In heartbreaking news for Home and Away fans, beloved stars Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor — known to millions as Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson — have officially confirmed

their separation after years together, both on and off screen. The couple, whose real-life romance captured the hearts of viewers around the world, shared the emotional announcement

in a joint statement earlier this week, ending months of quiet speculation about the state of their relationship. “We have so much love and respect for each other,” the statement reads.

“But we’ve decided to take different paths in our lives. We will always be grateful for the time we shared — both as partners and as friends.”

Sophie and Patrick’s love story began on the set of Home and Away in 2019, where their undeniable on-screen chemistry as Ziggy and Dean quickly blossomed into a genuine romance behind the cameras. For years, they were seen as one of the soap’s golden couples — both professionally and personally. Fans followed their journey with devotion, cheering them on through red carpets, joint interviews, and candid social media moments.

But as their careers evolved and life took them in different directions, cracks began to show. Insiders close to the actors suggest that the pressures of busy filming schedules, coupled with Sophie’s growing list of off-screen commitments, made maintaining their relationship increasingly difficult. “They tried to make it work,” a source tells TV Week, “but eventually realized they wanted different things. The split wasn’t messy — it was honest, emotional, and mutual.”

Fans first noticed signs of distance earlier this year when the pair stopped appearing together at events and began posting separately online. Sophie, who has been vocal about her health struggles and her passion for advocacy work, recently hinted at a need for personal growth and reflection. Patrick, meanwhile, has reportedly been exploring new acting opportunities outside Australia, signaling a major career shift.

The news has sent shockwaves through the Home and Away fandom, with social media flooded by messages of love and support. “Ziggy and Dean were the heart of the show for years,” one fan posted. “It’s sad to see them go their separate ways, but we wish them happiness.”

While Sophie and Patrick are no longer a couple, they’ve made it clear that their professional respect remains intact. Both have expressed pride in the work they created together and gratitude for the fans who embraced them. “What we built on Home and Away will always be special to us,” Patrick reportedly told a friend.

As Sophie continues to pursue new creative projects and Patrick sets his sights on the next chapter of his acting career, their love story — though ended — remains one of the most memorable in Home and Away history.

For now, the Bay is saying goodbye not just to an on-screen pairing, but to one of the most beloved off-screen romances to ever emerge from the show’s long and storied legacy.