Dean Thompson is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Patrick O'Connor.

The show had previously included actors playing the River Boys in their regular cast, most notably the Braxton brothers.

The show also introduced a fellow River Boy, Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin) who left the gang to join the police force.

[1] O'Connor told a reporter from New Idea that playing a "bad boy on Home And Away is something a lot of actors want to do."

[1] O'Connor felt honoured to play a River Boy because he believed their backstory and role in Home and Away to be iconic.

O'Connor told a reporter from TV Week that "I want to be different and make this role my own, but at the same time, keep in touch with what it is to be a River Boy."

[6] O'Connor believed that viewers came to like the character because they know Dean's actions come from a place of "love and protection".

"[7] The actor claimed that Dean's story had resonated with fans so well they would even approach him to offer their advice regarding the character's bad behaviour.

He contacts Dean to help him track down and attack Robbo (Jake Ryan) who he believes is responsible for the death of Kat Chapman (Pia Miller).

Writers also included a link to fellow new character Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin), a police officer who was once a member of the River Boy gang.

[11] When Justin's daughter Ava Gilbert (Grace Thomas) is kidnapped by the Easton family, Dean helps Colby.

Boyd's sister Ebony Harding (Cariba Heine) discovers their connection and informs the local news paper leading to Colby losing his job.

[13] Roberts told a TV Week reporter that "they're not good for each other, but she can't get out of the rabbit hole, as long as they're together, they'll keep losing themselves and end up in risky situations.

The actress told Sarah Ellis (Inside Soap) that they had a "whirlwind relationship" and that viewers "love their history" but it would have been worrying had they remained together.

[13] O'Connor told a TV Week columnist that "there's a very high chance Dean could end up in jail if things turn sour.

O'Connor told Maddison Hockey (TV Week) that Dean is "so loyal to his River Boys" but knows he must make an exception and participate with the police sting to keep himself and Willow safe.

[28] The actor told Inside Soap's Ellis that Dean wants Karen back in his life because he feels she is the only person that he can be honest with.

[27] O'Connor told TV Week's Tamara Cullen that "after the crash, he realises that her being in the Bay in her current state will only cause more drama, his persistent requests for her to get help makes Karen become defensive.

The following morning Willow and Chelsea Campbell (Ashleigh Brewer) save both Dean and Karen, following this she is detained in a mental health facility.

[33] O'Connor told a reporter from New Idea that Dean never knew the identity of his father because Karen kept it a secret following a deal she had made with the man.

He thanked the show's crew and fans on his social media, writing "Well my friends my time as a river boy has come to an end.

[36] On 13 October 2024, Jade Brown of Digital Spy confirmed O'Connor would be reprising his role, along with Dillman for a storyline airing in 2025.

[37] Of his return to Home and Away, O'Connor commented "I can't wait for the action, and for fans to see this storyline play out.

"[37] A TV Week reporter believed that Dean had "remarkably similar traits" to the original River Boy leader Brax.

[38] While Maddison Hockey said that TV Week staff had been eagerly anticipating Dean's arrival ever since Home and Away released the first teaser trailer featuring him.

"[14] His colleague Claire Crick opined that "Dean Thompson hasn't made a lot of friends since arriving in Summer Bay.

"[11] Penelope Baker from Soap World said that "hottie Patrick O'Connor has had us enthralled for months as the scheming Dean Thompson, Summer Bay's new favourite bad boy.

"[41] Fellow Soap World writer John Burfitt said "this man is never afraid of a fight and doesn't care who it's with – as long as he gets his own way."

[42] Seth Adamson from TV Soap said that Dean and Colby were the next generation of the River Boys and "that clash is sure to make for some potent drama.

"[43] In the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards, O'Connor was nominated for "Best Soap Newcomer"; he came in thirteenth place with 1.8% of the total votes.