After more than three decades of laughter, heartbreak, and unforgettable drama, Home and Away is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most iconic characters. Irene Roberts,

played by the much-loved Lynn McGranger for an extraordinary 33 years, is set to make her final exit in a double episode that promises to be one of the most emotional send-offs in soap history.

A brand-new trailer released by Channel Seven has left fans reeling, teasing Irene’s heartbreaking goodbye as she grapples with the devastating onset of Alzheimer’s disease. For many viewers,

Irene has been the very heart of Summer Bay—a tough-talking, big-hearted Aussie battler whose resilience has anchored countless storylines since her debut in 1991. Now, as McGranger bows out, the trailer hints that fans are in for a farewell packed with nostalgia, tearful reunions, and an emotional reckoning that will echo long after the credits roll.

A Trailer That Breaks Hearts

The preview opens with Irene preparing for her farewell party, determined to say goodbye on her own terms. In one particularly moving moment, Irene declares, “I want to see my old friends while I still remember them.” It’s a simple line, but it cuts to the core of her storyline. Viewers have already watched in recent weeks as Irene has begun struggling with memory loss, with once-sharp moments of wit and clarity giving way to confusion and vulnerability.

The trailer interweaves flashes of Irene’s present with a collage of throwback clips spanning her 33 years on the show. Fans catch glimpses of her earliest moments in the Bay, her fierce protection of her children, and her countless stints as the rock behind the counter at the diner. These nostalgic snapshots remind audiences of just how much Irene has meant—not just to Summer Bay—but to generations of viewers who grew up with her as a constant presence.

Leah and Irene: A Friendship That Defined the Bay

Perhaps the most emotional thread teased in the trailer is Irene’s farewell with her long-time friend Leah Patterson, played by Ada Nicodemou. For over 25 years, Leah and Irene have been at the heart of Summer Bay’s emotional fabric, supporting each other through marriages, betrayals, deaths, and triumphs.

In one heart-wrenching scene, Leah tearfully tells Irene, “I just knew everything would be all right because you were by my side.” It is a tribute not just to the characters’ enduring friendship but also to the real-life bond between McGranger and Nicodemou, who have shared countless hours both on and off set.

Behind the scenes, Nicodemou was present on McGranger’s final day of filming earlier this year. Channel Seven even shared a touching Instagram post showing the two actresses embracing after shooting their last scene together, leaving fans bracing themselves for an emotional farewell on screen.

John Struggles to Say Goodbye

Another storyline teased in the trailer revolves around Irene’s close friendship with John Palmer (Shane Withington). John has long been one of Irene’s most steadfast allies, but the trailer hints that he may struggle to face her departure.

In a tearful moment, John admits, “I don’t know how to say goodbye. I don’t have the words.” The scene is a gut-punch for fans who have watched the pair’s friendship blossom into one of the most trusted and authentic dynamics in Home and Away. John’s reluctance to attend Irene’s farewell party suggests a heartbreaking final hurdle in their relationship—can he find the strength to say goodbye to his dearest friend before it’s too late?

Irene’s Brave Choice

Rather than allowing her illness to dictate her future, Irene’s exit storyline will see her reclaim her independence in one final act of courage. She decides to leave Summer Bay behind and travel the world, determined to embrace life while she still has control over her memories.

It’s a storyline that reflects the essence of Irene’s character—brave, stubborn, and unwilling to let circumstances define her. Fans will remember Irene as a woman who survived domestic abuse, addiction, and family tragedy, yet always emerged stronger. Now, even in the face of Alzheimer’s, she chooses to live on her own terms.

A Legacy of 33 Years

Lynn McGranger’s departure is nothing short of monumental. Having joined Home and Away in 1991, she has become the show’s longest-serving female cast member and a cornerstone of its success.

In a statement released earlier this year, McGranger reflected on her incredible journey:

“After almost 33 years in my dream role, working every day with people I love, respect, and now consider family, it’s bittersweet to close this chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life.”

The 72-year-old actress went on to thank her co-stars, writers, and production team, calling the experience “the ride of my life.” On her last day of filming, she was showered with flowers and tributes from her colleagues, a fitting celebration for a woman who has given so much to the series and its audience.

Fans Brace for Goodbye

For the millions of loyal fans who have tuned into Home and Away across generations, Irene’s departure feels deeply personal. Social media has already been flooded with tributes, with many viewers recalling how Irene’s tough love, quick wit, and maternal warmth helped shape their connection to the show.

Her storyline also shines a light on Alzheimer’s disease, with viewers praising the soap for handling such a sensitive topic with compassion and realism. By weaving Irene’s diagnosis into her farewell, the show ensures that her exit is not only dramatic but also socially resonant, raising awareness of an illness that affects countless families worldwide.

What Comes Next for Summer Bay?

As Irene locks the diner doors for the final time and steps out into the unknown, fans are left wondering what her departure will mean for the rest of Summer Bay. Will Leah cope without her trusted confidante? How will John recover from losing one of his closest friends? And can the diner survive without its heart and soul behind the counter?

While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Irene Roberts’ absence will leave a gaping hole in the Bay’s landscape. Her departure marks the end of an era, and Home and Away will never be quite the same again.

A Farewell Worthy of a Legend

As the trailer closes with Irene smiling bravely through her tears, the screen fades to black with one haunting question: “How do you say goodbye to someone who’s been part of your life for 33 years?”

For Lynn McGranger, the answer lies in gratitude, courage, and a legacy that will endure long after she leaves the Bay. For the fans, Irene Roberts will forever remain a symbol of resilience, heart, and the enduring power of Home and Away.