In a heartfelt farewell, Lynne McGranger reflects on her remarkable 32-year journey as Irene Roberts in Home and Away, marking the end of an era for the beloved Australian soap opera. Irene has been a fixture in Summer Bay, navigating through tumultuous storylines involving alcoholism, cancer, and most recently, Alzheimer’s disease. As she prepares to leave her cherished hometown to travel the world, McGranger shares her thoughts on her long tenure and the reasons behind her departure.

In an exclusive interview, McGranger reveals that the decision to leave had been on her mind for a couple of years. She felt it was time to explore new opportunities, particularly in theater, which is where she began her acting career. The early mornings and unpredictable filming conditions had taken a toll, and after taking a break to tour with a play called The Grandparents Club, she realized how much she missed the stage.

One significant aspect of her exit storyline is the Alzheimer’s plotline, which McGranger suggested. She noted that many people have personal connections to this disease, making it a relevant and poignant topic. Despite its prevalence, Alzheimer’s has not been widely addressed on Australian television. McGranger drew inspiration from her colleague Jessica Redman, who shared her experiences with her mother’s diagnosis, using those insights to shape Irene’s narrative with care and respect.

When asked about her nerves regarding such a sensitive subject, McGranger admitted she had not personally dealt with Alzheimer’s in her family, so she relied on conversations and research to portray the storyline authentically. Her aim was to honor Irene’s legacy while also paying tribute to those affected by the disease.

Interestingly, McGranger had a hand in the decision to have Irene’s decline occur off-screen. While she proposed the Alzheimer’s storyline, the writers and producers opted for a more hopeful conclusion, suggesting that the story should not be overwhelmingly tragic. They wanted to convey a message of optimism, hinting that new treatments or breakthroughs could emerge in the future.

Reflecting on her final scenes, McGranger shared that filming out of sequence made her last day particularly emotional. Her final scene involved signing over the diner to Leah, which brought tears to both her and co-star Ada Nicodemou. The emotional weight of Irene’s diagnosis and the farewell scenes made for a poignant conclusion to her character’s arc.

McGranger never anticipated playing Irene for such an extended period. Initially brought on for a short stint while her daughter Clancy was just a toddler, she found herself continually invited back, leading to a 32-year tenure that she never expected.

When asked if she would be friends with Irene in real life, McGranger humorously noted the differences between herself and her character. While Irene is bold and confrontational, McGranger considers herself more reserved, though she admires Irene’s fearless nature. The complexity of Irene’s character is part of what has endeared her to fans; her flaws and unpredictable behavior resonate with viewers, as they see a reflection of real-life struggles.

Fans appreciate Irene for her authenticity and willingness to acknowledge her mistakes, making her a relatable character. McGranger highlights the unpredictability of Irene’s actions, including a shocking moment where she nearly committed murder in a fit of rage, showcasing the character’s depth and complexity.

As McGranger bids farewell to Home and Away, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience and emotional storytelling. Her portrayal of Irene Roberts has left an indelible mark on the series and its viewers. The final episode featuring Irene airs on October 1st, and fans are left wondering what the future holds for both McGranger and the character she has embodied for over three decades.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights into Lynne McGranger’s next chapter as she steps away from Summer Bay, leaving behind a rich history filled with unforgettable moments and heartfelt connections.