Axel Hay - Nicole Franklin

Nicole Franklin, played by Tessa James, debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 18 April 2008. James’ casting was announced in January 2008 it was announced Executive producer Cameron Welsh said 'She is an exciting talent and I think audiences are going to love her character and respond really well to her." James then moved to Sydney especially for the role. Speaking of working on the serial James stated: "Working on a series like this is the best training you can get, I look at it like an apprenticeship and never forget how lucky I am." Fellow cast member Celeste Dodwell who plays Melody Jones originally auditioned for the part of Nicole. Holy Soap said that Nicole's most memorable moment was when she "returned to the desert island with Geoff to rekindle their love" and she was held hostage by Derek the murderer, before her father came to the rescue. Inside Soap opined that Nicole was a "flighty minx from the city who prays at the altar of Paris Hilton". The Daily Record branded her a "fiery favourite"TV Week chose James as one of the serial's most promising actresses opining she was ready for roles in Hollywood.