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 couple James Stewart and Sarah Roberts are among the Home and Away stars 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 favorite couples of all time.
Sophie and Patrick, unlike many of their fellow lovebirds, met long before they set foot in the fictional little town.
Sophie, 28, told The Morning Show in March 2021, “We actually knew one 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 program. And, coincidentally, our characters met on the show.”
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 fictional tale from affecting her personal life.
“We’re both actors, so our goal was to do the best work we could, and we were incredibly proud of ourselves for doing that,” she stated.
The couple, 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 afraid to share silly selfies with their fans.
Scroll on to see Sophie and Patrick’s relationship in pictures.
Sophie and Patrick shared this happy snap from a date night in January and we have to say 2022 looks like it’s off to a good start for the duo.
Dressed up to the nines! We’re not sure what’s going on in this picture, but it sure looks chic.
The couple rang in the new year together, Sophie sharing this smiley snap with the caption “HNY!”
Talk about a relatable moment! Patrick shared this goofy snap with Sophie and captioned it: “She’s secretly a ballerina
“Happy birthday to this young stud! You make every day better. ❤️❤️❤️,” wrote Sophie for her beau’s big day
These two Queenslanders love good water activity.
Date night at a classy establishment in Sydney!
For Sophie’s birthday Patrick penned this touching tribute: “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.”
These two are happiest near a beach, but not more than when they’re together.
“That’s Amore bro.”
Date night at the races!
Just a goofy little facetime between the couple…
Taking their romance to the next level! The loved-up pair welcomed a perfect puppy called Winnie into their family in March 2021.
We love watching this colorful pair joke about on and off-screen.
“Thankfully, Ziggy and Dean are very different to Patty and Sophie,” the actress explained to TV WEEK of their off-screen dynamic.
“We were work buddies first, and it’s helped us work well together now, so we’re lucky in that regard. It’s nice to have a relationship built on friendship. At the core we are best mates first and we treat each other like that, but it’s also made our relationship stronger starting out that way,” the actress has mused.
“I think Sophie’s an amazing actress and it’s a good feeling on set to know you’re comfortable with each other,” Patrick has said of his leading lady.
The loved-up pair rang in the festive season together with Patrick sharing this sweet beach selfie with his girlfriend in the days after Christmas.
The couple, who were both born in Queensland, now live together in Sydney and have worked closely on set for years.
During lockdown 2020, Patrick posted this snap captioned, “dreaming of simpler times.”
If the shoe fits! Sophie and Patrick aren’t afraid to have a little fun.
The Home and Away Christmas special saw festive fever for the couple.
When life imitates art: Patrick and Sophie’s characters Dean and Ziggy have a complicated relationship.
The look of love!
With rigs like that, we can’t blame these two for being attracted to one another.
Nothing like a little country air to bring these two closer together.
“She’s trying to stop me getting on the horse,” Patrick joked during a day out at the races.
Steamy scenes can sometimes be awkward, Sophie admits.
Matchy-matchy! Patrick fits right in with Sophie’s family after donning this Christmas-themed outfit.
Patrick joked that he’s always capturing Sophie’s best side.
Just another day at work!
“Beauty knows no bounds,” Patrick wrote alongside this shot.
These two scrubbed up well for the 2019 TV WEEK Logie Awards.
We’ll just leave this one here…
Ah, young love.
