Lynne McGranger is saying goodbye to “Home and Away” after more than three decades.
Her character, Irene Roberts, is a Summer Bay institution, a fan favourite whose no-nonsense charm has made her one of Australian TV’s most iconic figures.
McGranger, the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama, called the decision “bittersweet.”
McGranger took over the role in 1993, stepping into the shoes of Irene—a reformed alcoholic looking to rebuild her life. Over the years, Irene has been at the heart of some of “Home and Away’s” biggest storylines: battling breast cancer, reuniting with a long-lost son, surviving a ferry disaster, a plane crash, and even a stint behind bars for a murder she didn’t commit.
Through it all, Irene’s resilience (and signature one-liners—“girly”, “darl”, “flippin’ heck!”) made her a “Home and Away” staple. In 2023, TV WEEK readers ranked her the second Greatest Australian TV Character of All Time.
McGranger has also made her mark beyond Summer Bay—finishing runner-up on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2014 and publishing her autobiography Acting Up: Me, Myself and Irene in 2021.
Executive Producer Julie McGauran called McGranger “wonderfully talented, witty, funny and kind,” adding:
“Lynne’s extraordinary portrayal of down-to-earth Irene Roberts is why the character is held with such great affection by fans around the world. Lynne will always be a much-loved member of the Home and Away family, her friendship to all is truly cherished and we wish her all the best for what’s next in her bright, bright future.”
McGranger will wrap filming in March, but fans still have months before Irene’s final goodbye airs later this year.
Meanwhile, Irene returns to screens this week after a six-month hiatus, with a dramatic comeback following her rehab stint.
Once filming ends, McGranger will take some downtime before hitting the road again with “The Grandparents Club” stage show.
An emotional exit is on the way—one that’s set to go down in “Home and Away” history.
“Home and Away” airs Monday to Thursday at 7pm on Seven and 7plus.