Episode Spotlight: From Soap to Spotlight — Pia Whitesell’s “Hello Better Me” Moment and What It Signals

By MEGAN WATTS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated: 

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room on Tuesday night when 2025 Gold Logie winner Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts, made her final appearance on Home and Away.

While the heart-wrenching moments in the episode were notable, so was Ada Nicodemou, who showed she has barely aged a day since she first started playing Irene’s best friend Leah Patterson.

The Aussie actress’ face was wrinkle-free – a result of her cosmetic work over the years.

Ada, who has fronted the series for 25 years, teared up several times during the emotional goodbye.

The 48-year-old’s visage was taut, while her jawline appeared noticeably more pronounced than in previous years.

Ada has admitted to getting cosmetic work done in the past.

Ada Nicodemou’s Leah Patterson (pictured) was the picture of youth in Tuesday night’s emotional Home and Away episode

In 2019, the Aussie star confirmed that she had undergone breast augmentation and had Botox after years of speculation.

The mother-of-one made the admission while responding to an Instagram troll who implied she was ‘fake’.

‘I don’t use fillers and I rarely use Botox and the only surgery that I’ve done [that] is “fake” is breast augmentation, which I have every right to do,’ she wrote.

The Sydney-born actress told New Idea magazine in 2017 that she wouldn’t rule out using Botox or laser treatments in the future.

She claimed it was important to do ‘whatever makes you feel good’, adding that it was up to the individual.

‘I think these days most people are doing bits and pieces. Botox and lasers are like facials were 20 years ago,’ Ada said.

Home and Away said goodbye to one of the show’s most beloved character on Tuesday night, as she headed off to see the world after learning that she has Alzheimer’s disease.

As the iconic character jetted off to see Europe before her illness prevented her travelling, many viewers were moved – but others felt the episode fell short.

The Aussie actress’ face was wrinkle-free – a result of her cosmetic procedures over the years

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room on Tuesday night when 2025 Gold Logie winner Lynne McGranger (centre), who plays Irene Roberts, made her final appearance on Home and Away  (Left: Ada Nicodemou Right: James Stewart)

While the heart-wrenching moments in the episode were notable, so was Ada (right), who has barely aged a day since she first started playing Irene’s best friend Leah Patterson (Left: Lynne McGranger)

Home and Away cast bid farewell to Lynne McGranger

Rebecca Breeds reveals Home and Away link to Kangaroo Island

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