List of Home and Away characters (2016)
Justin Morgan, played by James Stewart, made his first screen appearance on 7 June 2016. The character and Stewart's casting was announced on 5 December 2015, alongside Jackson Heywood and Orpheus Pledger, who play Justin's brothers. The actors began filming their first scenes during the week commencing 7 December. Justin is Stewart's first on-going role since he took a year off to care for his young daughter. Like Heywood, Stewart expected Braxton brothers comparisons, but he told Jonathon Moran of The Daily Telegraph, "Creating this family is probably more our priority than taking over the Brax boys. How do you take on Steve Peacocke (Brax)? I hope Australia is ready for it, it is the way it is." In August 2017, Stewart was longlisted for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards. The nomination did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist.
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.