Home and Away fans are celebrating a real-life love story as Sophie Dilman opened up about Patrick O’Connor’s emotional proposal, admitting she was left sobbing on the beach during the unforgettable moment. The couple, known to viewers as Ziggy Astoni and Dean Thompson, confirmed their engagement with breathtaking photos as Patrick went down on one knee beside the ocean.

🌊 A surprise proposal at the end of a difficult year

Speaking about the proposal, Sophie revealed she had no idea it was coming. After months of living apart due to work commitments, she described the beachside moment as the perfect and magical ending to 2025. What touched her most wasn’t the location or the ring — but the sincerity of Patrick’s words.

😭 “I cried the whole time”

Sophie admitted she was so emotional that she cried throughout the proposal. Patrick had written down what he wanted to say, knowing she might be too overwhelmed to take it all in at once. She later reread every word — and cried again.

The proposal was captured by Sydney photographer JP Vide, with the ocean, golden sunset and quiet intimacy turning the moment into a cinematic scene worthy of the show they once starred in.

💎 The ring and the details fans adored

Sophie’s engagement ring was crafted by Mendel Rose Fine Jewelry, a boutique brand known for limited handcrafted pieces. The ring instantly drew admiration online, with fans praising its elegance and meaningful design.

🌍 Long-distance love that refused to break

The couple spent much of the year living apart — Sophie in Sydney and Patrick working in the UK. The separation triggered breakup rumors, but Patrick calmly shut them down while they continued supporting each other privately across continents.

Their engagement now feels like a victory over distance, schedules and speculation — proving that the love story off-screen might be even stronger than the one on-screen.

🎉 Cast reactions: joy across the Home and Away family

Their engagement announcement sparked an avalanche of happiness from colleagues and friends. Messages poured in from:

• Georgie Parker

• Lynne McGranger

• Sarah Roberts

• Emily Weir

• Juliet Godwin

• Courtney Miller

• Lukas Radovich

• Zoe Ventoura

Their Home and Away family praised the romance, called the photos “dreamy” and said they couldn’t wait to celebrate.

❤️ Heartfelt messages from Sophie and Patrick

Sophie shared that home is wherever the two of them are together. Patrick’s words were even more emotional, promising his love to Sophie “not just now, but in every lifetime.”

Their announcement quickly went viral, delighting fans who watched their characters fall in love on screen — and are now witnessing the real-life continuation of that love story.

✨ A proposal the fandom won’t forget

Between the ocean backdrop, handwritten promise, tears of joy and glowing photos, this engagement has already become one of the most romantic moments connected to Home and Away in recent years.