For more than three decades, Irene Roberts has been the heart and soul of Home and Away, a character whose resilience, warmth, and no-nonsense wisdom made

her a cornerstone of Summer Bay. But now, in one of the soap’s most emotional and seismic storylines in years, Irene is preparing to leave the coastal town she has called home for 33 years.

Her decision to step away, however, will not be without turmoil—sparking an emotional backlash from her closest friends and stirring heartbreaking reflections on love, loyalty, and the fleeting nature of time.

A Diagnosis That Changes Everything

Fans of the long-running soap will know that Irene recently revealed she is battling Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating diagnosis that rocked Summer Bay to its core. Known for her strength, her fierce loyalty to her friends, and her maternal instincts toward those who have crossed her path, Irene’s revelation was a shattering moment.

In upcoming episodes, Irene makes the difficult announcement that she is leaving Summer Bay for good. After decades of selfless devotion to others, she is determined to live her remaining years on her own terms. But her decision sparks mixed reactions, with those closest to her torn between respecting her wishes and clinging to the woman they don’t want to lose.

Lynne McGranger, who has portrayed Irene since 1993, spoke candidly about the character’s decision 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,” McGranger explained.

Tensions at the Diner

The drama intensifies when Irene begins tying up loose ends in Summer Bay. She makes the selfless choice to sign over her shares of the iconic Diner to Leah Patterson-Baker, ensuring that the local institution remains in good hands. But while Irene sees this as a practical step toward her departure, her gesture unsettles her friends, signaling to them that her exit is all too real.

Leah, Alf Stewart, and John Palmer—three of Irene’s closest companions—stage an intervention of sorts, confronting her about her decision to leave. Fearing for her safety and worried she may be acting too hastily, they urge her to reconsider. But Irene remains resolute, her newfound clarity leaving her certain that this is the path she must take.

Ada Nicodemou, who plays Leah, revealed how her character reacts:

“This is her diagnosis and this is how she can make the most of a sad situation. It’s a positive outlook, considering,” Nicodemou said, acknowledging that while Leah struggles to accept Irene’s choice, she ultimately admires her courage.

John Palmer’s Explosive Reaction

If Leah’s response is one of reluctant support, John Palmer’s is far more fiery. In tense scenes, John arrives at Irene’s home to find her showing the property to a real estate agent. To him, this is the ultimate betrayal—proof that Irene is erasing herself from the Bay and the life they have built together over the years.

Unable to contain his emotions, John lashes out, accusing Irene of ignoring reality and running from her problems. His anger, however, masks a deep fear: the thought of losing yet another friend in a community already marked by heartache.

But Irene stands firm. For once, she is not making decisions for the sake of others but for herself. She explains that she has clarity now, and waiting would only mean losing the chance to live life on her own terms before the disease takes hold.

It is a powerful moment of defiance that underlines just how much Irene has grown as a character over the years—from a woman battling her own demons to someone unafraid to face her future head-on.

Memories of a Lifetime

In quieter, reflective moments, Irene begins to look around her home, a place filled with decades of love, laughter, and shared struggles. With her diagnosis accepted, memories and flashbacks come rushing back—echoes of the many young lives she helped shape and the countless friendships that defined her time in the Bay.

Lynne McGranger described the poignancy of these scenes:

“Now she’s accepted her diagnosis, memories and flashbacks are flooding back,” she said, hinting at the emotional weight of Irene’s farewell.

Her reflections lead to a bittersweet realization: while she may leave the house behind, others will one day build their own memories within its walls. It’s a reminder that life in Summer Bay continues, even as beloved faces come and go.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

In the days that follow, Leah makes peace with Irene’s decision and offers her full support. She proposes that she, Alf, and John help Irene plan her farewell trip, ensuring she leaves the Bay surrounded by love rather than conflict. All Irene needs to do, Leah says, is pick the destinations.

What follows is one of the most heartfelt and emotional moments in Home and Away history. Irene and Leah, friends who have weathered countless storms together, share laughter and tears as they plan a journey that symbolizes both an ending and a new beginning. For Irene, it is a chance to embrace freedom and adventure. For Leah, it is the painful acceptance that her best friend will no longer be part of her daily life.

The tender scenes highlight the unshakable bond between the two women, underscoring that while Irene may be leaving Summer Bay, the love and memories she leaves behind will endure.

The Legacy of Irene Roberts

Irene’s departure marks the end of an era for Home and Away. Since her arrival in the early 1990s, she has been a mother figure, a confidante, and at times, the moral compass of Summer Bay. From her battles with alcoholism to her role in raising troubled teens, Irene’s storylines have consistently reflected themes of resilience and redemption.

Her exit not only leaves a void in the Bay but also in the hearts of fans who have grown up with her character. Few soap characters achieve such longevity, and Irene’s departure will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable exits in the show’s long history.

As Lynne McGranger bids farewell to the role she has played for over 30 years, her performance promises to be a tour de force—equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. For fans, it is a chance to reflect on the countless moments Irene has given them: her sharp wit, her unconditional love, and her unwavering determination to always do what’s right.

The Aftermath for Summer Bay

While Irene’s story may be concluding, her absence will send ripples through Summer Bay. How will Leah cope without her closest friend? Will John regret his angry words once she’s gone? And how will the community move forward without the woman who so often held it together during its darkest hours?

These lingering questions ensure that Irene’s exit is not just about one character leaving but about how her departure reshapes the very fabric of Summer Bay.