Trent Dalzell
Trent Dalzell is an Australian actor.-Biography:He is best known for his role as Axel Hay on popular Australian soap opera Home and Away...
) assaults her and Christine tries to kidnap her. Dodwell said she carried out extensive research to help her portray the issue of mental health. She also found some of Melody's material challenging to play. In 2009, it was announced that Dodwell had decided to leave the serial and pursue further education overseas. Melody departed on-screen in February that year, which saw her move to New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
.
Casting
In December 2007, it was announced that Celeste Dodwell had been cast as a "Summer Bay High student". Just three days earlier, Dodwell had finished her drama HSC and scored the highest mark in New South WalesNew South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
. Dodwell originally auditioned for the role of Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Tessa James. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 18 April 2008. Nicole was introduced by executive producer Cameron Welsh...
, however Tessa James
Tessa James
Tessa James is an Australian actress who is best known for the role of Nicole Franklin in the Australian soap opera Home and Away.-Early and personal life:...
became the sucsessful candidate. Dodwell's agent informed her about Melody's "character breakdown" and she said that it "intrigued" her. Dodwell said it was a "dream come true" and accepted straight away. In 2009, TV Week
TV Week
TV Week is a weekly television magazine in Australia, first published as a Melbourne-only publication in December 1957 , and bearing a strong affiliation to television station GTV.The publication is still publishing weekly...
reported that Dodwell had decided to quit the serial in order to attend drama school in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
Character development
Melody is characterised as "kind, shy and loyal" but has a "psycotic" side. Dodwell said that playing Melody, the "more intellectual and timid side of human nature, is really rewarding."In one storyline Melody is sexually assaulted by Axel Hay
Axel Hay
Axel Hay is a fictional character in the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by actor Trent Dalzell since early 2008.-Character history:Axel first appeared as a friend of Aden Jefferies and like him he loved to cause trouble...
(Trent Dalzell
Trent Dalzell
Trent Dalzell is an Australian actor.-Biography:He is best known for his role as Axel Hay on popular Australian soap opera Home and Away...
). Dodwell said from an actor's perspective, it was "a tough journey to go on" because Melody's scenes are "demanding". As a result Melody has a "big breakdown", Dodwell said she had to delve deep into her character's psychology and admitted it was a harsh experience. To research the plot Dodwell gained inspiration from watching the film Girl, Interrupted
Girl, Interrupted (film)
Girl, Interrupted is a 1999 drama film about a teenager's 18-month stay at a mental institution, starring Winona Ryder, Brittany Murphy, Angelina Jolie, Whoopi Goldberg and Vanessa Redgrave, with Jolie winning an Academy Award for her performance....
and visiting a psychiatric clinic. The "very dark and solemn" atmosphere in within the two helped Dodwell with the psychological build up in Melody. When is admitted into a psychiatric clinic, where Aden Jefferies
Aden Jefferies
Aden Jefferies is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Todd Lasance. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 4 August 2005. Aden was introduced in 2005 as a recurring character and as part of Cassie Turner's storylines. Lasance was...
(Todd Lasance
Todd Lasance
Todd James Lasance is an Australian actor and is best known for his role as Aden Jefferies in the Australian soap opera Home And Away.-Personal life:...
) is also being treated. While Axel is killed by Larry Jefferies (Paul Gleeson). Lasance said that Aden had been "protective of Melody after Axel took advantage of her". The pair share an "unspoken bond" because of their past experiences and he "understands exactly what she's going through." While he tries to help her, "Melody thinks she is evil" because she prayed for Axel to die. Aden's help "brings her back down to earth". Melody has hallucinations of Axel trying to attack her again, Dodwell said it was a "toiling sitation" to get herself into Melody's frame of mind. Melody's interfering mother Christine Jones' (Liz Alexander) has Melody discharged from the clinic. This worsens Melody's condition because she believes Axel will get her - Dodwell added that "she doesn't know he's dead, she doesn't feel safe anywhere, especially with her mum, so she decides to sleep at the school!"
When she begins to recover, Melody decides she wants to rekindle her relationship with Geoff Campbell (Lincoln Lewis
Lincoln Lewis
Lincoln Clay Lewis is an Australian actor. He is best known for playing the role of Geoff Campbell in the Australian television series, Home and Away from 2007 to 2010, and Kevin Holmes in the film Tomorrow, When the War Began....
), however, Geoff has moved on with Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin
Nicole Franklin is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Tessa James. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 18 April 2008. Nicole was introduced by executive producer Cameron Welsh...
(Tessa James
Tessa James
Tessa James is an Australian actress who is best known for the role of Nicole Franklin in the Australian soap opera Home and Away.-Early and personal life:...
). Dodwell said Melody is "almost psychotic" in her attempts to win him back. She had previously happy while with Geoff, so "she's obssessed with having that happiness again". When Melody finds out about Nicole, her "heart breaks, it shatter into a thousand little pieces" and she thinks she will become "unstuck" again because she still feels "unstable". Dodwell said Melody should have given up at that point, but Melody thinks through "determination" she can win him back. Dodwell also had members of the public approaching her and recommending that Melody seeks professional help.
Series 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...
said Melody's journey is "interesting" because "it gets worse before it gets better" for her. He said she had been a "fascinating character" for the production team to develop, because she is the opposite to traditional Home and Away characters with problems. Melody started out as "well and has gone bad", whereas "most characters start out a lot of issues, then time in Summer Bay reforms them." Melody is later taken in by Miles Copeland
Miles Copeland (Home and Away)
Miles Copeland is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Josh Quong Tart. He debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 30 November 2007. Ryley Mickle and Jackson Edwards played Miles in flashback sequences, showing him at ages three and...
(Josh Quong Tart
Josh Quong Tart
Josh Quong Tart is an Australian actor who has performed in several television, commercial and film roles.-Biography:...
). Melody's behaviour becomes a problem when she goes on a "downward spiral" and develops an attitude problem. She later runs away to Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, believing that everyone else will be better off without her. In the storyline Miles and Charlie Buckton
Charlie Buckton
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...
(Esther Anderson) travel to Melbourne to search for Melody. The episodes marked the first time the cast had filmed in Melbourne. Location shoots took place at Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is a major landmark in Melbourne, Australia, and at around seven hectares is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The Market is significant to Melbourne's culture and heritage and has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register...
, Docklands Studios Melbourne
Docklands Studios Melbourne
Docklands Studios Melbourne is a major movie and film complex located in Melbourne’s redeveloped docklands precinct. The studios opened their doors in 2004 under the former name . The site is located approximately 1.5 km from the city of Melbourne’s Central Business District...
and St Kilda
St Kilda Road, Melbourne
St Kilda Road is a street in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is part of the locality of Melbourne which has the postcode of 3004 and along with Swanston Street forms a major spine of the city....
. Anderson told Inside Soap that "It's a nice self-contained little storyline" and described it as a treat for British and Irish viewers. She added that Melody ends up on the streets and Charlie and Miles fail to locate her straightaway, which leads her into trouble."
In the build up to Melody's exit, she finally meets her grandmother Audrey Long (Wendy Playfair
Wendy Playfair
Wendy Playfair is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Minnie Donovan in the television series Prisoner. She was educated at the prestigious Ascham School in Sydney....
), who caused her Christine's bitter outlook on life. When Audrey reveals her "true colours" to Melody, she makes the decision to go and live in New Zealand.