McGranger as her character Irene Roberts leaves the Bay.

Irene is at the centre of a hard-hitting Alzheimer’s storyline. In upcoming scenes, she will be given a proper send-off during an emotional beach party as she prepares to see more of the world after selling her house.

“The Alzheimer’s storyline was my idea and I took it to the writers,” McGranger told TV Week about leaving the soap after 33 years.

“To be honest, I was happy to be hit by a bus outside the Diner,” she joked. “But it’s too simple. I knew the writers wouldn’t just wave goodbye to Irene out the back of a bus!”

“So, while her diagnosis is sad and final, Irene decides to use her time the best she can. There’s a sense of ongoingness. It’s a positive message for people.”

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In Irene’s final episode — which airs on 19 August in Australia and 1 October in the UK — her loved ones, including Leah Patterson, her husband Justin Morgan, Alf Stewart and Marilyn Chambers, throw her a party before she leaves Summer Bay.

Expect a teary-eyed farewell, with speeches, inside jokes and a special performance by Theo Poulos and Justin.

But there’s one Summer Bay resident who’s struggling with Irene’s decision. John Palmer is in denial about Irene’s diagnosis, knowing that their time together is limited. Will he show up to the party?

“Our last scenes were incredibly difficult but rich,” McGranger said of filming her exit with her co-stars.

“[Leah star] Ada [Nicodemou] was sobbing and [John star] Shane [Withington], I think, is still in denial! They were the hardest to tell that I was leaving, but I know we’ll always be friends beyond Home And Away,” she said.

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“A lot of former co-stars reached out as well, which I’m so grateful for. Tempany Deckert [Selina], Raechelle Banno [Olivia], Courtney Miller [Bella], Christie Hayes [Kirsty], to name a few – it was lovely to hear from them.”

McGranger also reflected on the social impact of Irene’s story, calling it a “lifeline” for viewers.

“We think we’re just making a bit of telly, but I’ve realised that in some ways, this is a lifeline for people,” she said.

“Irene has had an impact on people, which is a huge honour and responsibility. I’m so grateful for everyone.”

More information about Alzheimer’s is available on the NHS and Alzheimer’s Society websites. Resources for readers in the US are available via the National Institutes of Health.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first-look screenings