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Bree Cameron
Home and Away character
Portrayed byJuliet Godwin
Duration2022–present
First appearance9 August 2022 (2022-08-09)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byLucy Addario
In-universe information
OccupationDoctor
HusbandJacob Cameron (until 2023)

Bree Cameron is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Juliet Godwin. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 9 August 2022.

Casting

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In March 2022, Godwin was photographed filming her first on-location scenes at Palm Beach, where the serial's exterior scenes are usually shot.[1][2] Her casting as the show's new doctor was officially confirmed on 19 July 2022.[1][3] The character was introduced following the sudden departure of Harley Bonner, who played Dr. Logan Bennett, the head of the emergency department at the local hospital.[1] Godwin had previously auditioned for various Home and Away characters.[4] She told Tamara Cullen of TV Week that her agent sent her the audition details Bree, and after reading the character brief, she was "super-excited" to send in an audition tape.[5] Godwin commented "I mean she's a pretty incredible act. I had a lot of fun putting down the audition tape."[4] Following a second round of auditions, Godwin was given the role. She learned of her casting while she was in her bedroom putting on a face mask for a night in. She said her agent called her and she "did a happy dance."[1] She admitted that winning a role on Home and Away was "a dream come true",[1] and told Stephanie McKenna of PerthNow: "The fact that I'm able to wake up and go to set every day and do what I love is such a gift. I'm really grateful for this opportunity. Everyone there is so lovely. I get to work with really talented actors, and it's always a fun vibe."[1] Godwin made her first appearance as Bree on 9 August 2022.[6]

Development

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Characterisation and introduction

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The serial's producers billed Bree as "laid-back, kind and caring", but that she was also hiding something behind her "bubbly demeanour".[3] Godwin's description of Bree was similar as she called her "a laidback, compassionate doctor who loves a laugh."[5] She also said Bree had a "heart of gold",[1] and was "considerate and smart as a whip."[5] Godwin admired her character's "work ethic and also her friendliness", adding that Bree tries to bring "a lovely positive atmosphere" to whatever situation she finds herself in.[4] Outside of the hospital, Bree is "a surfer chick". Godwin admitted that she loved that aspect of her character, as she had been getting into surfing as it was her partner's hobby.[5] She started learning some time before being cast and told Alice Penwill of Inside Soap that while she was not a "seasoned professional" like Bree, she made up for her lack of technique with "passion and gusto."[2]

The character is "passionate" about her job as a doctor and thinks that "hard work and compassion" is the key to helping people in need.[5] During her appearance on The Morning Show, Godwin told Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies that Bree is "very confident and very committed" to her job. She will just deal with a problem and "get to the bottom of it."[7] Godwin carried out her own research into the medical terms that Bree uses and she also spoke with the show's medical adviser.[4] Discussing Bree's fictional backstory, Godwin explained that she was born and raised in Newcastle, New South Wales. Upon seeing a job vacancy at the Northern Districts Hospital, she is quick to relocate to Summer Bay for a much needed "fresh start".[5] Godwin said that for Bee, Newcastle and Summer Bay are both laid-back places where she can help those in need and go surfing in her spare time. Godwin also said that her character does not know anyone in the town, but she is "excited" to join in with the community and "slow down."[5]

Of the Bree's arrival, Godwin stated: "At first, she settles into the Bay well – she loves her new home, the epic surf and the welcoming locals. But as weeks go by, we learn there's rather more to Bree's story."[5] Godwin was excited for viewers to see what else Bree "has in store for them" and said that it was "inevitable" that there would be drama.[4] Godwin told Stuff's Kerry Harvey that she was learning "more and more" about Bree as the months went on. She compared it to reading a book which kept her guessing what would come next.[4] During the character's first episode, she is called upon to treat Constable Cash Newman (Nicholas Cartwright) after he is shot while on duty.[6] Larry Emdur joked that she was "thrown in the deep end" with the storyline, but Godwin enjoyed being part of some "high action" scenes.[7] She also thought it showed viewers that Bree would work hard and fight for her patients.[7] Bree gives Cash's sister Felicity Newman (Jacqui Purvis) "an optimistic outlook" on his condition, but later admits to paramedic Xander Delaney (Luke Van Os) that it might have been "false hope."[6]

Marriage and domestic violence

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Alex Wlliams (pictured) portrays Bree's abusive husband Jacob. Godwin hoped Bree's storyline would help women in the same situation.[2]

The character was billed as hiding "a big secret" as part of an issue-based storyline, and it slowly emerges that she is the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her husband Jacob Cameron (Alex Williams).[2] When asked how she felt coming into the show with storyline, Godwin told Alice Penwill of Inside Soap: "When I was first told about Bree, I felt grateful that I had the opportunity to tell such an important tale. I want to do this story justice, tell it to the best of my ability, and hopefully it can help women who are in Bree's situation."[2] Godwin later called it an "intense but really important" storyline and explained that from an actor's perspective, it would "be rewarding", while also bringing awareness to the issue.[8] In order to portray the story as authentically as possible, Godwin carried out extensive research, which included talking to people involved with White Ribbon Australia and listening to stories from survivors and psychologists. She also took part in the Walk for Women's and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC).[8] Speaking to Georgie Kearney from 7News, she stated "From what I could gather from my research, there is a feeling that women can get where they feel quite stuck because, sadly, what happens is not only physical violence but there's a lot of emotional abuse. And that will wear someone down and make someone second guess themselves, live in fear and make them want to keep this secret."[8]

Godwin felt that her character, a successful doctor, was the "perfect vehicle" to prove that domestic abuse can happen to anyone.[8] Penwill pointed out that Bree is a different person when she is at work compared to when she is at home, which Godwin said was a deliberate depiction. She reiterated that domestic violence "doesn't discriminate" and often women put on "a strong face" so no one knows what is going on at home. She continued "They are working professionals who are fantastic at what they do, but then they go home to a nightmare."[2] Jacob's introduction occurs while Bree is sharing breakfast with her new friend Remi Carter (Adam Rowland). It is clear that Jacob is not happy to see Bree with another man, and Godwin commented that viewers can see there are issues in their relationship instantly. Remi is also shown to be wary of Jacob, who is "intimidating" towards him.[9]

Bree's home life starts to affect her job when she accuses Dean Thompson (Patrick O'Connor) of abusing his pregnant partner Ziggy Astoni (Sophie Dillman).[10] The storyline sees Ziggy admitted to the hospital after a fall. Bree hears an over-protective Dean urging Ziggy to be more careful, as this is the second time she has fallen, while Ziggy apologises. Godwin said the tone Dean's uses is "triggering" for Bree and "alarm bells start ringing."[10] She also said that after Bree notices a bruise on Ziggy's leg, it confirms "in her mind" that she is being abused. Bree then opts to keep Ziggy in the hospital, while reporting Dean to the police for domestic violence.[10] Godwin explained: "Bree has far too often experienced having to make excuses for her own injures – she won't sit back and watch someone else suffer in silence."[10] Bree's actions leave Dean and Ziggy confused, especially when Dean is barred from seeing Ziggy. When she overhears him asking his sister Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir) to keep an eye on Ziggy because he cannot, this leads her to realise she has got the situation completely wrong. Godwin said Bree is "heartbroken" by her mistake and realises that Dean is nothing like Jacob. This then "propels her" to report her own situation to the police.[10]

Jacob is banned from contacting Bree, but he later breaches this to intimidate her, leading Remi to warn him off.[11] Towards the end of the season, Jacob continues to watch Bree "like a hawk" and when he learns Remi and Bree are dating, he "storms" into her hotel room and demands that she leaves the Bay. He manages to overpower Remi and ties him to a chair, before giving Bree a "terrifying" ultimatum – leave with him or watch him smash Remi's hands with a hammer ending his music career.[12] Rowland said that Remi would rather Jacob smash both his hands as long as he does not use the hammer on Bree.[12] After injuring Remi, Jacob abducts Bree. When Home and Away resumed in January 2023, it emerges that Bree has been missing for a number of days.[13] As the episode unfolds, viewers see that Bree and Jacob are camping out in remote bushland. As Jacob holds Bree in "what he considers a loving embrace", it is clear to viewers that she is "petrified" of him.[13] Godwin explained that Bree has no idea what Jacob is planning, and she has had to leave the man she loves injured and alone. Godwin said Bree is "living her worst nightmare."[13] As Bree writes a letter to Remi, Jacob catches her and in his rage, he strikes her and knocks her unconscious. When she wakes up, Jacob is digging what appears to be a grave.[13]

Bree ends up killing Jacob in self-defence, leaving her traumatised. Cullen branded it "a kill-or-be-killed moment".[14] Bree's guilt about Jacob's death is apparent throughout her police interview, despite reassurance from Rose Delaney (Kirsty Mariller) that it is not her fault. Godwin said Bree's "world shatters" when she realises that Jacob is dead and knowing she has taken a life, it "cracks her identity."[14] Meanwhile, Bree's relationship with Remi suffers as she hides the fact that she had sex with Jacob during her ordeal in order to stay safe. Godwin told Cullen: "Bree felt she didn't have a choice – it was her way of protecting herself and keeping Jacob's temper at bay."[14] Talking to The Daily Telegraph's Lisa Woolford, Godwin explained that her character would have to go through "a healing journey" before being able to move on with her life, as she had "quite severe PTSD".[15] Knowing that victims of domestic violence struggle to regain their identity after leaving their partner, the writers incorporated this into Bree's story, but also added in some "sprinkles of hope".[15] Woolford added that at the end of filming each day, Godwin made sure to leave her character's trauma behind, but she was aware that there were a lot of women in real life who could not "clock off" from similar situations.[15]

Relationship with Remi Carter

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Bree forms a close friendship with musician Remi Carter following her arrival. Laura Masia of TV Week observed that the pair had "a simmering attraction" between them. However, Bree makes it clear that she is married and they remain friends.[9] Godwin told Masia that her character "loves the attention Remi is giving her. He makes her laugh. But she does have a husband who, although she loves him, the relationship is very complex."[9] Throughout Bree's domestic violence plot, Remi acts as her confidante and their relationship eventually develops into a romance. Godwin admitted that she loved them as a couple, calling their relationship "beautiful".[2] She also said that Remi had "opened Bree's eyes to what it looks like to be truly loved".[2] A TV Week writer called Remi "the light at the end of the tunnel for Bree", but in a conversation with Ziggy Astoni, it is clear that Bree feels immense guilt for cheating on her husband despite Ziggy reassuring her that she needs to do what she can to get by.[16] After keeping their relationship a secret, Bree later declares that she will get a divorce and she plans to take Remi on a public date. Rowland said his character feels relief that Bree has become "empowered" enough to break free from her marriage.[12] He continued "The date, albeit fraught with danger, is special for him. The woman he's falling in love with wants to be with him."[12]

Godwin later told Penwill (Inside Soap) that with Jacob still around, there would be "serious danger ahead" for Bree and Remi. She teased a dramatic storyline for the couple, saying that they would "face something huge".[2] Remi is later attacked by Jacob and left for dead, while Bree is abducted and taken to remote bushland, where she is beaten by Jacob.[13] Her feelings for Remi help her through the ordeal and Godwin said that for her character "Remi renewed Bree's view of what relationships could be. The safety and love Remi gave her opened her eyes to what a relationship should be."[13] After Bree kills Jacob in self-defence, the pain of her ordeal is "too raw" and the connection she has with Remi suffers, especially as she is also hiding the fact she had sex with Jacob in order to stay safe.[14] In a further twist, Bree becomes pregnant, but she is unsure whether Remi or Jacob is the father. Cullen noted that Bree's "joy" quickly gives way to guilt, as she has still has not told Remi that she had sex with Jacob to "mollify" him during her kidnapping.[17] The vast amount of guilt she feels leads Bree to end her relationship with Remi. Godwin commented that her character "doesn't have the emotional capacity to engage romantically with anyone."[17]

During the serial's 8000th episode, Bree decides to terminate her pregnancy.[18] Praising the writer's decision to explore the issue, Anita Anabel of Mediaweek pointed out that the subject of abortion had been "taboo" on television for years, while actress Ada Nicodemou (who plays Leah Patterson) believed that it would spark "familial discussions" and help viewers going through something similar.[18] Bree and Remi's relationship continues, and Joe Anderton of Digital Spy commented that "the chemistry between them is still strong".[19] However, the couple faces several challenges, including Bree's reluctance to get physically intimate because of her trauma and her insecurity over Remi's job as a musician.[19] Remi also cancels a tour with Lyrik, so he can be around to support her, which Bree feels is "disempowering for her".[20] Writers later introduced violinist Mercedes Da Silva (Amali Golden) to the Lyrik dynamic, which also causes trouble between Remi and Bree.[21] Mercedes makes romantic advances towards Remi and later kisses him. Although he "set things straight" between them, Remi hides the kiss from Bree. She later overhears him and Mercedes talking at a recording session and Cullen said she is "ready to let loose".[21] The writer commented that Bree is both "concerned" and upset that Remi lied to her.[21]

During the 2023 season finale, Remi suffers major injuries in a motorbike crash and the storyline ultimately leads to "a heartbreaking split" between him and Bree.[22] In the aftermath of the incident, Bree is "visibly unsettled" when she sees Remi celebrating the restoration of his bike with his friends.[22] Bree has been suffering with "fear and anxiety" over losing Remi since the accident and the death of her father, so she gives him an ultimatum – get rid of the bike or their relationship is done.[22] The split plays out after Bree learns Remi has been storing the bike at Justin Morgan's (James Stewart) garage, so he can ride it in secret.[22]

Love square and reconciliation

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[23]

[24]

Reception

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At the 2023 Digital Spy Reader Awards, the scene in which Bree kills Jacob was nominated for the OMG Soap Moment accolade.[25][26]

Alice Penwill of Inside Soap said Bree had "proved herself as a brilliant doctor" since her arrival.[2] She also noted that the character had gone through "some horrifying moments so far" with the domestic violence storyline.[2] Georgie Kearney of 7News said the character's domestic violence plot was "one of the most important storylines Home and Away had tackled".[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g McKenna, Stephanie (19 July 2022). "Perth-raised actor Juliet Godwin joins the cast of Home and Away as Dr Bree Cameron". PerthNow. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Penwill, Alice (18–24 February 2023). "'Being in Home and Away is a dream!'". Inside Soap. No. 7. pp. 46–47.
  3. ^ a b Harp, Justin (19 July 2022). "Home and Away announces new Summer Bay doctor". Digital Spy. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Harvey, Kerry (8 September 2022). "Home and Away's surfer doctor riding crest of a wave". Stuff. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Cullen, Tamara (13–19 August 2022). "Doctor on board". TV Week. No. 33. p. 6.
  6. ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (9 August 2022). "Home and Away airs another cliffhanger for shooting victim". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  7. ^ a b c "Home and Away's newest addition Juliet Godwin dishes on her first day nerves as she was 'thrown in the deep end'". TV Week. 17 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e Kearney, Georgie (2 May 2023). "Home and Away star Juliet Godwin tells of most 'intense' storyline as she reveals personal mission". 7News. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Masia, Laura (8–14 October 2022). "Gut Feeling". TV Week. No. 41. p. 7.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Life-threatening fall". TV Week. No. 46. 12–18 November 2022. pp. 4–5.
  11. ^ Dubey, Shivani (13 February 2023). "Home and Away star Juliet Godwin opens up over real-life relationship". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  12. ^ a b c d "Also this week". TV Week. No. 48. 26 November – 2 December 2022. p. 5.
  13. ^ a b c d e f Cullen, Tamara; Ellis, Scott (14–20 January 2023). "'Til death do us part". TV Week. No. 3. p. 7.
  14. ^ a b c d Cullen, Tamara (21–27 January 2023). "Far from over". TV Week. No. 4. p. 91.
  15. ^ a b c Woolford, Lisa (11 February 2023). "Life doesn't imitate art for Home and Away star Juliet Godwin, who found love on the dance floor". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  16. ^ "'I forgive you'". TV Week. No. 47. 19–25 November 2022. p. 7.
  17. ^ a b Cullen, Tamara (11–17 March 2023). "Who's the father?". TV Week. No. 11. p. 5.
  18. ^ a b Anabel, Anita (27 March 2023). "Ada Nicodemou says Home and Away's landmark 8000th episode is 'just perfect'". Mediaweek. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  19. ^ a b Anderton, Joe (22 May 2023). "Home and Away's Bree Cameron becomes insecure over Remi Carter in new scenes". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  20. ^ Anderton, Joe (30 June 2023). "Home and Away's Bree Cameron gets upset with Remi Carter in new scenes". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  21. ^ a b c Cullen, Tamara (15–21 July 2023). "Just A Kiss". TV Week. No. 29. pp. 4–5.
  22. ^ a b c d Kilkelly, Daniel (23 April 2024). "Home and Away sets up Remi and Bree's split storyline with big surprise". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  23. ^ "Moving on: How will Bree and Remi navigate new love adventures on Home & Away?". TV Week. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  24. ^ Parkes, Melenie (1 May 2024). "'It's highly awkward': Juliet Godwin on Home And Away's new love square". Stuff. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  25. ^ Zammitt, Erin (23 November 2023). "Vote for your TV, movie and soap favourites in the 2023 Digital Spy Reader Awards!". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  26. ^ "Digital Spy Reader Awards 2023". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
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