If you attended high school during the raging noughties, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the Aussie heartthrob sensation known as Mark Furze.
Okay, so he didn’t quite have the profile of a young Health Ledger or Chris Hemsworth, but as soon as Mark Furze hit the screens as the loveable, slightly misunderstood teen Ric Dalby on Home and Away, suffice to say our hearts were stolen.
The talented Aussie was the absolute epitome of a teenage crush.
From his dark brown locks, his boyish grin and those iconic side burns, if you didn’t have his poster tacked proudly on your wall, you were surely ogling him each night on-screen as he tumbled and triumphed his way around Summer Bay.
And while these days, the 35-year-old is keeping things a little more low key after pursuing a music career and marrying his long time love Laural Barrett in 2015, there’s no denying Furze remains relevant forevermore in our eyes.
Keep scrolling as we take a look back at Ric’s very best moments on the show.
Ric and Cassie
Like all soaps, the lives and loves of its talented cast is front and centre, and there were a lot of loves where Ric was concerned. After entering stage left in 2004 as the newcomer troublemaker at Summer Bay High, Ric quickly strikes up a relationship with fellow local Cassie.
Ric & Cassie 2
The pair were never short of a disagreement, but then, what teenage soapie couple weren’t back then?
Ric & Belle
Things got a little, er, awkward when Belle decided she fancied Ric herself and drove a wedge between them. It worked somewhat, and we can all safely say we were devastated to see the end of Ric’s golden era of Cassie.
Ric 2
Oh yes, Ric got himself caught up in all kinds of mischief over the years – he had a slightly bad tempter to thank for that…
Ric & Belle 3
But Ric’s character began to see a little development as he slowly dropped his teenage angst and started becoming more of a ‘good guy’.
Ric 1
Once done with Summer Bay, Ric had a stint at the local garage, where his patience was tested more than a few times.
Ric & Mattie
More than anyone, it was Ric’s ultimate love interest Mattie that got him over the line. Despite their ups and downs, she really brought out the best in him.
Ric & Mattie 2
The pair eventually departed Summer Bay together, heading to Perth to live out their happily ever after. Well, they’re certainly still together in our heads…
Ric sideburns
As for his sideburns? We’re envisioning them remaining alive and very well indeed today – whether Mattie was a fan or not.
Mark and Laurel
In real life though, Mark is rocking a slightly different look. Pictured here in 2018 with his wife Laurel Barret, there’s still no denying he’s a looker.
The Voice
In 2020, Mark Furze made a surprise comeback to our screens… but not quite Summer Bay. Yep, he appeared on the new season of The Voice where he sung his heart out on stage!
