Charlie's sexuality was never named within the series, and is cited as contributing to a growing trend of 'unnamed bisexuality' for women characters who explore temporary same-sex romances in Australian drama.

[1] The storyline came to a natural end and Anderson and executive producer Cameron Welsh praised the plot because it portrayed a real-life situation and denounced the conservative views as outdated.

Ruth Deller of Lowculture said Charlie had endured "scandalous-headline-grabbing-faux-lesbianity", whilst Holy Soap stated that she has a "questionable taste in men."

Coleby said that his daughter, Nicole Franklin (Tessa James) creates problems with Charlie because Roman "has his hands full" with her.

[13] Over five weeks, the storyline would see Charlie realise that her friendship with Joey Collins (played by Kate Bell) is beginning to develop into something else.

[15] Following pressure from the conservative groups, it was announced that Channel Seven had decided to censor a kissing scene between Charlie and Joey.

[16] Seven's head of creative drama and development, Bevan Lee, said Home and Away bosses cut the "more lusty follow up because it fitted better with the storyline".

[16] Lee added that he was "saddened" that the storyline had been reduced to a "facile argument about six missing seconds of screen time and that the bulk of commentators, both conservative and liberal, are making pronouncements on story material they know nothing of".

[17] They added that the producers at Channel Seven "edit all episodes for artistic and editorial reasons only" and the storyline would remain uncompromised in its Australian airing.

[17] A Channel Seven spokeswoman revealed that the network received fewer than 30 telephone calls nationally after screening the "lesbian kiss" episode of the show.

[19] Anderson said that she felt it was the right time to tell this story and added, "It's really important for us to reflect society, and this storyline is what is going on for many people in real life".

[19] The end of the storyline was criticised by gay advocates after Charlie was seen having sex with Hugo Austin (Bernard Curry) and Joey left Summer Bay alone.

"[26] He went on to explain that with characters who have been together a long time, there is a temptation to repeat storylines and the team wanted to change the dynamic between Charlie and Angelo.

[27] Anderson felt there was a beautiful element to the storyline and opined: "Although it is tragic, you feel sorry for Charlie and you can sort of understand where it has all come from.

Anderson opined it is Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) who gives Charlie her first piece of good parenting advice.

"[31] In February 2011, Darryl Braxton was introduced to the show and The Daily Telegraph reported that he was set to get to know Charlie in a future storyline.

"[30] Colin Vickery of The Daily Telegraph said Darryl had turned Charlie's "safe police world" upside down, and Anderson told him, "What is wonderful about this relationship is that it is forbidden love.

[22] In November 2011, Jonathon Moran and Elle Halliwell of The Daily Telegraph announced Anderson had quit Home and Away to further her acting career in Hollywood.

[35] The following month, Inside Soap writer Sarah Ellis reported Anderson had confirmed her departure from the show.

[35] On 22 January 2012, The Daily Telegraph's Debbie Schipp reported Anderson had filmed her final scenes with the show in August and they would air later that week.

[38] However, at the end of the show's 23rd season, Charlie was shot twice by Jake Pirovic (Fletcher Humphrys), in revenge for her shooting dead his brother.

[40] On 25 November 2012, Debbie Schipp from the Herald Sun reported that Anderson would return to Home and Away in December to shoot "a handful of episodes" to be broadcast during the following year.

It's hilarious, because this time twelve months ago I was keeping it the biggest secret from everyone as to whether Charlie would live or die, and now I'm in the same boat again as far as not giving anything away.

Charlie is partnered with Jack Holden when she starts her job as a Senior Constable at the Yabbie Creek Police Station and her sister, Ruby, arrives in the Bay.

Charlie becomes a respected member of the community and she builds up strong friendships with Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) and Miles Copeland (Josh Quong Tart).

During his hearing, Casey's lawyer, Hayley O'Connor (Alyssa McClelland), exposes Charlie and Brax's relationship and the Coastal News publishes a front-page article about it.

[28] In her book Free to a Good Home, author Catherine Deveny criticised the reaction to Charlie and Joey's same sex relationship.

[50] In September 2010, the Holy Soap website ran a poll to find viewers' favourite Home and Away couple, which Charlie and Angelo won with 45% of the vote.

[52] Peter Dyke, writing for British tabloid the Daily Star, branded Charlie as "Sexy" and states: "Most fellas would not mind feeling the strong arm of the law if this beauty was their local police officer.

[56] Deller said, "The Summer Bay cop may have lots of storylines, but the LC community don't really approve – mainly due to Esther Anderson's apparent lack of acting chops.