A popular place for Home and Away stars to find love has always been Summer Bay.
Among the Home and Away stars that surprised fans by dating behind the scenes were Bec Hewitt (née Cartwright) and Beau Brady, Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds, Chris Hemsworth and Isabel Lucas, and married couple James Stewart and Sarah Roberts.
Lovebirds Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor swiftly rose to the top of our list of all-time favourite couples.
Sophie and Patrick, on the other hand, genuinely met before ever setting foot in the made-up tiny town, unlike many of their fellow lovers.
The Morning Show in March 2021 quoted Sophie, 29, as saying, “We actually knew each other at university – we went to acting school together years ago.”
We were friends back then, but because we were in separate years, we didn’t really see one another. However, we later reconnected on the programme. And conveniently, on the show, our characters grew close.
The heartbreaking breakup scenes between Sophie’s on-screen characters Ziggy and Dean, played by Sophie and her real-life partner Patrick, were broadcast in September 2020.
While many fans were struggling with their breakup, Sophie claims that they were able to keep their personal lives apart from the fictional plot.
Since we are both actors by trade, she said, “we wanted to do the best work we could and we were really proud of doing that.”
The couple, who were both born in Queensland, announced their departure from Home And Away in February 2023 and are currently residing in London.
Although it’s simple to picture TV celebrities leading glamorous lives, Sophie claims that her fondest dates with Patrick are shockingly low-key.
I adore home-cooked food. Coming home to a meal that my boyfriend has prepared is my favourite thing in the world after a particularly demanding day at work, Sophie told Now To Love in the early years of 2022.
He’s a fantastic cook. Together, we’ve enjoyed some fantastic meals.
She even admitted that they, like all couples, have their rough patches, particularly when it comes to activities like extended car rides. But they make an effort to behave nicely around one another.
“Patty and I are pretty fortunate; we’ve had a lot of road trips together, and we seem to do just well. We haven’t really had any huge fights, I don’t suppose,” she chuckled.
The couple never hesitates to share silly selfies with their followers because the fun they have together spills over into their social lives.
Patrick posted a sweet birthday message to Sophie that included their favourite moments.
He wrote, “Happy birthday to my best friend.”
Everyday, I am in awe of you and think how fortunate this world is to have you. To the moon and back, we adore you. With love, Winnie the huge dog and I, xxxx.
(Photo via Instagram)
Prior to the couple’s departure for Australia, Patrick borrowed a pair of Sophie’s sunglasses for one final photo in the sun.
(Photo via Instagram)
These two lovers look gorgeous in the summertime in Europe.
(Photo via Instagram)
Soon after, Sophie posted a photo from the same outing.
(Photo via Instagram)
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
(Photo via Instagram)
“Congratulations, baby! To the moon and back, I adore you! Here we go with the dirty thirties,” he wrote.
(Photo via Instagram)
As the unassuming pair they are, Sophie and Patrick ate a casual Italian meal with family while dressing alike in black.
(Photo via Instagram)
When Sophie and Patrick left for the 2022 TV WEEK Logie Awards in June, they couldn’t have appeared more in love.
(Image: Jade Piper Photography on Instagram)
We would absolutely give this couple the “best dressed couple” award if there was one!
(Image: Jade Piper Photography on Instagram)
Patrick had posted this picture a few days previously with the remark, “My numero uno in melbourno.”
(Photo via Instagram)
If you can call this gorgeous beach backdrop a set for Home And Away, Sophie shared this photo of her and Patrick on it. This lucky couple gets to spend a lot of time together at work.
(Photo via Instagram)
The year 2022 seems to be off to a fantastic start for Sophie and Patrick, who posted this cheerful photo during a date night in January.
(Photo via Instagram)
