Bella Nixon is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Courtney Miller. The actress previously appeared in the serial as an extra. When the part of Bella came up, Miller felt a strong connection to the character and storyline. She was cast in June 2018 and Home and Away marks her first major television role. She made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 26 November 2018. The character was introduced as the younger half-sister of Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin) and she received several on-screen mentions as part of his early storylines. Bella's fictional backstory establishes that she and her mother were taken away by her father Ross Nixon (Justin Rosniak) when she was young. Bella is portrayed as sheltered, but independent and feisty. Miller found herself being able to live out her rebellious side through her, and she uses her qualifications in psychology and rehabilitation counselling to help her portray Bella's feelings.
Miller praised Bella's unglamorous and realistic style as a positive characteristic for young female viewers to see. When Colby and Bella are reunited, Bella protects herself with a crossbow and Franklin described her as "completely feral". Bella moves to Summer Bay with Colby, but Miller said she is greatly affected by Ross's crimes and lies. The character's early storylines dealt with Ross's return, as he kidnaps her and tries to get revenge on Colby, her fears that she is messing up Colby's life, and her rebellious behaviour, which results in a new living situation. The script writers used the character to highlight the growing issue of online predators targeting and grooming young Australians. Bella's predator, 25-year-old Tommy O'Reilly (Adam Sollis) attempts to sexually assault her when they meet, but is stopped by Irene Roberts (Lynne McGranger). Miller hoped the storyline would lead to more awareness of the issue, and she later received positive feedback from parents after the scenes aired.
Towards the end of 2019, Bella starts feuding with Mackenzie Booth (Emily Weir), after she breaks up with Colby. Miller believed that Bella sees Mackenzie as a threat and wants to get revenge. She is also diagnosed with tetanus, and she uses her illness to manipulate Colby into spending all his time with her. Bella and Mackenzie are among several characters caught up in a siege at the hospital during the 2019 season finale. Mackenzie risks her own life to save Bella, who has taken an overdose. Miller received a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent for her portrayal of Bella. The character's introduction was branded memorable by New Ideas Jackie Brygel, while her polarising behaviour led one critic from Inside Soap to call her "trouble with a capital 'T'". The character departed during the episode broadcast on 2 June 2022, as she moves to New York City for work. She later made a brief appearance on 21 July 2022, before returning for a longer stint from 23 February until 2 March 2023.
Casting
The character received several on-screen mentions following the introduction of her elder brother Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin) in February 2018. Miller's casting as Bella was confirmed in September when she replaced injured co-star Olivia Deeble at the Bundaberg Ability Ball. Miller had appeared in the serial as an extra when she was 15. Years later, she attended three auditions for roles, including that of Ziggy Astoni, which went to Sophie Dillman. When the part of Bella came up, Miller felt "a strong connection" to the character and her storyline, despite there being very few similarities between them. Miller met Franklin at the audition and he commented, that "she was my pick" of all the actresses. Miller learned she had been cast in June 2018, and she had to keep the news to herself until her on-screen debut. Miller, who was studying psychology at university at the time, did not put much pressure on herself to secure the part. Home and Away marks Miller's first major television role. Her first scenes aired on 26 November 2018.