Sophie Dillman and Patrick O’Connor, beloved Home and Away actors, seem to have permanently left Summer Bay.
The duo is not visible in a recent group shot tweeted by Home and Away actress Lynne McGranger to tease the upcoming season.
In the well-known Australian soap, Sophie and her on-screen lovers Patrick also portray Dean Thompson and Ziggy Astoni.
The Channel Seven show’s Irene, played by Lynne, revealed to followers on Instagram that the couple’s final scenes were shot in August.
The seasoned actress was commenting on shares from observant fans who noticed that Sophie and Patrick were’missing’ from the cast photo.
Lynne shared the photo on Monday in her posts, and it shows her posing beside the cast members as well as newcomer Kyle Shilling, who will portray Mali Hudson when the programme returns on January 9.
When a follower asserted that Patrick and Sophie shot their “last scenes” in September, Lynne clarified, writing, “July, August,” and then kissing the comment to indicate her agreement.
On Lynne’s thread, disappointed fans expressed their displeasure.
One person said that they were “heartbroken” that Dean and Ziggy had left, and another person remarked, “Home and Away…[won’t] be the same without them.”
Patrick’s character was pointed out by a fan as being the most original.
They gushed, “I think Dean is one of the most relatable characters…gutted.”
The news of Sophie and Patrick’s departure has not yet been confirmed by Channel Seven.
Kyle Shilling has joined the cast of Home and Away as a regular.
The 28-year-old Native American rapper and hip-hop artist made the revelation earlier this month via his Instagram account, stating that he is portraying the role of Mali Hudson.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is now official. He remarked on Twitter, “Stoked to be a part of the incredible family/team of @homeandaway.
It has been an amazing honour to work with everyone involved,’ said the speaker. I can’t wait for you all to watch “Mali Hudson’s” story.
He concluded, “BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTINUED TO SUPPORT ME.”
A tight connection to one of the soap opera’s favourite actors will bring Kyle’s character to Summer Bay.
