Patrick O’Connor and Sophie Dillman, who starred in the Channel 5 soap opera Home and Away for more than five years, have declared their departure.
After writing moving tributes to their time on the show, the real-life pair, Dean Thompson and Ziggy Astoni, who portray on-screen lovers, left fans inconsolable.
Paddy, 30, made his acting début 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 program.
Finally, Paddy said to the audience, “Without you, there wouldn’t be a performance. The experience 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 show along with an announcement of her departure on Instagram.
I find it hard to imagine 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 added that she was motivated “to do better” while portraying the part.
Thank you to the actors and crew, Sophie continued. Though I know you don’t miss me shouting down the hallways without my shoes on, I think about you every day.
“The supporters deserve the biggest thanks. Because of your help, we are able to do what we do. I will always be appreciative.
While many of their co-stars left them well wishes for their upcoming journey, admirers expressed their grief at the couple’s departure in the comments section.
“I cried when I saw you both depart. As someone who has watched for almost 30 years, I can guarantee that home and away will not be the same,” wrote one supporter.
It will be sad that you aren’t on the program any longer, a different viewer chimed in. Without you and Paddy, it won’t be the same.
Someone else added, “Your amazing in this show and it’s just won’t be the same without you in it,” in agreement.
A fourth horrified watcher wrote: “No word of an untruth, I cried. You two will be missed by me. Now, the program won’t be the same.
