Patrick O’Connor and Sophie Dillman are heading back to Summer Bay… well, kind of.
Following the exciting announcement that two beloved Home and Away characters will return to the soap in 2025, actor Patrick O’Connor, who portrays Dean, has given fans a glimpse of what’s in store when he and Sophie Dillman, who plays Ziggy, return to the show.
The real-life couple, who play an on-screen couple, exited the show in early 2023 and have since spent time traveling and living in the UK and Europe. After their return was confirmed, Sophie expressed her excitement, saying it feels “good to be home,” while Patrick teased, “I can’t wait for the action and for fans to see this storyline unfold.”
Dean and Ziggy originally left Summer Bay after the birth of their daughter Izzy, moving to Queensland to be closer to Dean’s son Jai. Their new storyline, which is set to take place in the scenic Whitsundays, is currently being filmed in North Queensland under tight secrecy.
Patrick O’Connor teases new Home and Away storyline
Speaking with The Daily Telegraph’s Confidential, Patrick divulged a little more about what fans can expect from the couple’s return.
“There’s a bit of River Boy action, there’s a bit of road trips with them,” Patrick said. “I think it’ll be good to see where Dean is now, where they’re at now with their babies living away in Queensland, is all I’ll say.”
Babies, plural? Is that a clue?
In real life, the pair said they have no plans to return to Australia permanently yet, saying they are just “seeking adventure”, so sorry Home and Away fans — this return will only be a brief one.
Fans react to surprise Home and Away news: ‘We needed this’
Naturally, fans were delighted to see the star couple return, even if it’s only a one-off.
“Omg please tell me they are also staying for a while. I love these two, they have been missed,” one person said. “Made my day! The best H&A couple!” another enthused.
“YAYYYYYYYYYY @homeandaway we needed this after losing Felicity,” one fan pointed out. “I’m actually going to cry! 😭 I can not wait until the new year!” another emotional one wrote.
“Love seeing Sophie and Patrick’s personal journey while they have been away from The Bay, but this news makes me very happy,” another fan commented.
