In 1998, Jason Herbison from Inside Soap reported that the show's producers planned on giving the character a "sleek new look". This required Emmett to spend longer in the make-up department as they straightened her naturally curly hair.
Storylines
Rebecca arrives in Summer Bay in to visit her father, Donald Fisher after being invited by Bobby Simpson. When Rebecca senses Donald and Bobby acting strangely, she feels as if they are talking about her behind her back. Lance Smart and Martin Dibble, inadvertently let it slip to Rebecca that Bobby is, Donald's daughter and Bobby's half-sister and cousin as a result of an affair he had with Rebecca's aunt Morag Bellingham. Rebecca reacts badly to this news, running away, causing locals to think she has committed suicide when her bracelet is found on the beach. Lance and Martin look for her in the water but Rebecca is revealed to be alive and well hiding out in a caravan at the Caravan Park where Steven Matheson and his family, The Fletchers live. Rebecca then gives Lance and Martin a surprise when she appears in the water where they are searching for her. After Donald explains everything about Bobby and Morag, Rebecca stays in Summer Bay for the school holidays. Rebecca and Steven begin dating much to the chagrin of Donald who feels that the relationship is a detriment to Rebecca's musical studies. Donald eventually relents and allowed Rebecca to attend a Summer Bay High school dance with Steven before leaving to return to school in the city. Five years later, Rebecca returns and soon has her eye on local schoolteacher Luke Cunningham, who is employed by Donald. Donald tries everything to keep them apart, including giving Luke extra work at School. However, Luke soon breaks up with Rebecca of his own accord and receives a rock through the windscreen for his car for his trouble. Rebecca leaves soon after. In 1996, Rebecca returns to Summer Bay permanently and is involved in a number of storylines including being stalked by Chloe Richards' rapist Brad Cooper and losing her hearing after a prank played by Casey Mitchell goes awry. During this visit, Rebecca learns that Donald is engaged toMarilyn Chambers, a woman nearly 30 years his junior. Rebecca is against the marriage but after a confrontation with Marilyn she accepts her and attends the wedding. Rebecca briefly dates Steven again, before falling hard for her good friend Travis Nash, whose girlfriend Kelly Watson left him and Summer Bay for the city. At the end of 1997, Rebecca and Travis marry in an intimate ceremony on the beach with Donald present as the celebrant. In early 1998, Rebecca and Travis take over the tenancy on Summer Bay House and the Caravan Park when Pippa Ross moves to the Carrington Ranges with her fiance Ian Routledge. They also take on the care of Pippa's remaining foster childrenSam Marshall, Teigan Brook and Justine Welles. Sam finds it hard to cope with Travis and Rebecca as his new foster parents and ends up living with Donald. Pippa's adoptive daughter, Sally Fletcher feels herself being squeezed out of her former home by the Nashes, luckily a solution is reached when she rents Travis' old place. The following year, Rebecca and Travis sail away from Summer Bay on a tall ship and set up home in Canada. It has since been mentioned in passing by Donald they have had a son, who has not been named.
Actress deaths
was forced to leave her role of Rebecca on Home and Awayin 1999 after the actress was diagnosed with breast cancer. She would not return to the show, but later took a small role in another Seven Network drama, All Saints. Belinda Emmett died 11 November 2006. Megan Connolly briefly took the role of Rebecca while Emmett received cancer treatment in 1998. Connolly died of a heroin overdose on 6 September 2001.
Reception
Emmett's portrayal of Rebecca earned her a nomination for the "Best New Talent" Logie Award in 1997. She was also nominated for "Most Popular Actress" in 1998 and 1999. Emmett was also nominated for a Gold Logie in 1999. Emmett and her co-star Nic Testoni won "Best Couple" at the 1998 Inside Soap Awards and were nominated again in the same category the following year.
