Irene Roberts has faced some of Home and Away’s most heartbreaking storylines, from her struggles with alcohol to her role as a foster mum, and most recently, her devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Her final scenes showed her leaving Summer Bay after thirty years, but Lynne McGranger has now revealed the real reason she walked away and fans may be surprised by her honesty.
Irene’s Struggles and Redemption
When Irene first turned up in Summer Bay, she was introduced as a troubled alcoholic who had already lost her children, Nathan, Damian, and Finlay. But over time, she rebuilt her life, got sober, and opened her heart to countless foster kids who needed her. The years that followed were packed with drama. Irene faced breast cancer, fell in love with a murderer, and even relapsed into drinking.
Despite everything, she stayed strong and became one of the Bay’s most dependable figures; loved for her mix of toughness and warmth. Her final storyline brought the biggest test of all. With her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Irene realised she had to think about the future. Rather than let the illness take everything from her, she chose to leave Summer Bay and see the world, making her exit both heartbreaking and inspiring.
A Goodbye Full of Heart
Irene’s farewell captured everything fans loved about her. After an emotional party, she left the Bay with hope rather than despair. A standout moment came with John Palmer, whose love–hate friendship with Irene gave viewers one last touching scene.
Irene asking him to meet her in Paris was the perfect final gesture, showing that their bond would carry on. Lynne later said she wouldn’t have changed a thing about Irene’s goodbye. For her, it was exactly how the character deserved to bow out; strong, loved, and at peace.
Why Lynne Chose to Leave Home and Away
Off-screen, Lynne finally opened up about her decision. She explained that she had been thinking about leaving for a year or two, wanting to try something new and return to theatre. Once she made up her mind, she said she never doubted it and hasn’t regretted it since, calling it the right move at the right time.
She knows fans have found it hard to accept, with many saying the show isn’t the same without Irene. Lynne reminded them that Home and Away has always adapted. She recalled viewers once felt the same when Shane and Angel, or Pippa and Sally, left. It may not be the same, but it’s always different in its own way.
As for her future, she said she still watches Home and Away when she can, but her schedule is busy. Right now, she’s touring The Grandparents Club across Australia before travelling to Ireland, Norway, and possibly London. And on whether she’d ever return to Summer Bay, she teased: “never say never. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more updates, spoilers, and behind-the-scenes gossip from your favourite soaps.