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For over three decades, Irene Roberts has been a staple of Home and Away, the heart and soul of Summer Bay. But now, in a twist that has left fans shocked and emotional, Irene’s exit from the show has been officially confirmed — and her decision to leave comes with a deeply moving and powerful storyline.

Played by the beloved Lynne McGranger since 1993, Irene’s journey has spanned heartbreak, redemption, laughter, and resilience. As one of the longest-serving characters on the Australian soap, she has grown from a troubled alcoholic into a dependable, strong-willed maternal figure — someone fans came to rely on as much as her fellow residents of Summer Bay did. So, when the news of her departure broke, viewers were understandably stunned.

The storyline begins subtly. Irene starts experiencing signs of forgetfulness. She misplaces items, forgets appointments, and loses her train of thought mid-conversation. At first, it seems like everyday absent-mindedness — a natural part of aging. But as these lapses increase, concern grows. She forgets she’s babysitting, leaves appliances on, and begins missing shifts at the Diner. Her friends start to notice, and so does she.

Urged by John and Leah, Irene decides to seek medical advice. She undergoes a series of tests in the city and eventually receives a heartbreaking diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. For a woman as sharp, capable, and independent as Irene, this is a devastating blow. The diagnosis doesn’t just represent the loss of memory — it represents the gradual fading of her identity, her connections, and everything she holds dear.

Irene reacts with a mix of fear, grief, and courage. After the initial shock, she starts making plans — not to fight the inevitable, but to face it with dignity. She confides in her closest friends, revealing her diagnosis and sharing her desire to make the most of the time she has left. Her plan is simple but shocking: to leave Summer Bay and travel while she’s still mentally capable, rather than remain and slowly fade in front of those she loves.

This decision stuns her friends. Why would she leave the only home she’s known for decades? But Irene is firm. She doesn’t want people to watch her decline. She wants to enjoy what time she has left on her own terms — to live, not just survive. She begins putting her affairs in order, including selling her beloved Beach House and handing over her share of the Diner to Leah.

The scenes that follow are some of the most emotional in the show’s recent history. Irene labels family photos so she’ll remember who’s who. She creates memory boxes. She organizes her belongings and writes letters to the people she cares about most. She reflects on her past, and in doing so, the show gives us touching flashbacks to pivotal moments in Irene’s life — from her battles with addiction to her role as a foster mother and her fierce loyalty to her friends.

One particularly poignant moment comes when Irene and Leah sit together in the Diner after hours. Irene confesses her fears: not of dying, but of forgetting the people she loves. Leah, devastated, promises that she’ll never let Irene’s memory fade. It’s a simple exchange, but it encapsulates everything the storyline is about — love, memory, and legacy.

In the days leading up to her departure, Irene organizes a small farewell gathering. It’s intimate, filled with familiar faces, laughter, and tears. Irene doesn’t want a spectacle — just a chance to say goodbye. Her closest friends each have a moment to speak from the heart, telling her what she’s meant to them. John, Leah, Marilyn, Alf — they all express their sadness, but also their admiration for her bravery.

On her final day in Summer Bay, Irene walks through the town she’s called home for more than 30 years. She stops at the Diner, at the beach, and at her old house. The camera lingers on these quiet, emotional moments. There’s no dramatic music, no chaos — just silence and reflection. She then gets into the car that will take her away, and as she passes the sign that reads “You are now leaving Summer Bay,” she smiles softly and whispers, “No regrets.”

It’s a farewell filled with grace and strength. Rather than being ten out through tragedy or scandal, Irene is given the opportunity to leave with purpose. Her exit doesn’t just reflect her character — it honors it. She’s not running from the disease; she’s choosing to live with it, on her own terms.

Off-screen, actress Lynne McGranger has spoken candidly about her departure. She has said that after over three decades in the role, it felt like the right time to move on. She worked closely with the writers to ensure that Irene’s exit was realistic, respectful, and emotionally truthful. Her wish was for the character to leave not in shame or sadness, but in empowerment — and the show delivered.

Fan response has been overwhelming. Viewers have praised the show for its sensitive handling of Alzheimer’s, applauding the writers for raising awareness about a difficult topic in a nuanced way. Many longtime fans have shared personal stories of loved ones facing memory loss, saying that Irene’s storyline resonated with them deeply. Others have simply expressed their sadness at saying goodbye to a character who felt like family.

Irene Roberts has always been more than just a supporting character. She’s been the moral compass, the wise voice, the compassionate friend. Her departure leaves a noticeable void in the fabric of Summer Bay. But more importantly, she leaves behind a legacy — one of strength, resilience, and unwavering love.

As the credits roll on her final episode, viewers are left with a bittersweet mixture of heartbreak and admiration. Irene may be gone from the Bay, but she will never be forgotten — by her friends in the show or by the millions of fans who grew up with her.