OFFICIALLY SAYING GOODBYE TO IRENE NEXT WEEK — FANS LEFT HEARTBROKEN AS HOME AND AWAY FAREWELLS A LEGEND

In a move no one was quite ready for, Home and Away is about to bid farewell to one of its most beloved and enduring characters — Irene Roberts. Yes, you read that right. After decades of serving as the heart and soul of Summer Bay, next week will officially mark Irene’s final appearance, and fans are bracing themselves for an emotional rollercoaster unlike any the show has delivered before.

Whether you grew up watching Irene dish out tough love, make tea in the diner, or defend the underdog with that trademark fire in her belly, this goodbye is bound to hit hard. The news has already sent waves of shock through the fan community, with online forums flooded with tearful tributes, nostalgic rewatches, and an avalanche of the same desperate question: Why now?

While producers have kept the storyline details tightly under wraps, what we do know is that Irene’s exit won’t be quiet — nor will it be easy. Sources close to the show hint at a powerful final arc that will do justice to the legacy of a character who’s been through it all — addiction, heartbreak, betrayal, and redemption. There’s even talk of a long-lost face returning for one final moment, but we won’t spoil that… yet.

For over three decades, actress Lynne McGranger has breathed life into Irene with unparalleled grit and grace. Her portrayal has not only earned critical praise but has made her a household name in Australia and beyond. She holds the title of the longest-serving female cast member in the show’s history — a feat few can match in any television industry.

The announcement comes amid a wave of emotional shifts on the show — several fan favourites have exited in recent months, and with whispers of an upcoming shake-up behind the scenes, Irene’s departure may just be the tip of the iceberg. Could this be the beginning of a new era for Home and Away? Or is the show slowly saying goodbye to the icons that made it the cultural institution it is today?

One thing’s certain: next week’s episodes will be unmissable. Viewers are being urged to tune in, tissues in hand, as the sun sets on Irene’s journey. It’s the end of a chapter — but what a chapter it’s been.

And if you think you know how it all ends… think again.