Summer Bay has long been a haven for romance-seeking Home and Away performers.
Bec Hewitt (née Cartwright) and Beau Brady, Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds, Chris Hemsworth and Isabel Lucas, and married pair James Stewart and Sarah Roberts are among the Home and Away actors who have dazzled viewers by dating off-camera.
Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor, co-stars on the show, have swiftly become one of our favourite couples of all time.
Sophie and Patrick, unlike many of their fellow lovebirds, met long before they set foot in the imaginary little town.
Sophie, 28, told The Morning Show in March 2021, “We actually knew each other at uni – we went to acting school together years ago.”
“We were friends back then, but we were in different years at the time, so we didn’t see each other much – until we ran into each other on the programme. And, coincidentally, our characters met on the programme.”
Sophie and her real-life partner Patrick’s on-screen characters Ziggy and Dean’s heartfelt break-up moments aired in September 2020.
While many fans struggled with their breakup, Sophie claims she was able to keep the fictitious tale from affecting her own life.
“We’re both actors, so our goal was to do the best work we could, and we were incredibly pleased of ourselves for achieving that,” she stated.
The pair, who were both born in Queensland, currently live in Sydney and have collaborated on set for many years.
The couple’s good times transcend over into their social lives, and they’re never hesitant to share silly selfies with their fans.
In July 2022, the couple took out for Europe and enjoyed some time in the sun in Greece, where they took this adorable couple selfie.
Mykonos works for them! They also have matching sunglasses.
On July 2, 2022, Sophie celebrated her 30th birthday. Patrick posted a series of adorable photos of the two of them along with a sentimental statement.
“Happy birthday, infant! To the moon and back, I adore you! Here’s to the dirty 30s, “He composed.
As the unassuming pair they are, Sophie and Patrick ate a casual Italian meal with family while dressing alike in black.
As they travelled to the 2022 TV WEEK Logie Awards in June, Sophie and Patrick couldn’t have looked more in love.
If there was a “best dressed pair” award, these two would absolutely win it!
In April 2022, the adorable pair took advantage of a break from filming by going on a vacation together.
Patrick had just a few days before uploaded this photo with the message, “My numero uno in Melbourne.”
Sophie shared a photo of herself and Patrick on set for Home And Away… if this lovely beach background can be called a set.
Sophie and Patrick shared this cheerful photo from a January date night, and we have to agree, 2022 is off to a great start for the couple.
I’m decked out to the nines! We’re not sure what’s going on in this photo, but it certainly appears to be stylish.
Sophie shared this cheerful photo with the message “HNY!” as the couple rang in the new year together.
What a realistic situation! “She’s secretly a dancer ?” Patrick captioned this hilarious photo of Sophie.
“This young stud’s birthday is today! Every day is a better day because of you ❤️❤️❤️ “Sophie prepared a poem on her beau’s wedding day.
These two Queenslanders enjoy everything that involves water.
A sophisticated Sydney establishment for a date night!
“Happy birthday to my number one ❤️ so proud of you and couldn’t imagine doing this crazy life without you, thank you for everything xx,” Patrick wrote for Sophie’s birthday.
They’re happiest when they’re near a beach, but not as much as when they’re together.
“That’s amore, bro,”
At the races with your date!
Just some lighthearted banter between the two…
Taking their relationship to new heights! In March 2021, the couple received a lovely puppy named Winnie into their home.
We enjoy watching this vibrant couple make jokes on and off screen.
“Thankfully, Ziggy and Dean are totally different from Patty and Sophie,” the actress said of their off-screen relationship to TV WEEK.
“We started out as work pals, which has helped us work well together today, so we’re fortunate in that aspect. It’s good to have a friendship-based connection. We’re best friends first and foremost, and we treat one other as such, but it’s also strengthened our bond from the start “The actress pondered.
“I believe Sophie’s a fantastic actor, and knowing you’re comfortable with one other on set is a good feeling,” Patrick has remarked of his leading woman.
Patrick shared this sweet beach selfie with his girlfriend in the days after Christmas, ringing in the festive season together.
The pair, who were both born in Queensland, currently live in Sydney and have collaborated on set for many years.
