Home and Away has revealed details of Irene Roberts’ (Lynne McGranger) exit story after three decades in the Australian soap.
The 72-year-old actress – who is the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama – announced her departure in February..
She filmed her final scenes at the show’s studios in Redfern, Sydney, the following month.
Taking over the role from originator Jacqy Phillips in 1993, Lynne has been at the centre of several huge stories over the years.
From alcoholism, a breast cancer diagnosis, the discovery of a long-lost son and a stint in prison for a murder she didn’t commit, she really has seen it all.
That’s without mentioning a ferry boat sinking, a bomb explosion and a plane crash!
Now she’s about to embark on her final plot, which plays out over the coming months.
In upcoming scenes, viewers will see Summer Bay favourite begin to suffer from memory loss.
A particularly worrying moment is when Irene forgets that she’s babysitting Harper Matheson (Jessica Redmayne) and Tane Parata’s (Ethan Browne) son Archie, and almost leaves him home alone.
Knowing that something troubling is at play, she confides in close friend John Palmer (Shane Withington), who encourages her to attend a medical consultation with Dr Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin).
Sadly, during the appointment, Irene has to face a ‘gut-wrenching reality’, and the team at Home and Away have assured us that there’s ‘no coming back from this one.’
But what is wrong?
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Speaking of her decision to leave, Lynne said: ‘After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life.’
‘I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay.
‘Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support.’
Lynne – who has put her heart and soul into the drama over the years – has been nominated for both a Silver and Gold Logie at this year’s 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards.
Watch and stream Home and Away, weekdays at 1:45pm on 5.
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