Next week on Home and Away in the UK, fans are in for a heart-wrenching and inspiring storyline as Irene grapples with life-changing decisions following her devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

The usually steadfast Summer Bay resident has her mind set on leaving the Bay to travel the world—but will her friends support her bold new path, or will they try to hold her back?

The tension begins to simmer as Irene takes decisive steps to put her affairs in order. Having recently signed over her half of the beloved diner business after two decades, she wastes no time organizing

her personal belongings. When Jon drops by next week, he finds Irene meticulously sorting through boxes of ornaments and trinkets. Initially thinking she’s having a garage sale, Jon soon learns that Irene’s intentions are far more meaningful. She’s carefully selecting gifts for the people who have been integral to her life, wanting to leave them with cherished memories rather than heaps of clutter.

Though Irene treasures her past and the memories tied to each item, her focus is on the future. She’s determined to declutter and ensure that her loved ones are not burdened later. Jon’s concern for Irene’s well-being quickly spreads, prompting Leah to visit the beach house herself. The timing is perfect for Irene, who surprises Leah with a carefully chosen gift—a teapot. She explains that making tea was what helped her through her initial recovery from alcoholism, and she wants Leah to have it as a symbol of their enduring bond. While Leah accepts the gift, she can’t hide her unease over how freely Irene is parting with her possessions, recognizing the deeper implications of this decision.

As the group heads to the diner, Marilyn attempts to lighten the mood, but Irene’s seriousness about putting her life in order is unmistakable. Leah and Jon protest gently, reminding her there’s no need to rush, but Irene is resolute. She asks for their support in her choices, and while they agree, none of them feel truly at ease with the impending changes. Later, as Irene flicks through old photographs, memories of happier times, including Leah and Justin’s wedding day, bring a wistful smile to her face, highlighting the emotional weight of her journey.

When Jon returns, he reassures Irene that he will back her decisions, but his concern is evident. He admits he can’t bear the thought of losing her sooner than necessary and pleads with her not to shut her friends out entirely. The stakes heighten when Dana arrives home with Sunny. Jon continues to express his worry about how much Irene is clearing out, while Irene candidly tells both Jon and Dana that she may soon be sent to a care home and doesn’t want to be a burden on anyone.

Sunny, always a source of levity, attempts to break the tension with a playful joke about Irene’s memory. The strategy works—much to Jon and Dana’s astonishment, Irene laughs, easing the strained atmosphere. Sunny then offers to help by taking some boxes to the charity shop, demonstrating the power of humor and support in moments of emotional stress.

That evening, Sunny discovers Irene immersed in her collection of postcards from friends and family around the world, from Paris and Lima to Halong Bay and Birmingham. As she laments all the places she may never visit, Sunny challenges her to reconsider. He emphasizes that her illness should not dictate the boundaries of her life and encourages her to seize the freedom she still has. His words resonate deeply with Irene, prompting a period of reflection that will lead to life-altering decisions.

The following morning, Irene acts on Sunny’s advice, stunning Leah, Dana, and Sunny by announcing that she has decided to sell her house and embark on a global adventure while she still can. Her friends are initially thrown, grappling with the reality of her plan. Dana is particularly taken aback, while Sunny continues to voice his support, much to Dana’s frustration. Irene overhears their reactions and, asserting her independence, asks them to leave so she can continue preparing for her journey. With a cheeky wink to Sunny, she makes it clear that this trip is entirely her own choice.

Later, the friends reconvene at the diner, sharing Irene’s announcement with Alf. Predictably, Alf is curious about the source of her sudden inspiration. Sunny admits he played a role in encouraging her, prompting Dana to confront him about taking matters into his own hands. Though initially scolding Sunny for his immaturity, Dana eventually softens, acknowledging that her protective feelings for Irene may have clouded her judgment. In the end, she vows to spend as much time with Irene as possible before her departure, reaffirming the deep bond between them.

Irene’s next visit to the diner brings a tense confrontation with Alf and Leah. The two friends voice their concerns about her decision, attempting to persuade her to reconsider. But Irene is unwavering, warning them not to ambush her and making it clear that her mind is made up. She tells them plainly that they can either support her or step aside. Later, when they visit her at home, the atmosphere softens. Irene explains her plans more openly, assuring her friends that she is taking precautions to ensure her trip is safe and well-organized. Her goal is not reckless adventure, but a purposeful exploration of life while she still has the autonomy to make choices.

Irene’s announcement is both bold and poignant. She refuses to sit idly in Summer Bay, waiting for her condition to worsen, and is determined not to allow Alzheimer’s to define her remaining years. Instead, she wants to experience the world on her own terms, leaving behind memories of the life she has lived and the friends who have supported her along the way.

Leah and Alf remain uneasy, yet they begin to see the seriousness of Irene’s decision. It’s clear that this is not a fleeting whim but a deeply considered plan to live life fully despite her diagnosis. Fans can expect emotional scenes as Irene navigates the challenges of preparing for a life-changing journey while balancing her deep connections to the people who have been central to her life in Summer Bay.

Next week’s episodes promise a rollercoaster of emotion—loyalty, love, concern, and courage all collide as Irene sets the stage for a personal adventure that will redefine her story. Will John and Irene’s friends ultimately be able to support her decision? Can Irene maintain her independence while managing the realities of her illness? And most importantly, how will her bold choice affect the dynamic of Summer Bay?

One thing is certain: Irene’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, showing that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can pursue adventure, connection, and self-determination. Home and Away fans will not want to miss these pivotal episodes that explore friendship, love, and the courage to take control of one’s life.