Few stars have become as synonymous with Home and Away as Lynne McGranger. For more than three decades, she has portrayed the much-loved Irene Roberts, cementing her place as one of Summer Bay’s longest-serving residents.

But behind the bright lights of the Logies and the comfort of a beloved soap role, McGranger has also endured deeply personal battles—ones that have shaped her outlook on life and health.

Recently, while working with the Cancer Council on a nationwide campaign, the actress broke down in tears as she reflected not only on her own health journey but also on the serious illness of

a longtime co-star, a moment that left fans shaken and deeply moved.

A New Role, a Powerful Mission

Though her career continues to thrive on Home and Away, Lynne McGranger has now stepped into a new role off-screen—advocate. Teaming up with the Cancer Council, she is fronting a campaign encouraging Australians over the age of 50 to take part in the national bowel cancer screening program.

Her message is simple yet urgent: a two-minute test could save your life.

But in telling her story, McGranger could not help but be overwhelmed with emotion. Recalling milestones in her life—her Logie-nominated career, her daughter Clancy’s wedding, and the hope of one day becoming a grandmother—she also spoke candidly about the pain of watching a co-star face a harrowing health battle. It was here that the tears flowed, her vulnerability reminding fans that even the most seasoned performers are not immune to fear and grief.

The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

McGranger admitted that she wasn’t always vigilant about her own health. In fact, despite turning 50 two decades ago, she only took her first bowel screening test last year at nearly 70.

“I took it for the first time last year, and it was such a weight off my shoulders to know I’d done something so easy to contribute positively to my health,” she confessed. “My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”

The reason for this newfound determination? The looming milestones she didn’t want to miss—her daughter Clancy’s wedding, holidays with her partner Paul, and the dream of holding future grandchildren. But it was also triggered by tragedy closer to home: the loss of her father to cancer in 2005, and the ongoing health scares among friends and colleagues in the Home and Away family.

Tears for a Co-Star

During a recent campaign interview, Lynne’s voice cracked as she recalled a co-star’s serious illness—a battle that rocked not only her personally but also the close-knit cast of the soap. She described the devastation of watching someone she had worked alongside for decades suddenly face a terrifying diagnosis.

“It just stopped me in my tracks,” she admitted, wiping away tears. “You think you have all the time in the world with people, but then something like this happens, and you realize how fragile everything is.”

While she chose to protect her colleague’s privacy by not naming them outright, her emotion said everything. Fans immediately connected the dots, remembering several Home and Away stars who have courageously spoken out about their health battles in recent years. Lynne’s breakdown was a raw reminder that the cast isn’t just a workplace—they’re a family.

Milestones and Memories

As part of the Cancer Council campaign, McGranger took a nostalgic tour through her life. She proudly displayed her 1974 Wagga Wagga Drama Festival trophy, shared stories from her time with the Murray River Performing Group—where she first met her partner Paul—and laughed about her days performing with the Sensational Spangles, a 60s-inspired rock and roll troupe.

Then came the photos of Clancy, the daughter she and Paul welcomed in 1991. This year, Lynne beamed with pride as Clancy walked down the aisle, a milestone that hit even harder knowing how fragile life can be.

“We’re hoping we’ll be grandparents before we lose our marbles!” she joked through her tears. “But seriously, moments like these are why I’m so passionate about this campaign. None of it would be possible if I wasn’t here and healthy.”

A Candid Confession

In true Lynne fashion, she did not sugarcoat her story.

“I’m not proud of the fact that it took me so long,” she admitted. “I’m not some goody-two-shoes who has been doing it from the moment I turned 50. I haven’t. But when I finally did it, and the result came back all clear, I was thrilled to bits.”

She stressed the importance of early detection, pointing out that bowel cancer, if caught early, has a 90 percent success rate of treatment.

From Irene Roberts to Real-Life Role Model

For fans, Irene Roberts has long been the heart and soul of Summer Bay—a woman who survived her own fictional struggles with addiction, trauma, and family heartbreak. Now, Lynne McGranger is channeling that same resilience into real life.

“I gave up smoking after Dad died of cancer in 2005,” she revealed. “That was a big one for me. From there, I started exercising regularly, eating well, and being more mindful. But this campaign has given me an even bigger purpose. It’s not just about me anymore—it’s about saving lives.”

A Nationwide Plea

With bowel cancer screening participation rates shockingly low at around 40 percent, McGranger hopes her honesty—and yes, her tears—will make a difference.

“The test takes two minutes. I love the hashtag Get2It, because it takes two minutes, it’s a Number Two, and you do it over two consecutive days. It’s simple, it’s hygienic, and it could save your life.”

Her words, though laced with humor, carried a weight that no fan could ignore. After all, this was not just Lynne the actress speaking. This was Lynne the mother, the partner, the colleague—and the woman who had cried for her friend.

A Legacy Beyond Summer Bay

As she prepares for Christmas with her family, an overseas holiday next May, and whatever surprises life throws next, Lynne McGranger remains determined to use her platform for good.

“Being part of Home and Away has given me so much, but this—helping people take charge of their health—might be the most important role I’ll ever play,” she said.

Her message was clear: life is fragile, milestones matter, and health cannot be taken for granted.

And as fans watched her tears fall when recalling her co-star’s illness, one thing became painfully obvious—Summer Bay’s most enduring star has never been more human, more relatable, or more inspiring.