During development, there was originally a grandmother character (Sophie's mother), who would have explained the exposition laid out by Martin and Vanessa when Breanna and Lacey meet. This role was being crafted with Judith Durham in mind. Davo Hardy was in the early stages of negotiating her involvement when news broke that Judith had died at the age of 79. The role was dissolved and the story restructured, out of respect.
During development, actor and presenter James Mathison read for the role of Martin, but could not commit to the part due to scheduling conflicts. The part then went to Seaton Kay-Smith.