Real-life Home and Away couple go long-distance: ‘We’ve never spent this much time apart’

Real-life Home and Away couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor have spoken about a recent development in their relationship, sharing that they’ve gone long-distance for the time being.

The pair appeared together on the Australian soap until 2023 as they departed their respective roles of Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson, with the duo also beginning a relationship during their time on the show.

Now, two years on from their exit, the couple have still been going strong as they travelled across Europe, with O’Connor remaining in the UK for work as Dillman returned to her homeland.

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In an interview with Woman’s Day, Dillman admitted that the change in circumstance can prove to be a challenge, explaining: “The grey weather was a major reason I had to come back as I kept getting really sick over there.

“It’s not bothering Patrick, he’s still got many adventures he wants to do and I’m so happy he’s made that decision. [Long-distance relationships] can get complicated sometimes because we don’t know any different.

“We worked together before we were together and then we started dating, so we’ve never spent this much time apart,” she continued, before adding that they were still “going strong” whilst being “supportive” of each other.

Whilst Dillman and O’Connor departed the soap two years ago, it was announced in October that the pair would be reprising their roles for a storyline later this year, an opportunity that Dillman likened to a “dream”.

“[We] couldn’t say no,” she recalled. “We got to come back to our amazing Home and Away family but also film in some of the most beautiful parts of Queensland. It was a dream. I have to expect some drama but it was a really fun storyline and the fans will love it.”

Real-life Home and Away couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor have recently opened up about a new chapter in their relationship, revealing that they have temporarily gone long-distance. The pair, who played Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson on the popular Australian soap, left the show in 2023, and during their time together on-screen, they also began their off-screen relationship.

Now, two years after their exit from Home and Away, the couple has continued to thrive, albeit with a change in their dynamic. O’Connor has stayed in the UK for work, while Dillman has returned to her homeland, Australia. Despite the physical distance, the couple’s relationship remains strong, with both continuing to support each other through the change.

In a candid interview with Woman’s Day, Dillman shared that the adjustment has had its challenges, particularly due to the difference in climate. She mentioned, “The grey weather was a major reason I had to come back as I kept getting really sick over there.” She emphasized that while the long-distance situation has been tough, O’Connor remains focused on his own adventures, and she’s supportive of his decision to stay in the UK.

She went on to explain that they’ve never had to spend this much time apart since they began dating, which adds a new layer of complexity to their relationship. “We worked together before we were together and then we started dating, so we’ve never spent this much time apart,” Dillman said. Despite the distance, they remain “going strong” and continue to support each other through the challenges that come with being in a long-distance relationship.

The couple’s connection, forged on-screen, has proven to be just as strong in real life. While they’re adjusting to the new circumstances, they remain excited for what the future holds. In fact, just last October, it was announced that the pair would be reprising their roles for a special storyline later this year. Dillman described the return as a “dream,” recalling the opportunity to reconnect with the Home and Away family and film in some of Queensland’s most stunning locations. “We couldn’t say no,” she shared, explaining that the chance to return to the show was too good to pass up.

Dillman also hinted at some upcoming drama for their characters, Ziggy and Dean, teasing that fans can expect an exciting and fun storyline that they’ll love. While long-distance relationships can often be fraught with challenges, it’s clear that Dillman and O’Connor have found a way to make it work and are looking forward to what comes next, both personally and professionally. Their enduring bond, combined with their passion for acting, ensures that this next chapter will be one to watch for both fans of Home and Away and their real-life supporters.

Real-life Home and Away couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor have spoken about a recent development in their relationship, sharing that they’ve gone long-distance for the time being. The pair appeared together on the Australian soap until 2023 as they departed their respective roles of Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson, with the duo also beginning a relationship during their time on the show.…

Real-life Home and Away couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor have spoken about a recent development in their relationship, sharing that they’ve gone long-distance for the time being. The pair appeared together on the Australian soap until 2023 as they departed their respective roles of Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson, with the duo also beginning a relationship during their time on the show.…