Zac MacGuire is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Home and Away, played by Charlie Clausen.
As he was the local prison's education officer, Natalie asked Zac to watch out for new inmate Casey Braxton (Lincoln Younes).
Exploration of the character's background began when his family were introduced in late 2013 and Zac briefly became romantically involved with his sister-in-law Hannah Wilson (Cassie Howarth).
Zac's stint in prison cost him his university girlfriend and "the love of his life" Natalie Davison (Catherine Mack).
[4] When Casey's brother and Natalie's ex-boyfriend Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) learned about the beating, he confronted Zac demanding to know why he did not prevent it.
He continued, "he's a really sort of stand-up guy but he's someone who's had a bit of a shady past and come through that so the benefit of that life experience is he's very non-judgemental, he feels like he can talk to anyone.
[2] A writer for the official Home and Away website described Zac as living his life "to the fullest" and loving "deeply and without hesitation.
[8] Mack left the show in June 2013 and Natalie departed Summer Bay to sort out "some unfinished business with her family".
[12] Clausen likened the situation to defusing a bomb, stating that Zac was aware that Holly was fragile and that he had to tread carefully.
[14] When Zac finally realised that Ethan was a member of a cult, he decided to team up with the Braxton brothers to help rescue Oscar and Evelyn.
Nicodemou first hinted at a romance between Zac and Leah the previous year, saying that she had received many comments from viewers asking when the characters were going to get together.
[20] A show spokesperson noted that up until that point, Zac took his friendship with Leah for granted and that it was up to him to decide whether they became romantically involved.
[22] However, Matt secretly filmed Leah and Zac kissing and ended up showing the footage to the students, which left VJ "humiliated".
[24] Shortly before the wedding, the police informed Zac that the body of his niece Denny Miller (Jessica-Grace Smith) had been found.
[25] However, Evie points out that Denny would not have wanted to be the reason they did not get married, and Zac and Leah decided to hold the ceremony in the grounds of Summer Bay House.
[25] Clausen told Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap, "She really tries her best to ruin the day, but Zac and Hunter manage to get her out of there.
[26] Hunter eventually told Zac his identity during a community fundraising banquet for Leah, whose house was burnt down.
Nicodemou told an Inside Soap columnist, "After Leah hears that Hunter didn't want to go to hospital, she thinks it was just a plot to get his mum and dad back together.
[30] In the lead up to his departure, Zac and Leah's marriage ends, after he admits to having sex with Samantha Webster (Cheree Cassidy).
Zac helps Casey to get an early release and arranges for Jamie Sharpe (Hugo Johnstone-Burt) to be transferred, which costs him his job.
When he realises that his nephew, Oscar, hates the camp, he gives him his phone number and tells him to call if he wants to talk.
Oscar struggles without his sister and having Zac as a father figure, but eventually Evelyn returns and the family move into the farmhouse.
Oscar accidentally hits Tamara Kingsley (Kelly Paterniti) when he takes his eyes off the road, and is not aware of what he has done until later when Zac believes it was his fault.
Hunter is proven innocent when his girlfriend Olivia comes up with evidence that Tabitha altered the exam paper.
After a run in with Ash and being seen with Sam by Marilyn Chambers, who thinks he is having an affair, Zac comes clean to Leah and tells her he is not cheating.
Zac rents a caravan and ends up having a chat with John Palmer (Shane Withington), whose court trial is just days away.
Despite his acts of goodwill, Leah is convinced their marriage is at breaking point and files for divorce, much to Zac's shock and disbelief.
After making a heartwarming speech to Leah that he will always love her, Zac trips and falls from the roof, sustaining near fatal injuries.
With his marriage to Leah no longer functional and hit by Hunter not being his son, Zac then leaves for his new teaching post in Vietnam to join Evie and Matt.
[31] A Sunday Mail reporter branded Zac "ever helpful" and thought he was "better husband material" for Bianca than Heath Braxton.