Fans of Home and Away were left stunned, confused, and deeply upset this week after false reports circulated online claiming that beloved Australian actress

Lyn Collingwood had died. The alarming rumor spread rapidly across social media platforms, particularly Facebook, prompting an outpouring of grief

from viewers who believed they were mourning one of Summer Bay’s most cherished icons.

For many fans, the supposed news felt like the loss of a family member. Messages of heartbreak and disbelief flooded comment sections. “Oh no, RIP,” one devastated viewer wrote. Another lamented that Home and Away “was never the same after she left,” echoing the enduring affection audiences still hold for the actress decades after her final appearance on the show.

But there was one major problem with the viral story: Lyn Collingwood is very much alive.

A Startling Discovery

The actress herself was as shocked as anyone to learn she had apparently passed away. According to the hoax, Collingwood had died quietly at home following a long illness — a claim that was entirely fabricated. In reality, the veteran performer, now in her 80s, is healthy, active, and very much enjoying life.

Responding with trademark wit and warmth, Collingwood quickly shut down the rumors. “No, I’m not dead,” she confirmed cheerfully in an interview. “It’s going to happen one day, but not yet. I’ve been throwing back red wine, but I’m still here.”

Her lighthearted response reassured fans, but the incident raised serious concerns about how easily misinformation can spread — and how distressing it can be, both for the public and for those targeted by such hoaxes.

Fans React: Relief, Anger, and Gratitude

Once the truth emerged, fans expressed overwhelming relief that the reports were false. However, that relief was quickly followed by frustration and anger over how such misinformation could circulate unchecked.

For many longtime viewers, Lyn Collingwood isn’t just an actress — she represents a formative era of Home and Away. Her portrayal of Colleen Smart, affectionately known as “Stickybeak Colleen,” remains one of the show’s most iconic performances. The thought of losing her, even falsely, struck a deeply emotional chord.

Social media quickly pivoted from mourning to celebration, with fans posting tributes not to mark her passing, but to honor her legacy. Messages poured in thanking her for decades of laughter, warmth, and unforgettable moments in Summer Bay.

A Legend of Australian Television

Lyn Collingwood first appeared on Home and Away during its inaugural seasons in 1988, starring alongside Peter Vroom as Colleen Smart and her on-screen son Lance. From the very beginning, Colleen stood out as a scene-stealer — nosy, outspoken, warm-hearted, and endlessly entertaining.

Her signature catchphrase, “You know, it’s only me,” became instantly recognizable and is still fondly quoted by fans today. Colleen wasn’t just comic relief; she was a reflection of small-town life — flawed, curious, sometimes overbearing, but always well-meaning.

Collingwood’s natural comedic timing and ability to bring authenticity to even the most humorous moments helped cement her place in Australian television history. Though she initially appeared only in the show’s first two seasons, her popularity was so enduring that she returned as a regular in 1999, much to fans’ delight.

Life Beyond Summer Bay

Despite ongoing fan hopes, Lyn Collingwood has firmly ruled out a return to Home and Away. While she remains deeply appreciative of the role and the audience who embraced it, she has chosen to step away from acting in recent years.

“A few years ago, I might have considered it,” she joked, “but now I’m that much older — and about 12 inches shorter.”

Rather than returning to the screen, Collingwood has been channeling her creativity into other pursuits. One of her most notable recent projects is a book chronicling the history of the suburb where she grew up. The work reflects her enduring curiosity, intelligence, and passion for storytelling — qualities that made her such a beloved performer.

With a laugh, she even referenced a famous Home and Away storyline in which Colleen was accused of plagiarism. “It’s funny because there was a storyline about Colleen plagiarizing something,” she joked, adding firmly, “but this book definitely isn’t plagiarized.”

The Dark Side of Online Hoaxes

While Collingwood handled the situation with humor and grace, the incident underscores a troubling trend: the rise of celebrity death hoaxes online. These false reports can spread with alarming speed, causing unnecessary distress for fans and deeply personal shock for the individuals targeted.

In Collingwood’s case, the hoax was particularly cruel given her age and the affection audiences still feel toward her. For some fans, the emotional rollercoaster — from grief to relief — was intense and unnecessary.

Industry observers note that such hoaxes highlight the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially when it involves sensitive topics like death. For public figures who have spent decades bringing joy to audiences, these moments can be unsettling reminders of how vulnerable even beloved icons can be in the digital age.

A Legacy That Endures

Despite the distress caused by the hoax, one positive outcome has been the renewed appreciation for Lyn Collingwood’s contribution to Australian television. Fans have been reminded just how much her work meant — and continues to mean — to them.

Her portrayal of Colleen Smart helped define Home and Away’s early identity and set the tone for the vibrant, character-driven storytelling that would follow. Even years after leaving the show, Collingwood remains synonymous with Summer Bay’s golden era.

More importantly, she remains exactly where fans want her to be: alive, well, and enjoying life on her own terms.

As the dust settles on the false reports, one thing is clear — Lyn Collingwood’s legacy is not defined by rumors or hoaxes, but by decades of laughter, warmth, and unforgettable television moments. And as she herself so perfectly put it, this chapter is far from over.