Beloved Home and Away star Lynne McGranger to leave soap after 32 years

After over three decades playing one of the most popular characters on Australian television, Home and Away’sLynne McGranger will be hanging up her Diner apron one final time when she leaves the hit drama series later this year.

Her beloved character, Irene Roberts, has become a staple in Summer Bay and her emotional exit cannot be missed. Lynne, who is the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama series, said: “After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life.

“I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay.

"Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support.”

The Logie-nominated actor has become part of the heart and soul of Summer Bay since her on-screen debut in January 1993, when she took over the popular role and quickly stole the hearts – and laughter – of the nation with iconic ‘Irene-isms’ and classic eyerolls.

Lynne’s Irene, a recovered alcoholic, returned to Summer Bay in the 1993 series premiere having turned her life around and with hopes to reconnect with her daughter, Fin (Tina Thomsen). Since then, Irene has become part of the fabric of the tight-knit seaside community, having taken in multiple foster children.

She has been at the centre of many of Home and Away’s biggest storylines, including her battle with alcoholism, a breast cancer diagnosis, a long-lost son, a ferry boat sinking, a bomb explosion, a plane crash and even a stint in prison for a murder she did not commit.

But despite the challenges she has endured over the years, Irene’s resilience and tell-it-like-it-is nature have made her a force to be reckoned with. When not serving customers at the Pier Diner, the Summer Bay mainstay can often be found dishing out advice or offering a friendly ear over a cuppa.

Irene is not only a beloved fan-favourite, but her numerous colloquialisms and catchphrases (“girly”, “darl”, “flippin’ heck!”) have become embedded in Australian pop culture, with TV WEEK ranking her the second Greatest Australian TV Character Of All Time, as voted by readers in a 2023 poll.

Away from the Bay, Lynne was the runner-up in the 2014 season of Seven’s Dancing With The Stars, and released her tell-all autobiography, Acting Up: Me, Myself and Irene in 2021.

Home and Away’s Executive Producer, Julie McGauran said: “What a pure joy and privilege it has been for all at Home and Away to work with the wonderfully talented, witty, funny and kind Lynne McGranger.

"Lynne’s extraordinary portrayal of down-to-earth Irene Roberts is why the character is held with such great affection by fans around the world. Lynne will always be a much-loved member of the Home and Away family, her friendship to all is truly cherished and we wish her all the best for what’s next in her bright, bright future.”

While Lynne will wrap up filming at the end of March, fans still have many more months to get their fill of classic Irene-isms, with her onscreen departure not taking place until later in the year.

Meanwhile, Irene returns to screens this week, after Lynne took a six-month hiatus last year to tour with her comedy stage-show, The Grandparents Club. Fans won’t want to miss Irene’s rocky return to Summer Bay, after she was last seen admitting herself to a rehab clinic, having relapsed with her alcoholism.

Upon finishing filming next month, Lynne will take some downtime before heading back out on the road again with a brand-new Grandparents Club as they tour Australia.

Tune into Home and Away weekdays on RTÉ One at 1.30pm. Catch up on weekdays at 6.30pm on RTÉ 2 or on demand on RTÉ Player.

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