Summer Bay is bracing for a deeply emotional week as Home and Away explores the heart-wrenching journey of Irene Roberts, whose life takes a dramatic turn following her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

In episodes airing 8–12 September 2025 on Channel 5 UK, Irene shocks her friends—and viewers—by revealing her bold plan to leave Summer Bay and travel the world, leaving longtime companions struggling

to reconcile their love for her with her fiercely independent spirit.

Irene’s Determined Decision

For decades, Irene has been the anchor of Summer Bay, supporting generations of locals through heartbreak, celebrations, and everyday life. But her recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis has forced her to confront her own mortality, prompting deep reflection on what she wants from the time she has left. In the week’s episodes, viewers see Irene taking proactive steps to put her affairs in order, signing over her half of the diner business and sorting through years of personal belongings.

When Jon calls over, he finds Irene meticulously organizing boxes of ornaments, trinkets, and keepsakes. Far from a casual clean-up, she explains she is preparing gifts for those she loves, ensuring that when the time comes, her friends and family won’t be burdened with the weight of her possessions. Jon is immediately concerned, sensing the gravity behind her actions. Word of Irene’s efforts soon reaches Leah Patterson, who visits Irene at her beach house.

A Gift That Speaks Volumes

During the visit, Irene surprises Leah with a cherished teapot, recounting how making tea in it helped her through her early recovery from alcoholism. It’s a deeply personal gesture, symbolizing the bond they share. While Leah accepts the gift with gratitude, she can’t help but feel uneasy at how readily Irene is parting with her possessions—a sign that Irene is moving toward a future far removed from the Bay.

The tension escalates when Marilyn joins Irene and Leah at the diner. Despite attempts to lighten the mood, Irene’s seriousness about decluttering and preparing for her departure is evident. Both Leah and Jon urge her to slow down, emphasizing that she doesn’t need to rush. Yet Irene remains resolute, asserting that she wants her friends’ support as she takes control of her own path, even if it means leaving the familiar world behind.

Memories, Reflection, and Emotional Bonds

Later, Irene sifts through old photographs, pausing on images of happier times, including Leah and Justin’s wedding day. These snapshots remind her of the life she’s built in Summer Bay, but also of the finite nature of her future. Jon, returning for another visit, reinforces his support but admits the difficulty of seeing Irene make such drastic changes. He worries about losing her too soon and pleads for her not to shut her friends out entirely.

The tension rises when Dana and Sunny arrive. Irene candidly explains that she could eventually be sent to a care facility and doesn’t want to burden anyone. In a moment of levity, Sunny cracks a joke about Irene’s memory, which surprisingly breaks through the tension. Irene laughs, the mood softening, and Sunny offers to help by taking some of her boxes to a charity shop—a small gesture that underscores the loyalty and affection she inspires in those around her.

A Postcard-Fueled Revelation

Later that evening, Sunny finds Irene poring over postcards collected from loved ones over the years, showcasing far-off destinations such as Paris, Lima, Hall, Long Bay, and Birmingham. It is a poignant reminder of the adventures Irene has dreamed of but never undertaken. Feeling a twinge of regret, she admits there are so many places she may never see.

Sunny challenges Irene, encouraging her to reclaim her freedom and live life on her own terms. Alzheimer’s may shape the circumstances of her life, but it does not have to dictate her choices. Inspired by his words, Irene spends the night reflecting on her desires, weighing the opportunity to experience the world while she still can against the comfort and familiarity of Summer Bay.

Irene’s Bombshell Announcement

By the following morning, Irene has made a bold decision. She informs Leah, Dana, and Sunny that she plans to sell her house and embark on a journey around the world, seizing control of her destiny while she still has the strength to do so. The revelation hits her friends like a thunderbolt. Leah and Dana struggle to process the news, their concern rooted in love and fear for Irene’s wellbeing. Surprisingly, Sunny endorses the decision, seeing it as a chance for her to live fully rather than be defined by illness—a perspective that leaves Dana conflicted and frustrated.

Determined to follow through, Irene dismisses her friends from the conversation, asserting her autonomy and winking at Sunny—a silent acknowledgment of his influence in her choice. Later, in the diner, the news spreads to Alf Stewart, who listens curiously as Sunny explains his role in inspiring Irene’s decision. Dana, initially upset, confronts Sunny, admonishing him for his “immaturity” in encouraging such a radical move. But her anger softens as she realizes her reaction stems from the deep affection she holds for Irene, seeing her as a maternal figure in her life.

Friends Struggle to Support Her

When Irene is later summoned to the diner, Alf and Leah confront her directly, expressing their fears and concerns. Irene bristles at what she perceives as an ambush, asserting that her decision is final. She gives them an ultimatum: support her journey or step aside. Though Leah and Alf remain uneasy, they begin to understand the seriousness of her resolve.

In a private moment at her home, Irene revisits her postcards, offering a more heartfelt explanation. She details her meticulous planning, the safeguards she has put in place, and her determination not to let her illness dictate her remaining years. She wants her departure to be remembered not as a surrender to Alzheimer’s, but as a celebration of life, adventure, and agency.

Themes of Independence and Courage

This storyline resonates on multiple levels, exploring themes of autonomy, courage, friendship, and the delicate balance between care and independence. Irene’s journey highlights the strength it takes to make difficult decisions, particularly when they impact loved ones. Her friends’ struggle to support her underscores the emotional complexity of witnessing someone you care about assert their right to live on their own terms.

Conclusion

The episodes airing 8–12 September 2025 promise a rollercoaster of emotions as Irene Roberts charts a new course for her life. From heartfelt gifts and nostalgic reflections to bold declarations of independence and passionate debates with friends, Summer Bay is a hive of tension, love, and drama.

Fans will be captivated by Irene’s journey, wondering whether Leah, Dana, and Alf can fully support her decision, and whether she will embark on her global adventure without regret. As always, Home and Away continues to deliver compelling narratives that combine personal struggle with community dynamics, proving once again why the show remains a cornerstone of British daytime drama.

Will Irene leave Summer Bay and fulfill her dream of traveling the world, or will her friends convince her to stay? The coming week promises answers—and heartbreaks—that viewers won’t want to miss.