In one of the most emotional and dramatic storylines to ever hit Home and Away, the much-loved Irene Roberts is preparing to bid farewell to Summer Bay. For more than three decades,

Irene has been at the very heart of the coastal community, offering warmth, guidance, and, at times, tough love to her friends and family. Now, with her devastating

Alzheimer’s diagnosis revealed, the soap is gearing up for an exit plot that promises to leave fans heartbroken while sparking conflict among those closest to her.

For many loyal viewers, Irene has been a pillar of strength and resilience since first appearing on the show 33 years ago. But in a bold narrative twist, the writers are showing that even the strongest characters are not immune to life’s cruel turns. With Irene determined to take control of her destiny, her decision to leave Summer Bay is met with both understanding and fierce resistance, creating one of the most emotionally charged goodbyes in recent memory.

Irene’s Devastating Diagnosis

Recent episodes revealed the moment Irene bravely disclosed her Alzheimer’s diagnosis to her friends and loved ones in Summer Bay. The confession sent shockwaves through the community, not only because of the seriousness of the illness but also because of Irene’s trademark independence. True to her character, she refuses to let her condition define her final years. Instead, she is determined to seize what time she has left and live life to the fullest.

As Lynne McGranger, the actress behind Irene, explained in an interview with TV Week: “She wants to use her situation, the money she has, and the time she has left, to live the rest of her life the best she can.” It’s this fierce determination that sets the stage for her controversial departure from the Bay.

Passing the Torch

Before setting her plan into motion, Irene makes the heart-wrenching decision to sign over her shares of the iconic Diner to Leah Patterson-Baker. For years, the café has been not only her workplace but also a symbol of her presence in the community. Handing over her stake is a symbolic act—closing a chapter of her life that defined much of her time in Summer Bay.

But Irene’s resolve doesn’t sit well with her closest friends. Leah, Alf Stewart, and John Palmer, who have all leaned on Irene countless times over the years, stage an emotional intervention. Ambushing her with their fears for her safety, they argue that Irene is underestimating the dangers of leaving the support network she has always had.

Ada Nicodemou, who plays Leah, reflected on her character’s perspective: “This is her diagnosis, and this is how she can make the most of a sad situation. It’s a positive outlook, considering.” Yet despite Leah’s acceptance, the sense of impending loss looms large.

A Clash of Perspectives

The tension escalates when John Palmer arrives unannounced and catches Irene showing her home to a real estate agent. Outraged, John lashes out, accusing her of running away from her problems and abandoning those who care about her. For John, whose own struggles have often been soothed by Irene’s steady presence, the idea of her leaving feels like betrayal.

But Irene remains steadfast. With unwavering clarity, she insists that if she waits any longer, it may be too late for her to truly live. Her words strike a painful chord—reminding everyone, including viewers, of the cruel urgency of her illness. In one poignant moment, Irene reflects on the memories she has built within her home, wondering aloud who will carry those memories forward once she is gone.

As actress Lynne McGranger notes: “Now she’s accepted her diagnosis, memories and flashbacks are flooding back.” This blending of past and present underscores the bittersweet reality of her condition, offering a raw portrayal of someone both cherishing and mourning their own history.

The Power of Friendship

Despite their differences, Irene’s closest friends rally around her. In a touching turn, Leah approaches Irene the next morning with a new plan: instead of fighting her decision, she, Alf, and John will help Irene map out her dream trip. The responsibility of choosing the destinations falls to Irene, while her friends will take care of the details.

What follows is a scene of laughter, tears, and bittersweet joy. Leah and Irene reminisce about their years together—moments of friendship, hardship, and shared triumphs—while acknowledging the painful truth that their time together is drawing to a close. It’s a scene that perfectly captures the heart of Home and Away: family isn’t just about blood, it’s about the bonds we build with the people who stand by us through life’s storms.

A Legacy That Endures

Irene’s exit marks one of the most significant departures the soap has staged in years. Not only is she one of the show’s longest-serving characters, but her storylines have consistently been among the most compelling—from her battles with addiction to her role as a surrogate mother figure for countless young residents of Summer Bay.

Her decision to leave on her own terms is both heartbreaking and empowering. It’s a reminder of Irene’s enduring strength, even in the face of decline. While some friends may see her choice as selfish or reckless, others recognize it as her final act of independence.

What This Means for Summer Bay

The ripple effects of Irene’s departure will undoubtedly reshape Summer Bay. Leah will carry the weight of the Diner, Alf will be forced to say goodbye to yet another lifelong friend, and John will struggle with feelings of anger and abandonment. For viewers, the absence of Irene’s presence will leave a noticeable void in the heart of the show.

But perhaps that is exactly what makes this exit so powerful. By allowing Irene to take control of her narrative, Home and Away is delivering a storyline that is both tragic and inspirational. It reflects real-life struggles while honoring a character who has given so much to the soap and its audience.

An Unforgettable Goodbye

As Irene prepares to set out on her new journey, fans can expect a farewell filled with nostalgia, heartbreak, and hope. There will be tears, there will be laughter, and there will be moments that remind us why Irene Roberts has become one of Home and Away’s most iconic figures.

Her exit isn’t just the end of an era—it’s a celebration of a life lived on-screen for over three decades. For longtime fans, it will be impossible to imagine Summer Bay without Irene’s voice of reason, her fiery temper, and her boundless compassion. But in true Irene fashion, she’s leaving with dignity, determination, and a plan to make her remaining time count.

In a show that has delivered countless emotional storylines over the years, Irene’s departure stands as one of the most poignant. It’s not just about saying goodbye to a character; it’s about honoring the journey, the memories, and the legacy she leaves behind.