Justin Morgan (Home and Away)
On 5 December 2015, Jonathon Moran from "The Daily Telegraph" reported that James Stewart had joined the cast of "Home and Away" as Justin Morgan, alongside actors Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger who play his brothers Brody and Mason Morgan respectively. All three began filming their first scenes during the following week, ahead of their on-screen debut in 2016. Stewart was contacted by his agent and Julie McGauran, the head of drama at Seven Network, about a role in the show. After hearing the pitch, Stewart accepted the audition. "Home and Away" marks Stewart's second television appearance since he took time away from acting to be a stay-at-home dad. He commented, "I got to the end of three years of raising my daughter and just thought, 'Oh, I need to work. I've got to get her through school.'" New Zealand actor Benedict Wall also auditioned for the role of Justin, before he was later cast as Duncan Stewart. Stewart made his first appearance as Justin on 7 June 2016, alongside Heywood and Pledger.
Justin Morgan (Home and Away)
The character was given an immediate love interest in the form of established regular Phoebe Nicholson. While Justin is out walking the family dog Buddy, he meets and "sweet-talks" Phoebe. They then have a one-night stand. Stewart said that Justin falls for Phoebe, as she is "cool, fun and she's also super-attractive." The pair's relationship is tested when Phoebe becomes involved in the Morgan's witness protection secret, and Justin's brother, Brody, becomes attracted to Phoebe. But Justin is sure that Phoebe feels that same way about him as he does about her. Stewart commented, "Phoebe keeps doing things that make him know she digs him." Phoebe and Justin continue to spend time together. When Phoebe is feeling down after being carjacked, Justin helps to cheer her up by singing to her at Salt. Phoebe then joins Justin on stage to continue the song together. Of her character's attraction to Justin, Giovinazzo said, "Phoebe can't deny that she has strong and deep feelings for Justin. They're just drawn to each other." The couple later share a kiss, and an "Inside Soap" columnist pointed out that they were "totally loved up." However, as Justin and his family are being targeted by criminals, Giovinazzo said Phoebe had to be smart about the situation, which meant possibly putting their relationship on hold.