For nearly three decades, Irene Roberts has been a cornerstone of Home and Away, a figure whose unwavering compassion, grit, and resilience has anchored countless storylines in Summer Bay.

And for much of that time, the woman behind the character, Lynne McGranger, has been the beating heart of the show, portraying Irene with a combination of warmth, strength, and authenticity

that made her one of Australia’s most beloved television figures. But, as McGranger recently revealed, her enduring role was almost cut short—not by choice, but by a dramatic behind-the-scenes decision

that could have reshaped the landscape of Home and Away forever.

A Close Call with the Axe

In an interview with TVTonight, McGranger revealed that just a decade into her tenure on Home and Away, there were serious discussions about writing Irene out of the show. “In 2003 they were going to write Irene out,” she admitted. For fans of the series, the thought of losing Irene Roberts—a character who had become synonymous with guidance, maternal care, and unflinching honesty—was almost unthinkable.

Fortunately, creative intervention saved the day. Coral Druyn, one of the show’s leading writers at the time, fiercely defended the character. “Coral went, ‘No, you can’t. I’ve got a great storyline!’” McGranger recounted. Thanks to Druyn’s advocacy, Irene was spared, and the show instead found new narrative directions to explore with her. “She fought for me, for the character. They probably felt I’d been painted into a bit of a corner. Sometimes you run in the wrong direction, and that’s life, right? But don’t sit and flounder. Find something about the character,” McGranger added.

This intervention not only preserved Irene’s place in Summer Bay but arguably strengthened it. Over the years, Irene evolved into a character who could anchor both high drama and heartfelt storytelling, embodying the resilience and compassion that became a signature of the series itself.

Irene Roberts: A Character Beyond Compare

Irene Roberts has often been compared to other archetypes in Home and Away, yet McGranger is quick to clarify that her character transcends simple comparisons. “With Irene, she calls a spade a front end loader. And people might say, ‘That’s like a female Alf,’ but she’s more,” McGranger explained. The character is fiercely nurturing and caring, yet she maintains a sharp edge, never one to tolerate nonsense from anyone.

This combination of empathy and no-nonsense toughness made Irene a unique fixture in the Bay. From offering guidance to troubled teens to confronting family secrets head-on, Irene’s storylines provided both emotional depth and compelling drama. Over the decades, she became a symbol of stability in a world of constant soap opera chaos—a character fans could rely on no matter how unpredictable Summer Bay became.

Outrageous Storylines and Soap Opera Shenanigans

Of course, no long-running soap opera comes without its fair share of wild storylines, and Irene Roberts has certainly experienced her share of the bizarre. McGranger herself has looked back on some of the more outrageous plots with humor. From being stranded on a remote island to Ailsa Stewart witnessing Bobby’s ghost emerge from a fridge, Home and Away has certainly tested the limits of its characters’ credulity—and Irene has endured it all.

“We always joke and say, ‘You know they’ve run out of ideas if people start morphing through the white goods,’” McGranger laughed, reflecting on the absurdity of some past episodes. Yet even in these over-the-top moments, Irene’s grounded, practical nature has allowed the character to remain relatable, giving fans an anchor amid the chaos.

McGranger’s humor underscores the surreal nature of soap opera storytelling. Even after decades in Summer Bay, she can look back with a sense of fun and levity, acknowledging that the genre often pushes the boundaries of reality to deliver drama, suspense, and entertainment.

A Role That Could Have Gone Cosmic

While Irene’s journey has certainly been adventurous, there are some storylines McGranger never got to explore—some almost unthinkable for a character so firmly rooted in reality. “I never got abducted by aliens, which is a shame, because I think that would have been a great storyline,” she joked. Though clearly tongue-in-cheek, her comment highlights the playful and occasionally outrageous potential that Home and Away storylines can offer, even for long-established characters.

In truth, Irene’s enduring appeal lies precisely in the balance between grounded storytelling and the occasional foray into the soap opera’s signature melodrama. Fans have loved her not only for her empathy and wisdom but also for her resilience in the face of increasingly dramatic twists and turns.

Legacy and Departure

After nearly 33 years in the role, McGranger finally decided it was time to leave Home and Away, marking the end of an era for both the actor and the show. Irene Roberts’ exit, like her life in Summer Bay, has been a mix of emotional resonance and thoughtful storytelling. From tackling social issues to navigating personal crises, her character’s legacy is as rich as it is impactful.

For McGranger, leaving was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal one. She has spent the majority of her adult life portraying Irene, and her departure represents both the culmination of decades of storytelling and the start of a new chapter. Yet even as she steps away, the character’s influence on the show—and on Australian television more broadly—cannot be overstated.

Reflection and Gratitude

Looking back on her time in Summer Bay, McGranger speaks with warmth and gratitude. The fight to preserve Irene Roberts in 2003 was only the beginning of a long journey filled with challenges, laughter, and unforgettable moments. “Sometimes you run in the wrong direction, and that’s life, right? But don’t sit and flounder. Find something about the character,” she reflected. This philosophy has guided her through decades of storytelling, helping to create a character who is as enduring as she is beloved.

For fans, Irene Roberts has always represented more than just a fictional character; she embodies care, courage, and the capacity to navigate life’s complexities with dignity. McGranger’s portrayal has given audiences a character who is unwavering in her principles, yet deeply human in her vulnerabilities—a rare and cherished combination in any long-running drama.

Looking Ahead

As Home and Away moves forward without its longest-serving female star, the legacy of Irene Roberts will continue to influence the series. Her impact on the Bay, her relationships with other characters, and her role in defining the tone of the show over decades will not be easily replaced. While McGranger may have left the set, her presence remains in the stories, memories, and hearts of fans.

In the end, the decision to save Irene Roberts in 2003 was more than just a writer defending a character—it was a pivotal moment that allowed one of Australian television’s most enduring figures to flourish. From dramatic rescues to emotional confrontations and even the occasional ghostly encounter, Irene Roberts has become a symbol of Home and Away’s rich history.

And though McGranger’s final scenes mark the end of her tenure, the character she fought to protect will forever remain a legend in Summer Bay. As fans bid farewell to Irene, they can take comfort in knowing that, thanks to those crucial decisions behind the scenes, her presence will continue to resonate long after the cameras stop rolling.