Dean Thompson and Ziggy Astoni of Home and Away have had a difficult year, but they’re happy to say that they’re ending 2021 in a better place as a relationship.
After spending months apart following a terrible breakup earlier this year, the two were reunited after Dean was involved in a vehicle accident that left him with life-changing injuries, and his recovery has thrown them even more hurdles.
The actors who play Dean and Ziggy, Patrick O’Connor and Sophie Dillman, have confessed that it can be difficult to play their moments together because they’re also a couple in real life and extremely different from their characters.
“It’s actually really hard work,” Sophie told TV Week. “Paddy and I are different to our characters so making their instincts seem natural when they aren’t our own is a good challenge.”
Thankfully, the actors don’t bring their fake relationship troubles home with them, with Sophie describing their Sydney home as a “haven” after a hard day of filming.
The actress also commended the cast and crew of Home and Away for continuing to work despite the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, stating she is happy with everything they have accomplished this year.
“We were looking forward to getting into this year and leaving 2020 behind and that didn’t happen,” she said. “We’ve all had to adapt and change – including the storylines – but it’s a real testament to how cohesive our team is. It’s been a tough year but one I’m so proud of.”
Patrick also revealed that filming Dean’s spectacular vehicle wreck was one of the highlights of his year at work.
“It’s been a huge year!” he said. “I really enjoyed playing out the car crash scenes. It was an incredible shoot to be on and watching the car get flipped from behind the scenes was pretty impressive.”
It’s unclear whether Dean and Ziggy will have a better time as a couple in 2022, but things in Summer Bay never stay still for long…