In a night celebrating the pinnacle of Australian television, the 2025 Logie Awards saw a beloved veteran of the small screen, Lynne McGranger, clinch two of the most coveted accolades, cementing her status as one of Australia’s most popular and enduring personalities. McGranger, renowned for her iconic portrayal of Irene Roberts on the long-running Seven Network drama Home and Away, took home the prestigious TV WEEK Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, alongside the TV WEEK Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama. These wins underscore her immense popularity with the Australian public and highlight the enduring appeal of the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay.
The Logie Awards, Australia’s equivalent of the Emmy Awards, hold significant weight in the industry, particularly the “Most Popular” categories, which are voted on by the public. For McGranger to win both the overall Most Popular Personality award and the Best Lead Actress in a Drama award, nominated against a strong field of talent including Alycia Debnam-Carey, Anna Samson, Anna Torv, Ayesha Madon, and Kaitlyn Dever, is a testament to her profound connection with audiences over her three decades on Home and Away. Her victory over other popular nominees for the Gold Logie, such as Hamish Blake, Julia Morris, and Sonia Kruger, speaks volumes about the affection Australians hold for her and her character.
Lynne McGranger’s journey as Irene Roberts began in 1993, and since then, she has become an undeniable cornerstone of the Home and Away narrative. Irene, initially introduced as a troubled character battling alcoholism and a complicated past, has evolved into the warm, albeit feisty, matriarch of Summer Bay. Her character’s transformation from a woman struggling with personal demons to a pillar of the community, renowned for her unwavering loyalty, sharp wit, and nurturing spirit, is a testament to McGranger’s nuanced portrayal. She is often seen as the surrogate mother figure to countless Summer Bay youngsters, offering a safe haven and dispensing tough love in equal measure from her beloved Beach House and, famously, The Diner.
Over the years, Irene Roberts has been at the heart of some of Home and Away’s most memorable and dramatic storylines. From her battles with addiction and her fraught relationships with her biological children, Fin and Damian, to fostering and guiding numerous troubled teens like Chloe Richards, Will Smith, Belle Taylor, and Gypsy Nash, Irene has navigated an emotional landscape that few characters can match. McGranger has masterfully portrayed Irene’s resilience through health scares, including cancer and a brain aneurysm, and her steadfast support for friends facing their own crises. Her enduring friendship with Leah Patterson-Baker and Marilyn Chambers, and her often-hilarious clashes with Alf Stewart, provide much of the show’s beloved comedic relief and heart.
The depth and authenticity McGranger brings to Irene have allowed the character to resonate deeply with audiences. She embodies the quintessential Australian spirit – down-to-earth, resilient, and always there for her mates. Viewers have watched Irene grow, stumble, recover, and consistently offer a comforting presence in the turbulent world of Summer Bay. This consistent, empathetic performance over such an extended period is undoubtedly a key factor in her Logie success. It speaks to the power of a character who feels like a genuine, familiar presence in millions of homes.
Home and Away itself holds a unique place in the landscape of Australian television. Debuting in 1988, it has become one of the longest-running and most successful drama series globally, captivating audiences in Australia and internationally. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Palm Beach (the real-life “Summer Bay”), the show masterfully blends escapism with relatable, character-driven drama. It tackles contemporary social issues, from mental health and addiction to domestic violence and youth homelessness, often presenting them through the lens of a close-knit community. While known for its dramatic cliffhangers and ever-rotating cast of young, attractive actors, the show’s enduring success lies in its foundation of strong, relatable characters like Irene Roberts, and the sense of family and community that permeates every storyline.
Beyond its entertainment value, Home and Away has also served as a launchpad for numerous Australian talents who have gone on to achieve international stardom. Actors like Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, Naomi Watts, Guy Pearce, Ryan Kwanten, and the late Heath Ledger all honed their craft in Summer Bay before making their mark on Hollywood. This legacy further elevates the show’s standing and underlines the quality of its production and the calibre of its cast, including its veterans like McGranger.
The Logie Awards ceremony also recognised emerging talent from Home and Away. Hailey Pinto, who portrays Iluka Hudson, the sister of Mali Hudson, was nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. While the award ultimately went to Guy Montgomery for Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee, Pinto’s nomination signifies that Home and Away continues to introduce fresh faces who capture the attention of the viewing public. It demonstrates the show’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new acting prowess and maintaining its relevance for a new generation of viewers.
Lynne McGranger’s double Logie win is not just a personal triumph; it’s a profound validation of Home and Away’s enduring cultural impact and its ability to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling and beloved characters. In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, the show continues to be a staple for many, offering a blend of comfort, drama, and compelling performances. McGranger’s portrayal of Irene Roberts stands as a testament to the power of a well-developed character and the consistent, dedicated performance of an actor who has truly become synonymous with her role. Her victories at the 2025 Logie Awards stand as a shining highlight for the show and a warm acknowledgement of an Australian television icon.
