After more than three decades of laughter, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments in Home and Away, beloved actress Lynne McGranger has finally revealed

the emotional truth behind her decision to say goodbye to Summer Bay — and it’s a revelation that has left fans in tears. For 33 years, McGranger embodied the spirited and compassionate Irene Roberts,

one of the soap’s most iconic and enduring characters. Her portrayal of the fiercely loyal diner owner turned foster mum became a cornerstone of the series, and her presence defined

Home and Away’s heart and soul. But when Irene’s final scenes aired in the UK last month, viewers were left wondering — why now? What could have prompted such a beloved star to walk away after a lifetime in the Bay?

Appearing on The Late Late Show on November 1st, Lynne opened up to host Patrick Healty about the heartbreaking truth behind her exit — and the reason was as raw and human as any storyline she’s ever played.

“To be honest, Patrick, it was coming for a while,” Lynne admitted with an emotional smile. “I was exhausted. Absolutely exhausted. Everyone says to me now, ‘You look so well,’ and I tell them, ‘That’s what giving up Home and Away does to you.’”

The actress revealed that the long working hours had finally caught up with her. After decades of filming under grueling schedules — sometimes up to 14-hour days — Lynne confessed that she simply couldn’t keep up anymore.

“It’s hard work. Wonderful, but hard. You can’t do that kind of schedule forever. I reached a point where I thought, ‘I’m too old for this.’”

Fans of the show know that Irene’s departure storyline was nothing short of heartbreaking. In her final episodes, Irene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating twist that sent shockwaves through the fictional town of Summer Bay. Rather than let the illness define her, Irene made the brave decision to travel the world, choosing to live out her remaining years with dignity, adventure, and freedom. It was a poignant farewell for a character who had always championed resilience and love.

“It was the perfect send-off,” Lynne reflected. “Irene’s story was full of heart, and I wanted her to leave on her own terms. The writers gave me that gift.”

But walking away from the show that had been her second home for over three decades wasn’t easy. McGranger described her final day on set as “bittersweet” — a whirlwind of hugs, tears, and laughter shared among castmates who had become her extended family.

“It was hard to walk away from my friends,” she said softly. “But the thing is, they’re still there. No one’s gone anywhere — we’re all still close.”

When asked which of her co-stars she remains in contact with, Lynne’s face lit up.

“I still chat with Ada Nicodemou, Shane Withington, Emily Symons, and of course, Ray Meagher — lovely Alf Stewart. We’ve shared a lifetime together, on and off-screen.”

Her bond with Ray Meagher, who has portrayed Alf since Home and Away began in 1988, remains one of the show’s most cherished friendships. The two became icons of the soap, representing its heart and humor for generations of fans.

Following her departure, Lynne released a heartfelt public statement reflecting on her journey, one filled with gratitude, nostalgia, and pride.

“After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day with people I love, respect, and now consider family, it’s bittersweet to close the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life,” she wrote. “I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers whose doors were always open for Irene. And above all, a massive heartfelt thank you to the fans — your love and support mean everything.”

Lynne’s departure marks the end of an era for Home and Away. Since joining the cast in 1993, she became a fan favorite, earning accolades and admiration for her ability to balance Irene’s fiery temper with her deep compassion. Whether she was taking in troubled teens, standing up to bullies, or dishing out wisdom at the diner, Irene Roberts was the moral compass of Summer Bay — flawed, funny, and fiercely human.

The emotional weight of her Alzheimer’s storyline made her exit even more powerful. The scenes where Irene confessed her diagnosis to her closest friends left fans sobbing, as the community rallied around her in true Home and Away fashion. The writers and Lynne worked closely to ensure the storyline honored those affected by the illness, portraying it with honesty and respect.

“I wanted it to feel real,” Lynne said. “So many families go through this. It wasn’t just a plot twist — it was a reflection of life, and that’s what Home and Away has always done best.”

As for what comes next, McGranger says she’s not retiring completely — just stepping away from the daily grind of soap life. She plans to spend more time with her family, travel, and possibly explore new acting opportunities on a more flexible schedule.

“I’m not done performing,” she teased. “But I want to do things at my own pace now. After 33 years, I think I’ve earned that.”

Fans around the world have flooded social media with messages of love and admiration for the actress who helped define Home and Away for a generation. Hashtags like #ThankYouLynne and #FarewellIrene have trended across platforms, with fans sharing their favorite Irene moments — from her tough-love parenting to her hilarious one-liners.

Even the show’s producers paid tribute to her legacy, calling Lynne “the beating heart of Summer Bay” and praising her for “bringing authenticity, warmth, and humor to every scene.”

As the sun sets on Irene’s chapter in Home and Away, one thing is certain — Lynne McGranger’s impact on the show, her castmates, and millions of viewers around the globe will never fade. Her departure may signal the end of an era, but her legacy as one of Australian television’s most beloved icons is forever secure.

“I’ll always carry a bit of Irene with me,” Lynne concluded with a smile. “She’s tough, loyal, and full of heart — and I like to think I am too.”

For fans who have grown up with Home and Away, this farewell is more than just the end of a storyline — it’s the closing of a chapter that shaped decades of television history. Irene Roberts may have left Summer Bay, but her spirit, laughter, and warmth will live on in every wave that crashes on its golden shores.