Home and Away is an Australian television soap opera. It was first broadcast on the Seven Network on 17 January 1988. The following is a list of characters that first appeared during 2008, by order of first appearance. They were all introduced by series producer Cameron Welsh. The 21st season of Home and Away began airing from 28 January 2008. Principal Martin Bartlett, played by Bob Baines was the first introduction of the year in February. Trent Dalzell as Axel Hay, David Downer as and Celeste Dodwell as Melody Jones made their first appearances in March. Tessa James arrived as Nicole Franklin in April. Jordan Rodrigues and Oliver Davis joined the cast as and in May. Esther Anderson and Rebecca Breeds made their debuts as Charlie and Ruby Buckton in June. Luke Jacobz and Paul Pantano debuted on 8 July as Angelo Rosetta and , respectively. David Jones-Roberts began appearing as Xavier Austin in November.