Ada and her H&A co-star Sophie Dillman are both nominated for Most Popular Actress.
It wasn’t just the great performers who were overjoyed when it was announced that Home And Away had been nominated for a whopping six TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Summer Bay’s whole cast and crew were energised by the experience. The nominations were exactly what the diligent team needed after a difficult couple of years adjusting to filming under COVID regulations.
Since 1988, we’ve been watching Home And Away on television. They’ve worked diligently since then to create 35 seasons — and counting!
Despite the fact that we’ve grown to love the characters and Summer Bay, Australia hasn’t grown tired of the long-running drama. The proof is in the pudding with a Logie flavour.
Ada Nicodemou, 45, who has played Leah Patterson since 2000, tells TV WEEK, “We’ve had such a big two years.”
“It’s been difficult to maintain filming through COVID, but we’ve done it, and I believe the storylines and writing are fantastic. It’s good to see that all of our efforts have paid off.”
It’s an unexpected honour for Ada to be nominated for a TV WEEK Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress.
“I was very surprised,” she admits. “I know everyone is meant to say that, but I promise I actually was!
“While it’s not the mum-of-ones first nomination, it feels more special than ever to be nominated for a character she’s been playing on screen for more than 20 years.
I’m really excited about it and I’m not going to lie – I’d love to have a Logie,” she says.
“I adore Leah and enjoy portraying her. I’m a big fan of where she’s gone in the last few years. She’s content, she’s in a wonderful relationship, and there are a lot of lovely, upbeat storylines. It’s incredible that Leah strikes a chord with so many individuals.”
Ada isn’t betting her hard-earned money on a win after looking through the strong nominees in her category.
However, one person is certain that she will win the grand prise: her nine-year-old son Johnas, who is screaming her praises to anybody who will listen.
“He was supposedly telling a friend about the nomination this morning, saying, ‘Well, my mum is going to win because she’s the best actor on TV,'” she laughs. “Obviously, he’s my biggest supporter.”
Ada isn’t the only H&A star up for an award, and she can’t help but brag about her friends who are being honoured for their achievements.
Ray Meagher, the “second dad” of H&A, has been nominated for the TV WEEK Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality On Australian Television.
Matt Evans, a newcomer, has been nominated for Most Popular New Talent, and Sophie Dillman has been nominated for a TV WEEK Silver Logie alongside Ada.
Despite the fact that Ada and Sophie are in the same category, there is no rivalry between them.
“There’s no cheeky rivalry,” she laughs at TV WEEK‘s suggestion. “I think it’s lovely! It’s great for Soph, and a testament to the show to have two of us in a prestigious category.”
Sophie has been winning fans as vivacious blonde Ziggy Astoni since she joined the cast in 2017.
“I’m so honoured,” she tells TV WEEK of her nomination, her second since she was cast in the drama.
“Our industry has worked so hard for the past couple of years, and it’s been so difficult for everyone, but it’s wonderful to be able to join together and celebrate that hard work, as well as Australian television and all of the wonderful people that work in it.”
The 28-year-old just answers, “She’s just pretty cool!” when asked why Ziggy has struck such a chord with admirers. She has a lot of qualities that I admire and use in my daily life.
Sophie has been winning fans as vivacious blonde Ziggy Astoni since she joined the cast in 2017. (Image: Seven)
“I do feel like I play Ziggy more than Sophie, which is kind of fun, but it means I’m not as cool: she surfs, she fixes cars, she eats pizza three times a day.
Everyone should be more like her.”Adding to her identity crisis, Sophie says that when people come up to her in the street, they always call her Ziggy.
“Some actors are outraged by that,” she continues, “but I enjoy it.” “These days, I respond to Ziggy faster than I do Sophie.”
Sophie’s nomination – and H&A’s for Most Popular Drama Program – was made all the more painful by the termination of another legendary drama, Neighbours, with Sophie adding that the Melbourne-based cast and crew are “very devastated.”
“It’s heartbreaking that it has to come to an end,” she says. “It’s not only an amazing training ground, but a piece of Australian history. I hope everyone there is taking in everything they can, while they can, and that they know we love them.”
The actress also admits that she has no idea when her stint on Summer Bay would come to an end.
She claims that actors rarely have a say when their character “simply isn’t there anymore,” and that she is savouring every second she spends on stage.
She says, “I’ve been so blessed to be there for so long.” “Everyone is extremely friendly and generous.”
Sophie is relishing every moment she has on set. (Image: Instagram)
Ray Meagher, she says, was an excellent mentor and “the finest man you will ever meet.”
“I’ll be very lucky if I can stay there – but if that’s not the case, I’d like to keep acting — that’s the hope.”
Sophie is also optimistic about the future of her health, stating that she is “doing OK” after being diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 21.
She admits, “I still have pretty horrible days.” “Chronic illness, unfortunately, is a bit monotonous – there’s not a lot of willpower involved.
It sometimes improves, then deteriorates, necessitating more procedures, but I’m currently doing fine, which is fantastic. I’m in decent shape — I’m just taking it day by day.”
- Home And Away stars Sophie Dillman and Paddy O’Connor take big step in their relationship
- All guns blazing – the dual role for Home And Away cop
- Home and Away cast members caught having dinner at Young Services Club
- From Home And Away to Hollywood: The Summer Bay stars who have made it big overseas
- Home and Away star Georgie Parker responds to “really sad” Neighbours axing news
- Lydia Abdelmalek, who pretended to be Home and Away actor Lincoln Lewis in order to catfish women, has lost her appeal in court.
