Daughter of Alf Stewart and mother of Martha MacKenzie, Roo presents as a confident, dynamic and effervescent force of nature. She gives every impression of being a successful woman – a sharp contrast to the tempestuous teenager who ran away from Summer Bay years ago.

Roo, or ‘Ruth’, Stewart became rebellious after her mother, Martha, passed away …much to the chagrin of her father, Alf, and his new partner, Ailsa.

She had numerous affairs, including an ongoing and messy relationship with Frank. She also had a relationship with rich-kid Brett Macklin, which resulted in a teen pregnancy. Roo had a baby daughter named Martha, but decided to put her up for adoption.

Roo had no contact with her daughter until Martha’s adoptive parents died, prompting Martha to track down her biological mother. By that time Roo was living in New York so Martha lived with her for a few turbulent years.

She came back to Summer Bay after her relationship with Tim ended leaving her broke. Alf was thrilled to see her and insisted that she move into the Summer Bay House.

Working at the Diner and marketing several events for the Surf Club and for other clients got her back on her feet. Life was beginning to make sense again when Harvey Ryan turned up.

Harvey has had a long-term crush on Roo Stewart since he was a kid, although she didn’t remember him. But it didn’t take long for Harvey to woo Roo and the couple’s relationship developed into a fiery one, littered with break-ups and make-ups.

Realizing they’re made for each other, Harvey and Roo wed, not before bridezilla Roo momentarily called off the wedding on the day.

Missing her own daughter, Roo took young Maddy Osborne under her wing and now realizes what a tough job her father had raising a rebellious teenager.