The mother of the fictional child of Dean and Ziggy has opened out about her experiences there.
On Tuesday night, Ziggy Astoni’s (Sophie Dillman) and Dean Thompson’s (Patrick O’Connor) baby girl were finally revealed to Home and Away viewers. While there was much pleasure and wonder at the newborn’s arrival, the baby’s true mother revealed some details about what actually transpired behind the scenes.
The mother provided a glimpse into how a baby is handled on set in a message that has been making the rounds in Summer Bay Facebook fan groups. Fans were shocked to learn that the newborn baby girl was actually portrayed by Charlie, a three-week-old boy.
Despite Charlie having a major disaster during the scenario, the pleased mother assured followers that Sophie was a natural during their first embrace. The infant arrived with a humorous explanation for its frown, as keen-eyed spectators would have observed.
The reason for the grimace he makes in the opening shot is that he did a poo that burst out of [his diaper]. She claimed that Sophie was quite professional and continued despite. She is so nice that she didn’t bother when Charlie pooped on her.
The newborn had a white material on his head to simulate the effects of birth when he was initially presented to Sophie. His mother confirmed that no synthetic blood was used; instead, the makeup crew used Sudocrem to treat diaper rash.
The mother revealed that Charlie won’t appear on film again since Ziggy and Dean’s child will either be replaced with a doll or with an older male baby.
NSW’s stringent regulations for working with children
To keep working children safe, the New South Wales government has developed incredibly rigorous rules.
While some viewers criticised the baby for not appearing young enough to be a newborn, infants under three kilogrammes at birth are not permitted to appear on broadcast until they are at least 12 weeks old.
According to Steve Kinmond, the NSW Children’s Guardian, any production firms using infants younger than 12 weeks old in performances or picture shoots must obtain their consent. Before the Office of the Children’s Guardian approves any requests, the infant must first undergo an evaluation by a certified nurse or registered midwife as part of the procedure.
Before beginning any work, “[production companies] must] satisfy us that the infant will be safe and well cared for,” he says. “The trained nurse or midwife must inform the employer that the workplace would not upset the baby or harm it… In order to ensure that infant and young child performers are adequately cared for, our officers can also visit plays.
“Although it can be a lot of fun to work in the entertainment industry, there are risks and demands for both employers and young performers. So that their demands in terms of education, health, and wellbeing are addressed, we place tight regulations on the working environment for kids and babies, he says.
When Baby Charlie made his big TV debut, he was only four kilogrammes in weight.
“A nurse visits, checks on feeding, weight, and general health before filming,” the mother said. Because they require a check at least a week or two before for clearance, tiny babies cannot be used. Additionally, no mother wants to watch TV right after giving birth!
The OCG also places a restriction on how many individuals can care for such a young infant, according to Charlie’s mother. “Only the nurse and parent actors are holding them. Another reason why they require several births, she exclaimed.
Fans’ reactions to the insider information ‘Interesting’
People were eager to congratulate the mother on her bundle of joy and to thank her for the “unique” perspective after she described her experience on the Home and Away set.
He is so adorable. We appreciate you allowing “Ziggy” to be your baby’s mother during the filming. One reader exclaimed, “It’s wonderful to get some background information.
“We appreciate you letting us meet your adorable baby son. Congratulations! What a delight for you to be a part of such a lovely plot,” another person said.
“Great post; 24 years ago, my daughter performed in the play Breakers. She like viewing video of herself. Very nerve-wracking but exciting for a new mother to undertake. Congratulations,” said a third.
Even Charlie’s mother was commended by Sophie’s mother, Karen Dillman, for letting her daughter hold the baby during the poignant incident.
Karen gushed, “Sophie is my actual daughter, and I’m delighted she was able to do the scenario with your adorable bubba well.”
Seven has been contacted by Yahoo Lifestyle for comment.
