Beth Armstrong, played by
Toni Pearen, made her first appearance on 25 April 1994. The character and Pearen's casting was confirmed by Di Stanley in the 12 February 1994 issue of
TV Week. Sue Williams of
The Sun-Herald reported that the role would last for eight weeks. Beth is a high school teacher. Stanley said that her stint in
Summer Bay would be "a steamy one" when her student
Tug O'Neale (
Tristan Bancks) develops a serious crush on her. Beth comes to Summer Bay to privately tutor Tug O'Neale when he returns to school after a difficult time, in order to beat his dyslexia. Tug is immediately attracted to her. Beth's colleague
Luke Cunningham (
John Adam) introduces her to
Nick Parrish (Bruce Roberts). Beth and Nick get along well but disaster strikes when Beth crashes her car into Nick's from behind, causing their fenders to lock. Nick is able to pry the cars apart at the expense of
Alf Stewart's (
Ray Meagher) putter. Beth and Nick's paths cross once again when Nick attends yoga classes held at the school in order to help with his headaches. Tug asks Beth for further tutorials, but refuses to pay if charged and is too proud to accept if the lessons are free. Beth comes up with a solution; Tug teaching her to swim in exchange for the tutorials and he agrees. Beth is impressed when Tug dives into the sea to save some kittens from being drowned. Beth learns of Tug's feelings from Luke and tells Tug she is his teacher and nothing more. Beth confides in
Roxy Miller (
Lisa Lackey) about Tug's feelings and
Donald Fisher (
Norman Coburn) advises Beth to cease teaching Tug. Beth, however, decides to continue as the HSC trials are nearing. After Tug receives a six-month suspended sentence for stealing Roxy's car, he arrives at Beth's flat to tell her and in the excitement he kisses her and she reciprocates. Beth regrets the kiss and tells Tug she will not jeopardise her career over an affair with a student leaving him devastated. When Tug sees Beth with Nick, he accuses him of dating her and reveals he is in love with Beth. This is too much for Beth who resigns from the school and bids Tug farewell, but does not tell him where she is going. ==Selina Roberts==