After an iconic three-decade tenure, Home and Away is preparing to bid a poignant farewell to one of its most beloved characters, Irene Roberts, portrayed by the formidable Lynne McGranger. Lynne, who took over the role in 1993 after Jacqy Phillips originated the character in 1991, has been a central figure in Summer Bay life for an astonishing 32 years, guiding Irene through countless dramas, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Her departure marks a significant moment in the show’s history, resonating deeply with long-time viewers who have watched Irene evolve from a troubled past to a pillar of strength and compassion in the community. This emotional exit follows Lynne McGranger’s recent, well-deserved recognition at Australia’s prestigious TV Week Logie Awards, where she proudly took home the Gold Logie and the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama, a testament to her enduring talent and the character’s immense impact.
The catalyst for Irene’s heartbreaking decision to leave Summer Bay stems from a recent and devastating Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. The onset of the illness manifested through a series of concerning memory lapses, initially dismissed but progressively worsening. A particularly alarming incident saw Irene find herself disoriented in her garden in the middle of the night, dressed only in her nightie, with no recollection of how she got there or what she was doing. Encouraged by her devoted friend John Palmer (Shane Withington), Irene finally sought medical attention. Further instances, such as forgetting appointments and plans with friends, underscored the gravity of her situation. The terrifying peak of her memory struggles arrived when she nearly left baby Archie, Harper (Jessica Redmayne)’s child, unattended in the house while babysitting, a moment that crystallized the severe impact of her condition.
A trip to Northern Districts Hospital, where Dr. Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin) conducted a lumbar puncture, provided an initial indication of a potential diagnosis. This was tragically confirmed after Irene and John travelled to the city for a specialist appointment with a neurologist. In the weeks following the terrible news, Irene valiantly attempted to carry on with her life as normal, driven by a characteristic resilience that has defined her character for decades. However, the rapidly progressing nature of the disease made it brutally clear that a return to her former life was simply impossible. The fear of forgetting those she held dear, and the precious memories they shared, prompted her to begin the heartbreaking task of writing names on the back of all her treasured photographs, a desperate attempt to preserve the connections that defined her existence.
With gentle encouragement from John, Irene tearfully shared her devastating news with her best friend and business partner, Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou). This difficult confession was swiftly followed by a pragmatic, albeit painful, decision: to sell her share of the iconic Pier Diner to Leah, not wanting to become a burden as her condition inevitably deteriorated. Yet, perhaps the most significant and shocking announcement came when Irene revealed her plan to sell her beloved beach house and leave Summer Bay altogether. This bold choice was born from a profound realization during a conversation with the charismatic Sonny (Ryan Bown), who had lifted her spirits with a night of music and dancing. Irene decided that she wanted to seize the precious time she had left while her memory still served her, to travel the world and reconnect with old friends before they, too, faded from her mind. “I wanna see old friends while I still remember them,” she explained, encapsulating the poignant urgency of her decision.
The decision to put her house on the market sent ripples of shock through the community, particularly for her current lodgers, Harper and Dana (Ally Harris), who faced an uncertain future. The beach house, a cornerstone of Irene’s life and a symbolic haven for many over the years, is poised to welcome new custodians in the form of Sergeant David Langham (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor) and his daughter Jo (Maddison Brown), signifying a profound shift in the fabric of Summer Bay.
Naturally, Irene’s closest friends – John, Leah, and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) – initially tried their best to dissuade her from such a drastic plan. They reminded her of the practical implications: by selling her house, she would lose her base to return to, and crucially, she would need the financial security for her future care. However, Irene remained resolute, her determination to live life on her own terms unwavering. Faced with her conviction, her friends eventually came to accept her plan, recognizing the deeply personal nature of her choice. Leah, Justin Morgan (James Stewart), and Theo Poulos (Matt Evans) rallied around her, offering their unwavering support and pitching in to help her meticulously plan her grand adventure. Her world tour is set to begin in Cyprus, where she plans to visit her granddaughter Luc, who lives there with her adoptive father, VJ. From there, Irene intends to embark on a journey across the globe, visiting other cherished friends and reliving precious memories.
The only person who struggled profoundly to come to terms with Irene’s impending departure was John. Their bond, built over years of shared experiences, laughter, and quiet companionship, made the prospect of losing her almost unbearable. He grappled with denial, unable to articulate the words to say goodbye, risking wasting the precious few moments they had left. As the days counted down, with the house sold and her departure imminent, Irene, acutely aware of her failing memory, made the final “shock announcement” of her departure within days.
The beach house, once a bustling hub of activity, was left eerily empty as her friends gathered to help her pack, a stark visual representation of the impending void. The only object remaining in the living room was the planning board, a testament to the dreams and support that propelled her forward. Determined to leave Summer Bay with joy rather than sorrow, Irene declared, “Let’s have a party. A real rip-snorter,” aiming for a celebration of life rather than a mournful farewell. Leah and Alf, aided by Justin and Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), swiftly organized a heartfelt celebratory event by the beach, inviting the entire community to come together and send off their beloved friend in style.
Yet, one key figure remained conspicuously absent: John. Overwhelmed by the thought of saying goodbye, he chose to pretend Irene wasn’t leaving, a coping mechanism that threatened to isolate him from her final moments in the Bay. “I don’t know how to say goodbye,” he confessed, “Don’t have the words.” The farewell party was filled with emotional speeches, laughter, and even a special musical performance by Justin and Theo, marking a poignant tribute to Irene’s enduring spirit. Lynne McGranger herself revealed the intense emotional toll of filming these final scenes. “Our last scenes were incredibly difficult but rich,” she shared with TV Week. “Ada was sobbing and Shane, I think, is still in denial! They were the hardest to tell that I was leaving, but I know we’ll always be friends beyond Home and Away.” Fortunately, a promo released by the Seven network offered a glimpse of hope, showing that John would indeed ultimately overcome his denial and join the community to bid a tearful farewell to Irene.
Lynne McGranger also reflected on the broader significance of her character and the show itself. “We think we’re just making a bit of telly, but I’ve realised that in some ways, this is a lifeline for people,” she observed. “Irene has had an impact on people, which is a huge honour and responsibility. I’m so grateful for everyone.” Her words underscore the profound connection between the show, its characters, and the loyal audience who have welcomed Home and Away into their lives for decades. As Summer Bay prepares to say goodbye to a legend after 33 years, there are bound to be plenty of tears, but also a celebration of a life well-lived and a character who will forever remain etched in the hearts of viewers. Irene Roberts’ final episode on Home and Away is scheduled to air on Tuesday, August 19th, in Australia, with UK viewers seeing her farewell in early October. Her departure marks the end of a truly remarkable era, but the legacy of Irene Roberts, and the incredible performance of Lynne McGranger, will undoubtedly endure.
