Home and Away Star Sophea Pennington Reveals Her Surprising Kiwi Connection in a Wild New Role

In the sun-soaked, drama-laced world of Home and Away, fresh faces are constantly stirring up secrets, scandals, and showdowns in the sleepy seaside town of Summer Bay. And the latest addition to the iconic Australian soap is none other than rising star Sophea Pennington, whose fiery character Lacy Miller promises to send shockwaves through the Bay—and into the hearts of fans.

Known for her fearless spirit and raw energy, Pennington steps into the role of Lacy, a young woman with a wild streak and a troubled past, ready to light a match in Summer Bay’s already volatile atmosphere. But while viewers are set to fall for the complicated rebel on-screen, it’s Pennington’s real-life Kiwi roots and romantic revelations that have fans equally intrigued.

A Dream Role Comes to Life

For Pennington, landing the role of Lacy Miller wasn’t just another acting gig—it was the fulfillment of a long-standing dream. “I’ve always wanted to play a wild child,” she confesses. “Someone unpredictable, strong-willed, and full of fire. And Lacy gives me the perfect opportunity to explore that.”

Lacy crashes into Summer Bay with all the force of a rogue wave, catching the attention of Theo Poulos—played by Matt Evans—after he gets caught up with the notorious River Boys’ underground street racing ring. Lacy, already deeply entrenched in the gang’s world, is more than just another pretty face. She’s the girlfriend of Gage Reynolds, one of the ringleaders of the River Boys—and that dangerous detail puts Theo in peril from the moment their eyes meet.

“There’s an immediate spark between Lacy and Theo,” Pennington says. “But it’s one that could blow up in their faces. She’s supposed to be off-limits, yet their chemistry is undeniable.”

A Rebellious Past and a Toxic Present

According to Pennington, Lacy isn’t evil—just lost. “She’s not a bad person,” she insists. “She’s just gotten in with the wrong crowd. Her family life is chaotic, and she’s trying to find where she belongs. Right now, that’s with Gage and the River Boys, even though it’s clearly a toxic situation.”

The actress explains that Lacy’s relationship with Gage is built more on desperation than love. “She wants to feel accepted, like she’s part of something,” Pennington says. “She cares for Gage in her own way, but it’s not healthy. They’re trapped in a pattern of bad decisions and emotional highs and lows.”

Despite her tough exterior, Lacy is vulnerable—a contradiction that made the role especially appealing to Pennington. “She’s strong and feisty, but she’s also broken. That’s a complex dynamic to play, and stepping into her boots was a challenge. You never know what she’s going to do or say next.”

Forbidden Flames

The arrival of Theo throws Lacy’s world into even greater turmoil. As the two are drawn to each other, they ignite a dangerous game of flirtation and forbidden attraction. “It’s definitely naughty,” Pennington says with a laugh. “There’s this illicit energy between them. It’s risky, it’s thrilling, and it’s completely unsustainable—but that’s what makes it so addictive.”

Off-screen, that magnetic energy has carried over into reality. Pennington and Evans first met during their chemistry read, the crucial audition process where casting directors determine if two actors can convincingly portray a relationship. “I hadn’t met Matt before we were cast,” Pennington recalls. “But the moment we read together, it just clicked. He’s such a lovely, talented guy—so easy to work with. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better co-star.”

Their connection turned into something more, as Pennington confirmed the long-swirling rumors: the two are dating in real life. “Yes, we are together,” she says, beaming. “It’s amazing. I think chemistry is chemistry—whether it’s scripted or not. But honestly, being so comfortable with each other really helps us dive deep into the emotional moments between Theo and Lacy.”

From Stage Fright to Stardom

Though she’s now captivating audiences on prime-time television, Pennington’s path to acting was anything but predictable. She first enrolled in drama classes as a child—not to become a performer, but to overcome crippling stage fright.

“I was terrified of speaking in front of people,” she admits. “Drama was a way for me to find confidence. I never imagined it would become my career.”

Since then, her star has steadily risen. In 2024, she appeared in the vibrant musical film The Deb, directed by comedy icon Rebel Wilson. The high-energy production gave Pennington the opportunity to showcase her singing, dancing, and acting chops all at once.

“That was an experience I’ll never forget,” she says. “To work with Rebel and be part of such a bold, creative film—it really pushed me as a performer. I learned so much.”

Pennington also made audiences laugh in the hit Australian comedy Roast Night, but her heart has always been in drama. “There’s something about exploring raw, emotional stories that really resonates with me,” she shares. “And Home and Away has given me such a rich character to explore in Lacy.”

A Proud Kiwi Heart

Behind her fierce on-screen persona lies a proud connection to New Zealand. Though born and raised in Sydney, Pennington holds a Kiwi passport and maintains deep ties to her heritage. “Both of my parents are from New Zealand—my mum’s from Wellington, and my dad’s from Auckland,” she says with pride. “We’d go back every year growing up. New Zealand feels like home, too.”

Her family was overjoyed when she landed her role on Home and Away. “My mum cried when I told her,” Pennington reveals. “My dad and sister were just so excited. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders.”

As Pennington carves out her place in the ever-evolving tapestry of Home and Away, her presence brings both a fresh energy and an unpredictable edge. With Lacy’s rebellious streak, Theo’s moral dilemma, and the River Boys’ looming threat, Summer Bay is about to face one of its most explosive storylines yet.

And at the heart of the storm? A Kiwi-Aussie rising star with fire in her soul, love on the line, and a story that’s only just getting started.