It’s the end of an extraordinary chapter in Australian television history. After more than three decades of laughter, tears, and unforgettable drama, Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger has bid farewell to Summer Bay.

Known to millions as the straight-talking, big-hearted Irene Roberts, McGranger has confirmed her decision to leave the soap after an astounding 32 years — making her the show’s longest-serving female cast member.

Her departure is nothing short of monumental. Irene’s journey has been one of the most layered and impactful arcs in the series, as the character battled alcoholism, survived cancer, faced attempted murder charges,

and, in her final storyline, confronted the devastating reality of Alzheimer’s disease. Irene’s exit has been crafted not just as a farewell for the character but as a poignant tribute to an actress who gave her heart and soul to one role for over three decades.

Why Lynne Decided to Say Goodbye

For McGranger, the decision to leave wasn’t sudden — it had been building for years.

“I’d been thinking about it for a year or two,” she admitted. “Maybe it was time to change direction, do a bit of theatre, not to get up at 4 a.m. and film in the rain.”

Her love for live performance has always been at the core of her career. Before Home and Away, McGranger made her name on stage, and stepping back into theatre recently reignited that passion. Touring with The Grandparents Club reminded her of the thrill of live audiences and the roots of her craft.

“I missed theatre,” she explained simply. “That’s where I started, and that’s where I want to be again.”

A Storyline That Matters

When it came to Irene’s final storyline, McGranger herself played a critical role in shaping the exit. Wanting something impactful, she suggested an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for her beloved character.

“Everyone knows somebody dealing with it, or has been diagnosed themselves,” she said. “It’s more common than ever, yet to my knowledge, it hadn’t been explored much on Australian television.”

The idea was deeply personal, too. McGranger’s colleague Jessica Redmayne shared her own family’s heartbreaking journey, as her mother was diagnosed in her mid-50s. Jessica’s experiences became a cornerstone of McGranger’s research, ensuring Irene’s story was handled with the utmost respect and authenticity.

“I wanted to do it justice,” McGranger insisted. “I haven’t had to deal with Alzheimer’s in my own family, so I relied on speaking to people, listening to their stories, and reading everything I could.”

A Gentle Farewell

What makes Irene’s exit particularly powerful is its balance of heartbreak and hope. Rather than show Irene’s deterioration on screen, the writers opted for a more uplifting ending.

In her final scenes, Irene makes the brave decision to leave Summer Bay to travel the world before her condition worsens, handing over the iconic diner to her long-time friend Leah.

McGranger explained: “I had suggested Alzheimer’s, but the producers wanted to give it a rosy ending. They didn’t want to traumatize viewers. The message is: who’s to say a treatment isn’t just around the corner? Anything is possible.”

This blend of realism and optimism ensures Irene’s legacy isn’t one of despair, but of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of life’s joys despite adversity.

The Hardest Goodbyes

Filming her final weeks was an emotional minefield. For McGranger, one scene stood out above the rest: signing the diner over to Leah.

“Me and Ada [Nicodemou] couldn’t stop crying,” she recalled. “We spent the last month crying in almost every scene. When Irene told Leah and John about her diagnosis, it was heartbreaking for all of us — both as actors and as friends.”

After 32 years, saying goodbye to castmates wasn’t just about wrapping a storyline. It was about leaving a family.

Never Meant to Stay So Long

When McGranger first joined the cast back in 1992, she expected it to be a temporary role.

“I thought it was three months,” she laughed. “My daughter Clancy was only 20 months old. Then they asked me to stay another six months, then another year. My husband Paul even left his job to look after Clancy. And somehow, it just kept going… and going.”

No one could have predicted that those “few months” would turn into 32 years, cementing Irene as a cornerstone of Home and Away.

Irene: Flawed, Fierce, and Loved

So why has Irene been such a fan favorite for over three decades? McGranger believes it’s because of her flaws.

“She’s capable of anything at any time,” McGranger explained. “She almost bludgeoned someone to death who invaded her home, then she was up on attempted murder charges! But she was also never afraid to admit when she was wrong. People identify with that.”

Irene was never perfect, but she was real. She was the mother figure, the friend, the fighter — a character audiences could root for because she reflected the messy, unpredictable nature of life itself.

McGranger even confessed she could see herself being friends with Irene in real life: “She reminds me of a mate of mine. She calls a spade a spade, and I admire that. I’m more circumspect — I don’t like confrontation, whereas Irene thrives on it. But I think we’d get on.”

What’s Next for Lynne

So what comes after three decades in Summer Bay? For McGranger, the future is filled with exciting possibilities. She’s eager to dive back into theatre, exploring roles that challenge her in new ways and reconnect her with live audiences.

At the same time, she isn’t ruling out television entirely. “I’ll always be open to new projects,” she teased. “But right now, I’m ready for a new chapter.”

The End of an Era

On Wednesday, October 1st, viewers will see Irene Roberts take her final bow on Home and Away. For fans, it will be a moment heavy with nostalgia, grief, and gratitude.

Irene has been more than just a character — she’s been a companion. Audiences have grown up with her, cried with her, and cheered for her victories. Lynne McGranger’s decision to leave after 32 years isn’t just the end of a role. It’s the closing of one of television’s greatest legacies.

As Irene steps out of Summer Bay for the last time, one thing is certain: her spirit, her strength, and her signature no-nonsense attitude will live on in the hearts of fans forever.