Australians have been left in tears after one of the most emotional episodes in Home and Away’s history, as Irene Roberts — a beloved cornerstone of Summer Bay

for more than three decades — made her final exit. Played by Gold Logie winner Lynne McGranger, Irene’s farewell on Tuesday night’s broadcast marked the end of

an era for the long-running soap and its millions of devoted fans.

From her first appearance in 1993, Irene Roberts became much more than just a supporting character. She evolved into the very heart of Summer Bay — flawed, fiery, compassionate, and endlessly forgiving. For 33 years, McGranger brought Irene’s story to life with a rawness and relatability that resonated across generations. Now, with her departure, Home and Away loses not just a character, but a vital emotional anchor of the series.

A Farewell to Remember

The goodbye was anything but ordinary. As Irene prepared to leave the Bay, viewers were treated to a deeply moving sequence underscored by Jessica Mauboy’s haunting ballad While I Got Time. The music, paired with Irene’s final moments onscreen, created an atmosphere so emotionally charged that countless viewers confessed they were “a blubbering mess.”

Social media platforms were flooded with tributes from fans who had grown up alongside Irene. “Goodbye Irene,” wrote one. “Goosebumps all over,” added another. Many admitted they cried through the entire episode, describing it as “the best ever farewell” in Home and Away history. For long-time fans, this wasn’t just another storyline — it was the closing of a chapter that had shaped their connection to the show.

A Storyline with Impact

Irene’s exit was framed by a heartbreaking diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, a storyline carefully constructed to reflect the realities faced by over 400,000 Australians living with dementia. This choice was no accident. Lynne McGranger has long been an advocate for meaningful narratives within the soap, and her pride in telling Irene’s final story is evident.

“I’m incredibly proud that Irene’s journey has brought awareness to dementia,” McGranger said in an interview before the episode aired. “Home and Away has always had the ability to shine a light on real issues that affect families. With Irene, I wanted her story to matter.”

It isn’t the first time Irene’s journey has mirrored real-life struggles. Years ago, McGranger was deeply moved by Irene’s breast cancer storyline, which she revealed was inspired by a personal tragedy. “One of my best friends in York had a daughter, Nicki, diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time Irene’s story aired. Tragically, she didn’t survive. Playing those scenes was about honouring them both. It was important to me that Irene’s story reflected the courage and heartbreak real families face.”

The End of a Legacy

When Lynne McGranger first joined Home and Away in 1993, she was offered a short three-month contract. Producers soon realised her potential, extending her role for a year — and ultimately, she became the longest-serving female cast member in the show’s history. Over the decades, Irene Roberts went from a guest character to a pillar of Summer Bay, providing stability, humour, and heartfelt storylines that shaped the community around her.

Ahead of her final scenes, McGranger admitted to becoming teary-eyed watching Irene’s farewell. “I love what Irene has been able to represent,” she reflected. “She’s a woman who makes mistakes, gets angry, and says the wrong thing — but she’s also fiercely loyal, compassionate, and always ready to forgive. People saw themselves in her, flaws and all. That’s what made Irene so relatable.”

Indeed, Irene’s arc captured the complexities of human nature. From her fiery temper to her unwavering loyalty to friends and family, she embodied both the imperfections and the resilience of everyday people.

Fans’ Outpouring of Love

The resonance of Irene’s departure was clear in the outpouring of love from fans. Online tributes hailed McGranger’s performance as “absolutely brilliant” and praised the show for giving such a dignified, emotional farewell to a character so deeply embedded in Summer Bay’s DNA.

Many noted how Irene’s storylines over the years had provided comfort during their own struggles. Whether through her battle with breast cancer, her role as a surrogate mother figure to countless young characters, or her current Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Irene gave audiences not just entertainment, but understanding and empathy.

A New Chapter for McGranger

Though Irene’s time in Summer Bay has come to an end, Lynne McGranger is far from retiring. The actress has already revealed her plans to tour Tasmania with her stage production The Grandparents Club and expressed interest in pursuing more theatre work.

“I adore performing live,” McGranger shared. “Theatre has always been my first love, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. Of course, Home and Away will always be a part of me, but now it’s time for the next adventure.”

Irene Roberts: A Character That Defined Generations

For many Australians, Irene Roberts was more than a fictional character. She was a friend, a confidante, and, in some ways, a reflection of themselves. She embodied resilience in the face of adversity, warmth in moments of despair, and humour even during the darkest times. Her presence was a constant thread in Home and Away’s ever-changing landscape, guiding viewers through decades of love, loss, and triumph.

The impact of her departure will be felt not only by loyal fans but also by the wider Australian television industry. Lynne McGranger’s dedication to her craft and her portrayal of Irene Roberts stands as a testament to the enduring power of soap operas in shaping cultural memory.

A Final Goodbye

As Jessica Mauboy’s soulful lyrics echoed through Irene’s farewell, viewers were reminded of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the characters — and people — who touch our lives. For Home and Away, Irene’s exit marks both the loss of a legend and the promise of new beginnings. For Lynne McGranger, it marks the culmination of a remarkable 33-year journey, one that has left an indelible mark on Australian television history.

The tears shed by fans across the country are a testament to the profound bond between Irene Roberts and her audience. While her absence will be deeply felt in Summer Bay, her legacy will continue to inspire, reminding us all of the enduring strength of storytelling and the characters who come to feel like family.

As one fan poignantly wrote: “Irene may have left the Bay, but she will never leave our hearts.”