Steamy Sparks on Palm Beach

Home and Away star Matt Evans, 29, has been spotted heating things up with newcomer Sophea Pennington between takes on Sydney’s iconic Palm Beach. The bronzed actor and the blonde beauty couldn’t keep their hands off each other, turning their downtime into a scene worthy of Summer Bay itself.

Onlookers watched as the pair cuddled on the sand, laughed together, and shared several passionate kisses. At one point, Matt leaned in for a smooch while Sophea caressed his back, before cheekily blowing a raspberry on her toned stomach, sending her into fits of giggles.

A Beachside Display of Affection

After their sun-soaked PDA, the couple cooled off in the surf. Sophea, looking stunning in a coral bikini with high-cut bottoms and chic ring detailing, wrapped her arms around Matt as they embraced in the water. Matt, rocking dark patterned boardshorts, looked every inch the classic Aussie soap hunk.

The pair eventually returned to their beach towels to dry off before heading back to set — but their chemistry left fans buzzing about Summer Bay’s latest off-screen romance.

Sophea Pennington Joins the Bay

Sophea is set to play a new character named Lacey, marking one of several fresh arrivals in the upcoming season. According to fan site Back to the Bay, she won’t be the only newcomer stirring up trouble. Actors Rob Mellyonarie and Adam Peck have also been cast as part of the returning “River Boys” gang, who first wreaked havoc in Summer Bay back in 2011.

Familiar Faces Return

Adding to the excitement, fan-favourite Patrick O’Connor is returning to the soap alongside Sophie Dillman. The real-life couple, who played Dean and Ziggy, left the series in 2023. O’Connor confirmed that their comeback ties directly into the new River Boys storyline, teasing upcoming road trips and family updates for the pair and their baby.

Meanwhile, Amanda Bishop — best known for her comedic turn as Julia Gillard in At Home with Julia — is also tipped to join Home and Away in 2025, promising more fresh dynamics for fans.

A New Era in Summer Bay

Between sizzling romances, surprise returns, and the re-emergence of old enemies, Home and Away’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one of its most dramatic yet. For now, fans are captivated by Matt Evans’ blossoming beachside romance with Sophea Pennington — a love story that’s heating up both on and off the screen.