For years, Sophie Dillman has been a symbol of warmth, resilience, and emotional strength on Home and Away, bringing the fiercely independent Ziggy Astoni to life

with raw authenticity. But behind the sun-drenched beaches of Summer Bay and the demanding pace of one of Australia’s most beloved dramas,

the 27-year-old actress has been quietly fighting a battle far more painful and personal than any storyline viewers have seen on screen.

In an emotional and candid revelation, Sophie has opened up about her ongoing struggle with endometriosis—a chronic, debilitating condition that has shaped her life both professionally and personally. The actress has now undergone major surgery for the third time, a stark reminder that her journey with the illness is far from over.

A Private War Behind a Public Smile

When filming wrapped last year, many of Sophie’s Home and Away co-stars packed their bags for well-earned holidays, embracing rest and escape after months of intense work. Sophie’s “break,” however, looked heartbreakingly different. Instead of beaches and downtime, she prepared herself for another hospital admission and a complex operation that would once again place her health at the center of her life.

During the surgery, doctors removed extensive endometrial tissue that had spread throughout her body—affecting her bladder, bowel, and much of her abdomen. Speaking openly about the experience, Sophie revealed the shocking severity of her condition.

“I had a lot of tissue cut out from everywhere—my bladder, bowel, all throughout my abdomen,” she explained. “My doctor did say that if he was going to remove all of the scar tissue in my abdomen, I wouldn’t have any organs left. He removed a significant amount, but not everything. It was a decent recovery process this time.”

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, fatigue, and, in some cases, fertility complications. Despite affecting one in nine Australian women, it remains widely misunderstood and often dismissed—something Sophie knows all too well.

Working Through Pain in the Spotlight

Long before she became a household name, Sophie trained and worked as a registered nurse—a background that has given her a deeper understanding of her own body and the seriousness of her diagnosis. Her first laparoscopic surgery came when she was just 20 years old, providing five years of relative relief before her symptoms returned with devastating force.

The return of the pain coincided with the height of her acting career, forcing Sophie to navigate intense physical discomfort while maintaining the demanding schedule of a daily drama series.

“Going to work every day when you have to wear costumes, be on the beach, and run scenes is really hard when you’re in pain,” she admitted. “You’re constantly carrying hot water bottles, trying to manage the pain and the bloating. You don’t want to disappoint people by taking time off, but sometimes you have to.”

The pressure to push through pain—especially in an industry that values reliability and physical endurance—can be immense. Yet Sophie has praised the Home and Away production team for their understanding and support, allowing her time to recover and prioritize her health during particularly difficult periods.

Love as a Lifeline

Through the darkest moments of her health journey, Sophie credits one person above all else for helping her survive emotionally and physically: her partner and Home and Away co-star Patrick O’Connor, who plays her on-screen love interest, Dean Thompson.

“He is honestly an angel,” Sophie said, her gratitude unmistakable. “I could not have functioned without him these past 12 months.”

Patrick, who initially knew little about endometriosis, immersed himself in learning everything he could about the condition. From reading medical resources to offering practical suggestions for pain management and recovery, he became a constant source of strength.

“He did all this reading and learnt about it,” Sophie shared. “He supported me through surgery, recovery—everything. That kind of support changes everything.”

Their relationship, already admired by fans for its authenticity, has taken on deeper meaning as Sophie’s health battle has tested their resilience and bond.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Rather than retreating into silence, Sophie has chosen to use her platform to raise awareness for a condition that remains heavily stigmatized. She is now an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia and actively supports initiatives like Worldwide EndoMarch and national High Tea fundraising events.

“The disease itself can be incredibly isolating,” Sophie explained. “It’s still a taboo subject—talking about women’s health. So you do feel alone. That’s why awareness is so important.”

Her advocacy is deeply personal. Sophie knows firsthand how isolating it can feel to suffer silently, especially when symptoms are invisible and misunderstood. By speaking openly, she hopes to empower other women to seek diagnosis, support, and validation.

In a powerful show of solidarity, Sophie and her sister are both set to speak at the Brisbane EndoMarch event, helping to raise funds for research, education, and community support—ensuring that fewer women feel dismissed or unheard.

A Long Road Ahead—But Not Without Hope

Despite the success of her most recent surgery, Sophie is realistic about the future. Endometriosis is a lifelong condition, and while treatment can ease symptoms, there is currently no cure.

“I’m not out of the woods yet,” she admitted honestly. “It’s better. But this is something I’ll have to deal with for the rest of my life.”

Still, her outlook remains cautiously hopeful. Relief, even temporary, is meaningful—and progress, however incremental, matters.

“I’ve had some relief, and that’s all we can hope for—to do the best we can and manage the best we can,” she said. “But there’s a major shift happening. Women are finding their voice with these issues. And it’s awesome to feel that energy.”

Redefining Strength Beyond the Screen

Sophie Dillman’s story is not just about illness—it’s about endurance, vulnerability, and the courage to speak when silence feels safer. For fans who have watched Ziggy Astoni fight through heartbreak and adversity on Home and Away, Sophie’s real-life journey adds a powerful new layer to her on-screen legacy.

Her honesty has sparked conversations, challenged stigma, and reminded audiences that strength doesn’t always look like pushing through—it can also mean stopping, healing, and asking for help.

As Sophie continues her recovery and advocacy work, her voice is becoming just as impactful off-screen as it has ever been on it. And in sharing her truth, she is helping to ensure that countless other women no longer have to suffer in silence.

In the world of Home and Away, resilience is a familiar theme. But for Sophie Dillman, resilience isn’t scripted—it’s lived.