In a moment that will go down as one of Home and Away’s most emotional goodbyes, Summer Bay is preparing to lose one of its most beloved residents. Next Tuesday,

Irene Roberts—played by Lynne McGranger—will officially bid farewell to the tight-knit seaside community she has called home for over three decades. Her departure marks

the end of an era, not only for the fictional world of Summer Bay but also for the millions of viewers who have grown up with her warmth, wisdom, and fierce loyalty.

But this is no quiet exit. Irene’s shocking decision will shake the Bay to its core, sparking heartbreak, resistance, and—ultimately—celebration.

The News That Changed Everything

The cracks first began to show weeks ago, when Irene received devastating personal news. Though she tried to continue life as usual, it quickly became clear that nothing would be the same again. Viewers watched as she took a bittersweet trip down memory lane, carefully labeling the backs of her most treasured photographs—each name a safeguard against the day she might forget the faces and stories that had defined her life.

Confiding in John Palmer, Irene finally found the courage to open up to Leah Patterson. In a tearful exchange, she revealed the truth and, in the days that followed, made the heartbreaking decision to sell her share of the diner. She told Leah she couldn’t bear to be a burden—words that cut deeply for a friend who has always considered her more like family.

A Shocking Announcement

If selling the diner shocked Summer Bay, nothing could have prepared its residents for what came next. A few weeks later, Irene dropped another bombshell: she was selling her beloved beach house. For decades, the house had been a sanctuary—its doors always open to friends, lodgers, and anyone in need of a safe place to land.

But after a heart-to-heart with Sunny—a new arrival who lifted her spirits with an impromptu night of music and dancing—Irene realized she wanted to spend her remaining good years traveling the world, reconnecting with old friends, and making new memories while she still could.

“I want to see old friends while I still remember them,” she explained, a mix of defiance and vulnerability in her voice.

The announcement stunned her lodgers, Harper and Dana, who couldn’t imagine Summer Bay without her. It also meant the iconic beach house would pass into new hands—namely, Sergeant David Langham and his daughter, Jo, who will soon make it their own.

Friends in Denial

John Palmer, Leah Patterson, and Alf Stewart all struggled to accept Irene’s decision. They warned her that once she sold her home, she’d have no permanent base to return to—and that the proceeds might one day be needed for her own care.

But Irene’s mind was made up. Eventually, her friends accepted her wishes, rallying behind her in true Summer Bay style. Leah, Justin, and Theo even joined forces to help plan the first leg of her world tour—beginning in Cyprus, where she’ll visit her granddaughter, Luc, who lives there with adoptive dad VJ. Luc’s biological father, Mick, is Irene’s estranged son—a relationship fraught with pain, but one she hopes to mend.

From there, Irene plans to hop between continents, visiting friends and ticking off destinations from her bucket list.

One Friend Who Can’t Let Go

While most of the Bay has come to terms with Irene’s departure, John Palmer is still struggling. For him, the thought of losing one of his closest friends is unbearable. Instead of cherishing the time they have left, he buries his head in the sand, pretending the goodbye isn’t happening.

“I don’t know how to say goodbye,” he admits, his voice heavy with unspoken emotion. “I don’t have the words.”

Packing Up a Lifetime

This week, with the house sale finalized, Irene makes the official announcement: she’s leaving in just a few days. Her friends gather to help her pack, and for the first time in decades, the beach house stands nearly empty. The only thing left in the living room is the giant pinboard covered in maps, notes, and mementos charting her grand adventure.

But Irene doesn’t want to slip away quietly. She wants to say goodbye in style.

A Party to Remember

“Let’s have a party,” she declares with a smile. “A real rip-snorter.”

Within hours, Leah and Alf—assisted by Justin and Marilyn—spring into action. Plans are laid for a beachside celebration that will bring the whole community together one last time to honor Irene’s life in the Bay.

The night arrives, and it’s everything Irene hoped for. There are heartfelt speeches, laughter, and even a special musical performance by Justin and Theo—a touching tribute that leaves Irene visibly moved.

But one face is missing: John Palmer. Unable to face the reality of her departure, he has stayed away. As the evening unfolds, the question lingers—will he turn up before it’s too late?

An Emotional Farewell

Viewers will be relieved to learn that John does, in fact, arrive in time to say goodbye. In promos aired across the Seven Network, we see him finally walk into the party, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them.

The farewell scenes are said to be some of the most emotional in Home and Away history. Lynne McGranger herself admitted the final shoot was deeply affecting:

“Ada [Nicodemou] was sobbing, and Shane [Withington]—I think—was still in denial. They were the hardest to tell I was leaving, but I know we’ll always be friends beyond Home and Away.”

The Legacy of Irene Roberts

For 33 years, Irene has been more than just a character—she’s been the heart and soul of Summer Bay. From her fiery temper to her endless compassion, she’s been a mother, a mentor, and a friend to countless residents.

Lynne McGranger reflected on the role, saying:

“We think we’re just making a bit of telly, but I’ve realized that in some ways, this is a lifeline for people. Irene has had an impact on viewers, and that’s a huge honor and responsibility. I’m so grateful for everyone.”

Her departure will leave a void, both in the fictional community and in the hearts of fans. And while Irene may be off to see the world, her spirit will always linger in Summer Bay—in the diner she once owned, in the home she made a sanctuary, and in the memories of those who loved her.