Home and Away kicks off emotional final storyline for Lynne McGranger’s Irene Roberts

After more than three decades on Home and Away, Australian actress Lynne McGranger is preparing to say goodbye to Summer Bay, with Channel 7 confirming that her final storyline is now underway.

McGranger, who has played Irene Roberts since 1993, is the longest-serving female cast member in the show’s history. Her departure will mark the end of an era for the long-running soap.

Described by 7 as “the television event 33 years in the making,” Irene’s exit storyline is expected to be one of the most emotional in the show’s history. In recent episodes, the character has shown signs of memory issues, including a concerning moment where she forgot she was babysitting baby Archie and nearly left him home alone.

With longtime friend John Palmer (Shane Withington) by her side, Irene courageously visits Dr Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin) to get the answers she’s been avoiding.

Channel 7 has confirmed that Irene’s diagnosis will spark a wave of support from Summer Bay’s tight-knit residents, setting the stage for a deeply moving farewell that’s already being described as “unmissable.”

 

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Earlier this year, McGranger announced her plans to bid farewell to Summer Bay.

In a statement, McGranger thanked her fans as she made the “bittersweet” announcement to step away from her much-loved role.

“After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life,” McGranger said in a statement.

“I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay. Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support.”