Axel Hay - Ross Buckton

Ross Buckton, played by David Downer, made his first appearance on 21 May 2008. Ross arrives at Yabbie Creek Police Station to investigate the murder of Sam Holden (Jessica Chapnik). He interviews Martha MacKenzie (Jodi Gordon), the ex-wife of Sam's widower, Jack (Paul O'Brien) and quizzes her over a suicide note, which he believes to be fake. After some new evidence is discovered, Ross suspends the interview with Martha and brings Jazz Curtis (Rachel Gordon) in for questioning when new evidence is discovered.

Ross is determined to expose Jack and Martha as Sam's murderers but is unable to when Morag Bellingham proves that Sam committed suicide and he is forced to drop the charges. It is soon revealed that Ross and Morag were previously involved in a relationship after the collapse of Morag's marriage to Richard (John Bonney).

Ross and Morag begin dating again but a few hurdles get in the way of the relationship including Ross's lies about his wife Elsie's death and opposition from Ross' daughter, Charlie who sends texts warning Morag off. Ross' other daughter Ruby, is warmer to Morag and eventually Charlie accepts the relationship. Ross later proposes and he and Morag marry in a small ceremony with friends and family present before honeymooning in Europe.

Ross and Morag return to the bay the following year, It becomes apparent there are problems in the marriage when Morag appears stressed and Ross, forgetful. Ross disappears one night and is found wandering around by Charlie and tells her he is suffering from jetlag. The extent of Ross' problems becomes evident when he reopens a cold case and searches for a body only for Jack to find the case had been solved years ago. After He goes missing again, Ross is taken to the hospital and diagnosed with Alzheimers' by Rachel Armstrong (Amy Mathews).When Ross nearly burns down Leah Patterson-Baker's (Ada Nicodemou) house while trying to cook breakfast, he and his family realise he needs help. Ross agrees to go into care and Morag offers to go with him.

When Grant Bledcoe's (Clayton Watson) body is found on the beach, Charlie is the prime suspect and is suspended from the force, however, Ross comes forward and admits he killed Grant for raping Charlie when they were teenagers. Ross is then charged with Murder and awaits trial. In 2011, Ross dies and his funeral is held in Summer Bay.