James Fraser is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away. The character debuted on-screen on 1 July 1997. Sam Meikle played the character for one episode. When Richard Grieve quit his role as James' brother Lachlan Fraser; producers cast Michael Piccilliri to play James. They had invested time in Lachlan's relationship with Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright) and wanted to replace the character. James soon begins a relationship with Chloe. Producers were pleased with his performance and invited him to join the show's regular cast. Like Lachlan, James is portrayed as a doctor employed at the local hospital. Piccilliri has described James as an individual who balances his career with his social life. He is also addicted to love and his relationship with Chloe is problematic. The duo marry but soon separate. Piccilliri quit Home and Away in 1999 and departed on 5 April 2000. His exit storyline played out James departing Summer Bay after realising that Chloe does not love him. The actor briefly reprised the role in 2005 following Chloe's death.