Home and Away’s new star confirms real-life romance with co-star. “We’re getting married…”
Fans of Home and Away have something extra to swoon over this week – and it’s happening off-screen as well as on. Newcomer Sophea Pennington, who recently joined the long-running Australian soap, has confirmed a real-life romance with her co-star Matt Evans.
Pennington, who plays Lacey, is a fresh face in the Home and Away world, though her character hasn’t yet graced UK screens. Lacey arrives in Summer Bay tied to the notorious River Boys gang – a name that long-time fans will instantly recognise. Known for their surf culture, bad-boy image, and turbulent history in the Bay, the River Boys have been part of some of the soap’s most dramatic plotlines over the years.
When Lacey makes her entrance, she’s already romantically linked to Gage, the gang’s ringleader. But it doesn’t take long before she crosses paths with Theo, played by Evans – and sparks begin to fly. That connection, it turns out, didn’t just exist in the fictional streets of Summer Bay.
Speaking to The Post, Pennington admitted that she and Evans hit it off almost immediately, with their on-screen chemistry spilling over into their real lives.
“He’s such a lovely, lovely guy and a great person to work with – extremely talented. So I couldn’t have asked for a better co-star,” she said warmly.
After weeks of speculation among fans, Pennington confirmed the romance outright.
“Yes, we are dating in real life. He really is the best. And also, it works, you know – I guess chemistry’s chemistry,” she added with a laugh.
She went on to explain how their relationship actually helps their work on set.
“I think, if anything, it creates such a safe space for us – because we’re so comfortable with each other – to be able to really dive deep into the story and the relationship between the two characters. There’s a trust there, and that’s so important when you’re doing emotional or intimate scenes.”
The announcement has already sent Home and Away fans into a frenzy, with many taking to social media to express their excitement. Some joked about “shipping” the pair both on and off screen, while others pointed out that this isn’t the first time Home and Away has sparked a real-life romance – the soap has a bit of a reputation for it.
Evans, who joined the show back in 2021 as Theo Poulos, has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his charm and a number of high-profile storylines. Off-screen, he’s also been making waves in the music world, having competed on The Voice Australia before his acting break.
Despite his growing popularity, Evans recently revealed that he doesn’t see himself staying in Home and Away forever. In a candid interview, he said he hopes to eventually pursue career opportunities in the United States.
“It’s been such an incredible experience here, but I have big dreams for the future,” he said. “The US market has always been something I’ve wanted to explore – in both acting and music.”
That potential career move raises questions about what the future holds for both his character and his real-life romance with Pennington. For now, though, the couple seem focused on enjoying their time together and embracing the whirlwind of being part of one of Australia’s most beloved shows.
For UK viewers, there’s still a bit of a wait before Lacey’s debut airs. Until then, the off-screen romance news might be enough to tide fans over – or at least keep them guessing about how things will play out when Lacey and Theo finally meet on their screens.
Home and Away continues to be a staple of Australian television, having run since 1988 and introducing audiences to a steady stream of memorable characters, gripping drama, and, yes, more than a few love stories – both scripted and unscripted.
The soap airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 in the UK, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and a first-look option at 6.30pm on 5STAR. For those feeling nostalgic, selected classic episodes are also available on Prime Video.
In Australia, episodes air Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7, with streaming available on 7Plus.
So whether you’re watching for the drama of the River Boys, the tangled love stories of Summer Bay, or now – the behind-the-scenes romance of two rising stars – there’s plenty to keep you hooked. And if Pennington’s playful “We’re getting married…” tease is anything to go by, fans might want to keep an eye on both the screen and the gossip columns in the months ahead.