Home and Away welcomes new wild child, Sophea Pennington

Many of Australia’s biggest star got their start on Home and Away. Now one of Summer Bay’s newest edition is hoping to follow in their footsteps. Meet the soap’s new cast members.

Zara Powell

less than 2 min read

January 13, 2025 - 5:00AM

Home and Away has served as a launch pad for some of Australia’s biggest stars, and now the iconic soap welcomes a fresh face to its cast.

Meet Sophea Pennington, the latest addition to the Summer Bay family, set to shake things up as Lacey – the wild child with a heart of gold.

“I’m beyond excited, I feel like I’ve blinked and it truly is a dream come true,” Ms Pennington told The Daily Telegraph.

Newcomer Sophea Pennington who will feature on the iconic Home and Away from January 2025. Picture: Richard Dobson

After graduating with a diploma from NIDA in 2021, the 22-year-old described landing the role as a true “pinch me moment.”

“When I was little, Home and Away was always playing on our TV, so it’s surreal to now be part of the show.”

Hoping to follow the footsteps of now Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Isla Fisher, Ms Pennington said being in Palm Beach felt “very magical”.

“It’s just such a beautiful place to film and everyone is so lovely and welcoming and it really is like being in one big family.”

Pictured at on set at Palm Beach in Sydney are Home and Away newcomers Ryan Bown and Sophea Pennington. Picture: Richard Dobson

As for her character Lacey, the actor found some similarities between herself and the rebellious newcomer.

“Lacey is definitely a bad girl, but she has a really good heart. I see a bit of myself in her. It’s been a lot of fun to play, though also a bit of a challenge.”

Also joining the Summer Bay family is fellow Aussie actor Ryan Bown, who brings a new cheeky and spontaneous character, Sonny.

“It’s like one big wacky family, and everyone welcomed me with open arms. I’m super excited to be working on such an iconic show,” Mr Bown said.

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