John Palmer (Home and Away)

John Palmer
Home and Away character
Portrayed byShane Withington
Rex Palazzi (flashbacks)
Duration2009–present
First appearance27 March 2009 (2009-03-27)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byCameron Welsh
In-universe information
Occupation
  • Councillor
  • Lifeguard
  • Surf Club manager
  • Bus driver/tour guide
  • Foster parent
  • Celebrant
FatherGeorge Palmer
MotherEnid Palmer
Wife
DaughtersShandi Ayres
Adoptive sonsJett James
StepsonsTrey Palmer
Xavier Austin

John Palmer is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Shane Withington. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 27 March 2009. Withington was introduced as a recurring cast member for twelve weeks. John was initially an angry father, but Withington thought that the character would not last if he continued that way, so began portraying him as "funny and very human". John is also egotistical and insecure. He has worked several jobs during his time in Summer Bay, including managing the Juice Bar and working as a Surf Life Saver. The character was married to school principal Gina Austin (Sonia Todd) and they fostered Jett James (Will McDonald). Following Gina's death, John married Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) in 2014.