After more than three decades on Australian television, Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger is saying goodbye — but not before dropping a bombshell that’s left fans reeling.
Known and loved for her role as Irene Roberts, McGranger has been a cornerstone of the long-running soap opera since 1993. Now, at 70, she’s preparing for her final scenes — and according to the actress, what’s coming next is unlike anything viewers have seen before.
“It’s emotional, it’s powerful, and it’s going to shock a lot of people,” McGranger revealed in a recent interview. “This final storyline… it’s not just an ending. It’s a turning point. It will hit home.”
While exact details of her character’s exit remain tightly under wraps, sources close to the production suggest it involves a deeply personal twist that ties back to Irene’s troubled past — a move McGranger herself described as “unexpected but incredibly meaningful.”
Fans have already taken to social media to express their heartbreak, with hashtags like #GoodbyeIrene and #ThankYouLynne trending across Australia. Some longtime viewers even say they can’t imagine the show without her.
“I’ve grown up watching her,” one fan wrote. “It’s like saying goodbye to family.”
McGranger’s departure marks one of the most significant cast changes in Home and Away history. With over 2,000 episodes under her belt, she holds the title of the show’s longest-serving female cast member.
As for what comes next, the actress hinted that she’s not ruling out new projects — but right now, she’s focused on closing this chapter the right way.
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “But I’m proud of the legacy we’ve built. Irene will always be a part of me.”
The final episodes featuring McGranger are set to air later this year, promising a storyline that will not only honor her legacy but also shake up Summer Bay as we know it.
Brace yourselves, Home and Away fans — the end of an era is here.