Darryl Braxton

Darryl "Brax" Braxton is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Steve Peacocke.
 He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 
February 2011. The character was created and introduced along with his 
two brothers; Heath (Dan Ewing) and half-brother, Casey (Lincoln Younes). The trio were nicknamed the River Boys and were inspired by the real life Bra Boys
 group. When Peacocke learnt about the role of Brax, he initially 
thought he would not suit the part as he is from the country. However, 
after learning more about the character, Peacocke successfully 
auditioned for the role. Peacocke's departure was announced on 1 
February 2015 and Brax made a temporary exit on 10 June 2015, before 
returning on 9 December. He made his final appearance on 7 June 2016.
Before the character's arrival on screen, Debbie Schipp of The Daily Telegraph
 described him as being a "beach bum" with a reputation for being an 
"awesome" surfer. Brax is a feared member of the River Boys, a surfie group from Mangrove River,
 and he commands a respect from them. However, Brax has always wanted to
 make something of himself and Peacocke revealed that he wanted a 
successful family life. Brax storylines often revolved around his 
long-running relationship with Charlie Buckton (Esther Anderson)
 until her death. Brax dealt with his grief by cage-fighting, which he 
started doing to pay off a debt. Brax later had relationships with Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack) and Ricky Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen), who also gave birth to Brax's son. For his portrayal of Brax, Peacocke has won the Logie Awards for Most Popular New Male Talent and Most Popular Actor.
== Creation and casting ==
In 2010, Network Seven began running teaser trailers for a new trio of characters known as The River Boys.[2]
 Said to be a "bad-boy surf gang with dodgy reputations", The River Boys
 initially consisted of three brothers – Casey, Heath and Darryl "Brax" 
Braxton.[2] Kristy Kelly of Digital Spy reported Koby Abberton and his gang, known as the Bra Boys, were the inspiration for The River Boys.[3] Steve Peacocke was cast as eldest Braxton brother, Darryl.[4] He heard about the role from his agent and he was initially unsure he would suit the part as he is from the country.[4] Once Peacocke understood what type of person Darryl was, he believed he could offer something to the role.[4] Peacocke said the audition process was "a lot of fun" and during a call back, he got to work with Esther Anderson, which made him less nervous.[4] Peacocke made his on screen debut as Brax on 16 February 2011.[5]
On 9 May 2013, it was announced that Peacocke would be taking a break from Home and Away, so he could film a role in Hercules: The Thracian Wars.[6]
 The actor thanked the show's producers and the network for allowing him
 the time off from the soap and producer Lucy Addario said "Steve is a 
truly great actor so it is no surprise that Hollywood has come calling. 
We are thrilled to be able to give Steve this short break from Home and Away and support him as he takes up this amazing opportunity."[6] Peacocke returned to Home and Away in September.[6]
== Development ==
=== Characterisation ===
Dan Ewing (left) and Lincoln Younes (right) portray Brax's younger brothers Heath and Casey.
Upon the character's announcement, Debbie Schipp of The Daily Telegraph reported Darryl was a "beach bum" who has an awesome reputation as a surfer.[2] Amy Edwards of the Newcastle Herald stated that he is the most revered of the Braxton brothers and a "reckless and feared member of the River Boys."[5]
 Peacocke said the character was first described to him as the leader of
 an outlaw surfie gang, which made him think of all the men he had met 
who play sport and are feared, but able to lead their teams at the same 
time.[4] Peacocke explained to Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy that he had learnt a lot from playing Darryl, as he comes from a completely different background to him.[4] When Darryl was twelve, his father walked out on his mother, Cheryl (Suzi Dougherty) and his two brothers, Heath (Dan Ewing) and Casey (Lincoln Younes).[7] Darryl became the man of the house and he tried to keep his younger brothers out of trouble. Despite developing a friends with benefits relationship with Tegan Callahan (Saskia Burmeister), Darryl had never been in love before coming to Summer Bay.[7]
A Channel Seven website writer described Darryl as having a "dodgy reputation and a chip on his shoulder."[7] He is a surfing legend in his home town of Mangrove River because he was one of the first surfers to take on the rip tides at Wilson's Beach and develop his own surfing style.[8]
 The Seven writer explained that because Darryl is fearless, he commands
 a respect from the rest of the surfers that he finds useful.[7] However, Darryl is a "reluctant hero" and a reporter from Channel 5's Home and Away website commented that he became determined to leave Mangrove River, so he could forge a career as a legitimate business owner.[8]
 Peacocke backed this statement up, saying Darryl wanted to make 
something of himself and escape the way of life associated with the 
River Boys.[4]
 He later explained "He's a bloke who wants to escape his upbringing. He
 has been pigeon-holed in Summer Bay because of his looks but he wants a
 legitimate life. He doesn't want riches. At the end of the day he just 
wants a successful family life."[9] Peacocke spends an hour in make-up every day getting The River Boy's trademark "Blood and Sand" tattoos painted on his body.[10][11]
 The actor revealed the most uncomfortable aspect of playing Darryl was 
having to take his shirt off. He called it a "show pony thing to do" and
 was embarrassed by it.[5]
=== Relationship with Charlie Buckton ===
Esther Anderson portrayed Brax's first love interest Charlie Buckton.
Schipp from The Daily Telegraph said Brax was set to get to know Charlie Buckton (played by Anderson) in a future storyline.[2]
 Brax meets Charlie after she comes to ask him to keep his surf gang 
under control. During his interview with Digital Spy, Peacocke was asked
 if Brax 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."[4] When a fight breaks out at the Surf Club, Charlie arrives to investigate and she asks Brax to step outside, so they can talk.[12] Brax misinterprets the situation and believes Charlie just wants to be alone with him, so he kisses her.[12] Charlie is horrified by his actions and she arrests him for assaulting a police officer.[12]
 After Brax's arrest, things began to develop "dangerously" between him 
and Charlie and Peacoke believed that viewers would find it tense to 
watch.[4]
Charlie comes under pressure from the community to find a more 
serious crime to charge Brax with. She starts to believe that he is 
selling stolen alcohol to Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), but everything checks out and Brax realises the kiss has "sparked something" in her.[12] The Daily Telegraph's Colin Vickery proclaimed that Brax had turned Charlie's safe world upside down.[13]
 While 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. It is quite different for Charlie. In all her 
previous relationships she has been hesitant and held back physically 
and with her feelings."[13] The actress branded the relationship "quite fun and flirty."[13] Just as Charlie starts to trust Brax, his ex-girlfriend, Tegan, arrives in the Bay.[14]
 Peacocke revealed that Tegan comes to do his mother's bidding. After 
Brax clashes with Cheryl, she contacts Tegan and gets her to work out 
what has been going on with him.[15]
Tegan tries to win Brax back, but is shocked to find he has moved on with Charlie.[14]
 Even though they share a history, Brax does not trust Tegan and when he
 learns she has threatened Charlie, he order her to leave town.[16]
 A show spokesperson said "Brax tells Tegan he wants nothing to do with 
her. As far as he's concerned, she's very much in his past and he has no
 interest in her any more. She's devastated when he tells her to leave. 
But there really is nothing worse than a woman scorned."[16] Peacocke thought Brax and Charlie's relationship would not be "smooth sailing" until Tegan was gone.[15] Charlie suspects Brax has been involved in a drugs operation and breaks up with him.[17] Brax is "gutted" when she ends their relationship and wants her back.[17] He "puts his heart on the line" and begs her to try again, but she puts her duties as a policewoman first.[17] After he is rejected, Brax has sex with Tegan and Charlie finds them together.[17]
 Peacocke thought it was hard to say if Brax and Charlie would get back 
together, while Vickery quipped that it was obvious Charlie cannot stay 
away from Brax for long.[13][17]
Brax is linked to an armed robbery, but Charlie, who is investigating the crime, believes Brax is innocent from the start.[18]
 She decides to interfere with police evidence, but feels guilty about 
what she has done and goes away to a cabin for a few days with a friend.[18] Brax later turns up and while he and Charlie are talking, he reveals that he still loves her.[18] They get back together, but on the way home they crash into Liam Murphy (Axle Whitehead) on his motorbike.[18]
 Realising Charlie and Brax should be seen together, Heath tells the 
police that he hit Liam. Charlie then decides to leave the police force.[18] Brax and Charlie decide to move to the city, accompanied by her daughter Ruby (Rebecca Breeds) and Casey.[19]
 Peacocke stated "Brax is now with the one he loves. Charlie's left her 
job and her career for him, and he's left the brotherhood and the River 
Boys for her. They both realise what they had in Summer Bay is no longer
 there, so it's time for a fresh start somewhere completely new."[19] However, Charlie is shot and critically injured by Jake Pirovic (Fletcher Humphrys).[20][21]
 When they learn that there is nothing more the doctors can do for her, 
Ruby and Brax make the decision to turn off Charlie's ventilator.[22]
 Anderson knew some fans would be disappointed that Brax and Charlie did
 not end up together, but the series producer had told her that after 
investing so much in the couple, killing Charlie off was the best 
option.[23]
=== Cage fighting ===
On 13 February 2012, it was announced that Brax would take part in a cage fighting storyline.[24] He decides to take part in the sport to raise some quick money to pay back Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou), who gave money to Geoffrey King (Geoff Morrell) on his behalf.[24] Peacocke revealed that Brax is angry with Leah for paying his debt off and "coming to his rescue".[24] Peacocke spent weeks rehearsing the choreography for the fight scenes with a stunt coordinator.[9] The Daily Telegraph's Colin Vickery reported that the actor was often hurt during the training and he was left with cuts and grazes over his back.[9]
 Vickery revealed that the cage fighting helped Brax with his grief over
 Charlie's death, while Peacocke told him "Every bloke has been through a
 tough time and you just want to punish yourself. There are plenty of 
blokes out there that can't deal with things emotionally and don't want 
to talk to anyone about it and they just want to put themselves in 
harm's way. Brax wants to feel some pain. For him, it is cathartic."[9]
Brax is knocked unconscious during a robbery at his restaurant, but decides to go ahead with a cage fight.[25] Despite knowing he is not fit to fight, Brax "puts himself in danger by taking part in another tough battle".[25] Leah tries to talk him out of it, but Brax ignores her pleas and goes ahead with the fight.[25] Brax is risking his own health and things soon take a turn for the worse.[25]
 Peacocke explained "He wins the fight, but he's taken so many blows to 
the head - and that, coupled with the mugging, tips him over the edge 
and he passes out and has a fit."[25] Brax is taken to the hospital, which is difficult for him because it is where Charlie died.[26]
 He struggles with his grief and Leah tries to help him. When Leah puts 
her hand on his, Brax then realises that she has feelings for him.[26] Speaking to TV Week's Erin McWhirter, Peacocke revealed that his character is shocked by it and did not see it coming.[26]
 In his interview with Digital Spy's Kilkelly, the actor called the cage
 fighting storyline "awesome" and he expressed his wishes to return to 
it in the future.[27]
=== Relationship with Natalie Davison ===
"Brax is a pretty complicated bloke and also very protective - of 
himself and his family. He's not the type to go along with something 
just for the ride. Charlie was unique and will always hold a special 
place in his heart, but he needs to move on. Natalie's a pretty special 
woman, so yes it will be serious for him."[27]
Catherine Mack plays Natalie Davison.
In June 2012, it was revealed that school counsellor Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack) would become Brax's new love interest.[28] Some Home and Away fans voiced their "outrage" at Brax's new romance on social networking sites, while others thought he should date Leah instead.[28]
 Peacocke told Kilkelly "The reaction has been mixed, mostly because 
people miss the whole Charlie and Brax storyline. But the new 
relationship has been equally exciting to play and is taking a new 
direction. I think fans are really starting to see it as something new 
and enjoying it."[27] Mack told a TV Week writer that Natalie finds Brax interesting, while Brax respects her for trying to help Casey.[28][29] He likes that she brings out a new side in himself.[29]
 Peacocke thought Natalie was a "good fit" for his character and hoped 
he could offload some of his baggage, so he could move forward with her.[29] Mack told TV Week's
 Gavin Scott that Natalie finds Brax attractive, but he is not at the 
front of her mind because she is focused on helping Casey through his 
issues.[29] However, to help Casey, she must go through Brax and learn more about their situation.[29] Brax and Natalie arrange to have a drink together, but he is forced to cancel so he can deal with a family emergency.[29]
Brax and Natalie later have a one-night stand.[30]
 Brax runs into Natalie shortly after making a drug deal to raise some 
money. She is suspicious and annoyed that he has not been in contact 
with her, just as they were starting to build up a relationship to help 
Casey.[30]
 Peacocke told Scott that Brax does not want Natalie thinking he is a 
drug dealing criminal because he has spent time with her trying to prove
 that he is not, so he shuts down.[30]
 Mack said "She can see through his act. She believes with her whole 
heart he's a good person. She will not stop until she makes him realise 
that."[30] At that moment, Brax and Natalie connect and share "an intense kiss", which leads to them spending the night together.[30] Mack stated that "caution is thrown to the wind" and neither Brax or Natalie think about what they are doing.[30] Peacocke revealed that the next day Brax starts rethinking and regretting, while Natalie wonders if she has crossed a line.[30] The couple decide to put their romance on hold, so Natalie can continue to counsel Casey without anything getting in the way.[31] Brax agrees with the plan, even though Casey insists they should put their relationship first.[31]
 Mack revealed that Natalie and Brax would share more scenes together, 
saying "Their attraction to each other is undeniable, and even though 
it's not the key focus, they can't help but continue to be around each 
other and be attracted to each other."[31]
=== Departure and return ===
On 1 February 2015, Jonathon Moran of The Daily Telegraph reported that Peacocke had quit Home and Away to pursue new acting roles in Hollywood.[32] Peacocke filmed his final scenes in December 2014.[32]
 Of his departure, he stated "It wasn't something I was looking forward 
to because I love the show and the people I work with so much. But I 
think the key to any good TV series or any good storytelling is to leave
 the audience at the right point, and where we got to with Brax, we hit a
 point where it was the best point for him to exit the show. It was just
 the perfect time I guess."[32] Brax was the last of the original three Braxton brothers to leave the show.[32] His exit storyline saw the car transferring him to jail run off the road and plunge into a lake. David Knox from TV Tonight commented that storyliners would have left the door open for Peacocke to return in the future.[33] Brax departed on 10 June.[34]
On 22 August 2015, Moran announced that Peacocke had returned to Home and Away to shoot scenes for episodes that would air in late 2015.[35]
 Of his return, Peacocke commented "It is a nice little surprise. It was
 a good story the producers put to me, so I thought it is a nice way to 
see everyone for a bit. It will be an interesting little twist. While 
Brax is in the Bay it will spice things up a bit, I think."[35] Peacocke's return storyline was kept top-secret, and was not revealed until his episodes were broadcast.[35] Ahead of Brax's final appearance, Home and Away aired their first two-hander
 episode on 15 February 2016. The episode featured Brax and Ricky 
discussing their relationship and his decision to fake his death.[36] The character made his final appearance on 7 June 2016, where he reunited with Ricky and his son.[37]
== Storylines ==
	This section needs to be updated. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (December 2015)
Brax and the River Boys go along to a singles night at Angelo's 
restaurant. They start a brawl and Brax's brother, Heath, punches Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart).
 The following day, Brax tries to smooth things over and visits Angelo 
Rosetta with a case of alcohol to make up for what happened in his 
restaurant. Angelo accepts the apology and Brax makes him an offer to 
supply the restaurant with some cheap alcohol. The River Boys start 
causing trouble around the town and local policewoman Charlie Buckton 
keeps an eye on them. Brax starts making suggestions on how to improve 
Angelo's restaurant and goes into partnership with him. He later uses 
the restaurant for money laundering. Brax takes Leah Patterson-Baker out
 to lunch in order to ask her more about Charlie. When trouble with the 
River Boys escalates, Charlie is called to the Surf Club to sort it out.
 She takes Brax outside to talk, but he kisses her and is arrested. 
However, Brax's lawyer gets him released. Charlie later comes to Brax 
and asks him to keep his younger brother, Casey, away from her daughter,
 Ruby. During an argument, Brax kisses Charlie and they have sex. 
Charlie later tells him it was a mistake, however she starts to feel 
that she misjudged him and they begin a secret relationship.
Angelo discovers the Braxton's have a marijuana crop in the National 
Park and Heath knocks him out. Brax tells Charlie that he has nothing to
 do with the crop and gets a member of their gang to drop Angelo off at 
the hospital. Brax realises Brodie Upton (Guy Edmonds)
 has stolen drugs from him and he sets him up to be arrested. However, 
Brodie avoids the police and threatens Brax with a gun. He finds out 
about Brax and Charlie's relationship, before Brax manages to get him 
out of town. Charlie decides to publicly reveal her romance with Brax, 
but Morag Bellingham (Cornelia Frances)
 warns them both against it. Angelo also discovers the relationship and 
blackmails Brax into buying his half of the restaurant. Brax finds out 
Casey has quit school, but he manages to get him to change his mind. 
This causes Cheryl to throw Casey out of their home and he and Brax stay
 in a motel. Tegan Callahan arrives in town and tries to get back with 
Brax. She discovers his new relationship with Charlie and Brax orders 
her to leave. Heath challenges Brax's leadership of the River Boys and 
Brax decides to leave the group. Heath plans to raid Jake Pirovic drug 
crop and Tegan tells Brax that Jake is going to ambush him. Charlie 
arrests both Heath and Jake following the raid.
When Brax does not deny he is involved with the drug dealing, Charlie
 breaks up with him. Tegan reveals that Jake asked her to hide some 
drugs for him and Heath and Brax help her. Brax and Tegan have a 
one-night stand, which Charlie finds out about. Jake is released and he 
demands his drugs back. He takes Ruby and Casey hostage, until Brax 
hands the drugs over. A fight breaks out and Brax is stabbed. Charlie 
finds him and takes him to hospital. Tegan states that her daughter, Darcy
 (Alea O'Shea), is Brax's and he tries to bond with her. However, Tegan 
later reveals that Darcy is actually Heath's daughter. Brax and Charlie 
get back together and Heath finds out about them, forcing Charlie to 
reveal the truth to her superior. A gang war breaks out and Jake's 
brother, Hammer
 (Benedict Samuel), has Heath beaten up. Tegan is injured in a car 
accident and she tells Brax that she revealed his relationship with 
Charlie to Hammer, before dying. Brax learns Casey burnt Jake's place 
down and tries to cover up the crime. Hammer kidnaps Charlie and lures 
Brax to a container to kill him. A fight breaks out and Charlie shoots 
Hammer dead. Casey is found guilty of the arson attack at Jake's place 
and sent to juvie. Brax begins dating Hayley O'Connor (Alyssa McClelland).
Brax is linked to an armed robbery and learns he has been set up on 
Jake's orders. He admits to the police that he was in bed with Hayley at
 the time of the robbery, but she refuses to confirm his story. Charlie 
informs Brax that she and a fellow officer are moving the evidence 
against him and tells him where they will be stopping, allowing Brax to 
steal it. Brax joins Charlie at a cabin and on the way home they crash 
into Liam Murphy. Heath and Bianca Scott (Lisa Gormley)
 tell the police they hit Liam to protect Brax and Charlie. When Charlie
 quits the police, she and Brax decide to move to the city with Ruby and
 Casey. However, Jake returns to the Bay and shoots Charlie. Brax finds 
her and she is rushed to the hospital, where he and Ruby are told that 
Charlie is brain dead. Brax initially refuses to give up on Charlie, but
 he eventually decides to let her ventilator be turned off. Ruby accuses
 Brax of being responsible for Charlie's death and he starts drinking. 
Brax becomes angry with Heath for accepting stolen alcohol from Geoffrey
 King and returns it. However, Geoffrey demands $30,000 or the 
restaurant. Leah stops Brax from burning Angelo's down and he becomes 
furious when she pays Geoffrey off. To pay her back, Brax begins cage 
fighting.
One night, Brax is knocked unconscious when someone robs the 
restaurant. He refuses to pull out of his next fight and he collapses 
shortly after winning. Brax is taken to hospital to recover and Leah 
stays with him. Brax then realises she has feelings for him. When Leah 
gets drunk, Brax takes her home and she tries to kiss him. Brax learns 
Heath has hired Hayley as his lawyer and he takes her to a clifftop, 
where he blames her for getting Jake out of jail. Hayley hits him with a
 rock and dares him to kill her, but Brax lets her go. Brax learns Heath
 is trying to get their father, Danny
 (Andy McPhee), out of jail and warns him against it. Brax visits Danny 
and remains convinced that he has not changed. Casey questions Brax 
about Danny and he reveals that he used to take him out of the house 
when Danny got angry and that he once put Heath in hospital. Brax is 
unhappy when Casey visits Danny and gets on well with him. He also 
dislikes it when school counsellor Natalie Davison tries to talk to him 
about Casey's feelings and shuts the door on her when she mentions 
Charlie. Danny is freed from prison and he moves into the Caravan Park. 
Brax manages to get his mother to leave town and tells Danny that his 
money that he left behind is gone.
Danny demands that Brax pay back his money and Brax agrees. He is later knocked out and left out in the bush to die, but Sid Walker (Robert Mammone)
 finds him and takes him back home. Brax then realises Danny ordered the
 attack. To get some money to pay his father back, Brax organises a 
drugs deal, which goes wrong when the police turn up. However, Brax 
successfully hides the drugs away and completes the deal. When he runs 
into Natalie, he pushes her away. However, she tells him she is not 
scared of him and they have sex. Casey admits to Brax that he is 
spending time with Danny, so he can stay one step ahead and stop him 
from targeting Ruby and her money. Brax learns Casey has gone off with 
Danny, who has been planning to rob a local pub. Brax and Natalie get to
 the pub just as a shot rings out. They find Casey has shot Danny and he
 later dies. Brax tries to intimidate the only witness into going along 
with a fabricated story, but Casey confesses to the crime. He struggles 
to cope with what he has done, so Brax and Natalie decide to put their 
relationship on hold to help him. Brax realises Casey is hurting and 
they decide to spend some time together in the forest. After going to 
get some food, Brax returns to the camp to find Casey gone. He and 
Natalie drive out to the desert to find Casey and learn that he has been
 kidnapped by Kyle Bennett (Nic Westaway), Casey and Brax's half-brother.
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