For more than three decades, Lynne McGranger was one of the most recognisable faces on Australian television—a constant, comforting presence in Home and Away

as the formidable yet deeply compassionate Irene Roberts. Now, months after announcing her departure from the iconic soap, the 72-year-old actress has stunned fans

with a dramatic post-show transformation that symbolises not just a change in appearance, but the beginning of a powerful new chapter in her life.

When Lynne shared a recent selfie on Instagram, fans were quick to do a double take. Gone was the familiar, carefully styled look audiences had come to associate with Irene behind the counter of the diner. In its place was something far more striking: Lynne, radiant and relaxed, proudly showing off her natural grey hair, smiling with a sense of freedom that spoke volumes without a single word.

The image was accompanied by a heartfelt message that instantly resonated with her loyal fanbase. “Wishing all my lovely friends a wonderful 2026!” she wrote, before reflecting emotionally on the year she had just left behind. “Wow! What a year! So many highlights, so many lovely humans along the way. So many pinch-me moments, so much joy and love in my life. Forever grateful, never taking a single moment for granted.”

It was more than a New Year’s greeting. It felt like a farewell to one era—and a joyful embrace of another.

A New Look That Tells a Bigger Story

While Lynne’s silver hair quickly became the focus of fan chatter, the transformation runs far deeper than aesthetics. For many viewers, Irene Roberts was Home and Away. Fierce, flawed, warm-hearted, and endlessly resilient, Irene mirrored the very spirit of Summer Bay. For 33 years, Lynne poured herself into the role, shaping one of Australian television’s most enduring characters.

Now, stepping away from the demanding production schedule of a daily soap, Lynne’s new look feels symbolic. The grey hair is not a sign of stepping back—it’s a declaration of authenticity, confidence, and self-acceptance.

Fans flooded the comments with praise and admiration. “Love the hair—wow—you look stunning (as always),” one follower wrote. Another added simply, “You look gorgeous.” The response was immediate and overwhelming, a testament to the deep affection audiences still hold for the actress who shared so much of her life with them onscreen.

Saying Goodbye to Irene—and to Exhaustion

Lynne officially announced her departure from Home and Away in March 2025, a decision she revealed had been quietly forming for years. In candid interviews, she spoke openly about the physical and emotional toll of long-running television.

“It’s kind of been in my head for a few years,” she explained at the time. “I thought, ‘I’ve still got my health, my fitness,’ and I would like to branch out again and do some more theatre, maybe a bit of radio, a bit of stand-up comedy.”

Never one to shy away from humour, Lynne delivered the line that instantly made headlines: “You either leave voluntarily or leave in a box by the time you’re my age.”

Behind the joke was a very real truth. The grueling demands of Home and Away—including 14-hour days—had begun to weigh heavily. “I’m not going to live forever,” she admitted. “If you have a bad night’s sleep, you pay the price the next day. My body isn’t as resilient as it once was.”

Her decision to step away wasn’t driven by sadness or burnout alone, but by self-respect. It was about choosing health, longevity, and joy—values that echo strongly in her recent transformation.

The End of an Era in Summer Bay

Lynne’s departure marked the end of one of the most significant chapters in Home and Away history. Irene Roberts wasn’t just a character; she was a moral anchor. From her struggles with alcoholism and mental health to her unwavering loyalty to friends and found family, Irene’s journey reflected decades of storytelling that resonated across generations.

Her exit left an undeniable void in Summer Bay. For cast and crew alike, Lynne was more than a co-star—she was a mentor, a comedian between takes, and a steady presence through years of change.

As the show continues to evolve, fans are still adjusting to a version of Home and Away without Irene behind the diner counter, offering tough love and unexpected wisdom. And yet, Lynne’s post-show glow suggests she made the right choice—one rooted in timing, clarity, and courage.

A Career That Launched Legends

Over the course of her Home and Away tenure, Lynne worked alongside a staggering array of talent—many of whom went on to become global stars. She shared the screen with Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth long before Hollywood came calling, as well as with Samara Weaving, Tammin Sursok, Ryan Kwanten, and Isla Fisher.

For younger cast members, Lynne was often described as a grounding force—someone who understood the pressure of sudden fame and the discipline required to sustain a long career. Her longevity became a quiet lesson in itself: success isn’t always about leaving early, but about staying true to the work.

What Comes Next for Lynne McGranger?

With Home and Away now behind her, Lynne has made it clear she’s not retreating from creativity. Theatre, radio, comedy—projects she once had to decline are now firmly back on the table. Her recent Instagram message hinted at exactly that, wishing fans “peace and joy and wisdom and love—and just a smidge of excitement and adventure.”

That “smidge” feels intentional. Lynne isn’t chasing reinvention for reinvention’s sake. Instead, she’s allowing space for curiosity, rest, and creative freedom—luxuries rarely afforded to someone anchored to a daily television schedule.

A Transformation Rooted in Gratitude

Perhaps the most striking part of Lynne’s transformation isn’t her hair, her smile, or even her schedule—it’s her gratitude. Her message was filled with reflection, humility, and appreciation for every moment that led her here.

“Forever grateful, never taking a single moment for granted,” she wrote.

In an industry often obsessed with youth and reinvention, Lynne McGranger’s post-Home and Away evolution feels quietly revolutionary. It’s not about erasing the past, but honouring it—then stepping forward with confidence, authenticity, and joy.

And as fans continue to cheer her on, one thing is clear: while Irene Roberts may have left Summer Bay, Lynne McGranger’s presence in Australian entertainment is far from over.