Home and Away fans couldn’t hide their devastation after Patrick O’Connor and Sophie Dillman announced they were departing the Channel 5 soap after more than five years
Patrick O’Connor and Sophie Dillman, who starred in the Channel 5 serial opera Home and Away for more than five years, have announced their departure.
After writing moving tributes to their time on the program, the real-life pair, Dean Thompson and Ziggy Astoni, who portray on-screen lovers, left fans inconsolable.
Paddy, 30, made his acting debut as River Boy Dean in 2018 and quickly established himself as a fan favorite.
The Australian actor said, “Well my friends, my time as a river boy has come to an end,” after posting a collection of photos from his time on the show.
He continued by expressing gratitude to the cast and crew of Home and Away and saying, “I miss it a lot, but more so the people I met along the way. It’s been such a great place to work.”
Paddy kept going: “Last but not least, thank you to all of the viewers. The event has been made genuinely unforgettable by you.”
“Thank you for the support, I’ll always remember the love,” he concluded the lengthy post.
In contrast, Sophie, 29, began acting as Ziggy in 2017.
The blonde beauty shared a collection of her favorite moments from her time on the Australian program along with an announcement of her leaving on Instagram.
I find it hard to believe Ziggy Astoni collapsed on Summer Bay’s shores almost six years ago, Sophie wrote.
She described playing Ziggy as “the best job with the best people,” and she said that she was motivated “to do better” while portraying the role.
Thank you to the cast and crew, Sophie continued. Though I know you don’t miss me shouting through the hallways without my shoes on, I think about you every day.
“The fans deserve the biggest thanks. Because of your help, we are able to do what we do. I will always be appreciative.
While several of their co-stars left them well wishes for their upcoming journey, fans expressed their grief at the couple’s departure in the comments section.
“So so sad to see you both leave, I cried. Home and away will not be the same and I say that as someone who has watched for nearly 30 years,” penned one fan.
Another viewer added: “It will be sad that you aren’t on the show anymore. It won’t be the same without you and Paddy”.
Echoing this, someone else shared: “Your amazing in this show and it’s just won’t be the same without you in it”.
While a fourth gutted viewer commented: “No word of a lie, I cried. I’m going to miss you both. The show won’t be the same now”.