‘Sophie says it’s criminal’: Actor’s relationship fail in the bathroom

Home and Away actors Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor open up on the secret to their on- and off-screen romance, as well as those little niggles that crop up behind closed doors.

Home and Away co-stars and real life couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O'Connor

Brisbane couple and Home and Away stars Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor share an on and off screen romance. They reveal the secret to the success of their six year relationship, what they argue about the most and their love for each other.

Patrick O’Connor, 32, Actor

How did you meet? We met at a university in Brisbane, I think the year was like 2013 or 2014. We really didn’t have much to do with each other at uni as we were in different years. I think the first time I met Sophie was either a party or after a theatre show. It wasn’t until I started at Home and Away that we became good friends.

What was the first thing you noticed about her? Her personality. She felt like someone I wanted to be friends with.

What was your most standout date? We went to a beautiful restaurant in Greece last August. The sun was setting over the horizon and I just remember feeling so relaxed. Also, I’m quite fond of a good dessert and this place had it.

What is the most romantic thing she has ever done for you? Soph is more kind
than romantic but each birthday she bakes me a cake I don’t have to share with anyone else.

What is the secret to a happy relationship? Being a team and looking out for each other. Every couple goes through good and bad times; as long as you ride the rollercoaster together between the two, that’s what makes for a good adventure.

Home and Away co-stars and real life couple Sophie Dillman and Patrick O'Connor

Who puts the bins out? We split it.

What is the thing you argue the most about? Lately it’s due to myself not replacing the toilet roll in the bathroom. Sophie says it’s criminal that I start a new roll and don’t hang it on the roller.

What do you find the most annoying about each other? Sophie constantly loses her belongings. We often joke that when we have kids, I’ll get a call from her one day saying our child is missing.

What is the trait you like most about her? Her patience. It can take me a few goes until I start to get good at something. Her support during those times makes the difference.

When were you the most vulnerable in your relationship? I’ve always been terrible at public speaking or being in front of a large group. We have done quite a few publicity events … and I’ve always found them daunting. Having Soph there makes the whole process a lot easier and enjoyable.

Sophie Dillman, 32, actor

How did you meet? At acting school in Brisbane. If I remember correctly Paddy was playing a woman in a play at the time and I thought he was very good at walking in high heels.

What was the first thing you noticed about him? He had bleached blond hair and I loved it. Also, when you’re in a conversation it feels like you are the only two people around; he really listens.

When did you first know it was love? Having worked together in such an intimate capacity without killing each other was a good sign. It can be a challenge to go from work to home life in a relationship, especially when you’re playing a relationship out at work (Sophie plays Ziggy and Patrick plays Dean on Home and Away) as well, however, we both respect each other’s work. Also, it’s a long way from Palm Beach to Sydney, so if you have a fight at work you can either sort it out on the way home or sit in silence for hours.

Home and Away Stars Sophie Dillman and Patrick O'Connor. Picture: Monique Harmer

What was your most standout date? We went to a really fun restaurant in Lisbon a couple of years ago that we constantly say is the best meal we have ever eaten.

What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you? He set up an amazing birthday for me one year during lockdown. He dressed up in a sort of barber shop quartet outfit with a straw hat and jacket. He cooked prawns and steak on our balcony and even sang in Italian as the after-lunch entertainment.

What is the thing you argue the most about? Who is walking the dog in the cold.

What do you find the most annoying about each other? Paddy leaves empty shampoo bottles in the shower.

What is the trait you like most about him? His kindness.

Ziggy and Dean return to Home and Away 7pm March 10 on Seven and 7plus

Originally published as ‘Sophie says it’s criminal’: Actor’s relationship fail in the bathroom