Sophie Dillman has been playing Ziggy Astoni, the mechanic on Home and Away, for five years and knows her way around a garage.
But Sophie has revealed that the unpredictable Theo Poulos (Matt Evans), who has recently joined the cast, is about to throw the cat among the pigeons!
Justin Morgan (James Stewart), Ziggy’s boss and former brother-in-law, brought the nephew of girlfriend Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou) to work to keep him out of trouble.
Although bringing Theo in was only temporary at first, it appears that Justin is about to offer him an apprenticeship, and Theo is about to become a more permanent fixture at the garage.
When Justin hires Theo without discussing it beforehand, it unintentionally provokes Ziggy, Sophie revealed to What To Watch.
“Ziggy had a lot of weight on her shoulders because she spent so much time looking after Justin’s shop when he was sick and had an addiction.” Sophie said, “She really stood up to the bat.”
“This, combined with Justin’s insecurity over hiring ‘family,’ made her feel like she wasn’t a part of his family any longer.”
“She was married to Justin’s brother Brody, and she had a lot of security in that idea, even though they’re no longer related.”
“Hiring Theo at the last minute without consulting her makes her feel like she’s disposable.”
In fact, Justin’s move enrages Ziggy because he hasn’t even considered hiring another woman, despite the fact that he has hired Leah’s nephew. Sophie stated that the plot is something she is passionate about.
“It’s fantastic that we have Ziggy as a mechanic, and she’s a very capable mechanic in a field where women are underrepresented.” But it’s also inspiring to see a woman fighting for equal rights for other women,” she added.
“Workplace role models are critical for women. It’s difficult to carve your own way when there’s no one to guide you or observe in a comparable situation.
“I’m grateful that at Home and Away, both our producer and line producer, as well as a few other key members of the production crew, are women.
“It’s amazing to see so many ladies sprinting the floor in a way I haven’t seen since I was in high school.” Our Principals, Deputy Principals, and Heads of Year were all female, and I grew up believing that women could accomplish anything.
“Having women in positions of power, at my acting agency, and some of my best female friends who are brilliant lawyers, surgeons, accountants, economists, and everything in between was a different narrative coming out of school.”
“They’re role models, and it’s through role models that we can change the world.”
After getting over her rage over Theo’s new job, Ziggy realizes that he needs a mentor, and she sets her reservations aside to assist him.
Sophie giggled, “I don’t know if she’d ever admit it, but she sees a little piece of herself in Theo.”
“When she arrived in Summer Bay, she was a bit of a lost puppy, and Justin was there for her when she needed him.”
“She notices it in Theo.” But he’ll have to work hard for it. She’s the ideal candidate for the job because she won’t let him get away with anything. She’s tough, but she’s also fair!”
Sophie has spent the better part of a decade in Summer Bay, but does she have any plans to leave anytime soon?
Several cast members have recently announced their departures, as well as hints about newcomers…
“I adore my job!” She said, “I’m lucky to have it, and everyone here works so hard, and we make such excellent television.”
“I could theoretically continue in this profession indefinitely, but that isn’t usually the case.” If I’m lucky enough, I just want to work as an actor and tell wonderful tales as much as possible.
“We’ll be getting some new characters shortly, and they’re wonderful and will keep everyone guessing.” “New meat, new dynamics, and new stories,”.
