'My body isn’t as resilient’: This Home and Away icon is saying goodbye after 33 years
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Long-running TV roles often become more than just characters—they turn into icons that define a show for generations of viewers.
When a familiar face steps away after decades on screen, it marks the end of an era and leaves fans wondering what comes next.
Now, one of Home and Away’s most beloved stars has announced their departure, closing the chapter on a role that has spanned over 30 years.
Lynne McGranger, who played Irene Roberts on Home and Away for over three decades, announced she was leaving the long-running series.
The 72-year-old actress confirmed her departure on Sunday, calling it a ‘bittersweet’ decision.
‘After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day 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,’ she said in a statement.
She expressed gratitude to the show's production crew and writers, crediting them for shaping Irene’s story.
‘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,’ she continued.
McGranger confirmed she had already informed her castmates of her decision, describing it as an emotional moment.
‘It means a lot that my friendship and Irene has been such an important part in the lives of people in and around Summer Bay both on screen and behind the scenes,’ she said.
The veteran actress first took on the role in January 1993, becoming one of the show's most enduring characters.
She revealed she would film her final scenes in March but remained tight-lipped about how Irene would leave Summer Bay.
‘And I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay,’ she said, only hinting that her exit would be a ‘great’ moment in the show’s history.
Explaining her reasons for stepping away, McGranger said she wanted to explore new creative opportunities.
‘It's kind of been in my head for a few years, where I thought, I've still got my health, my fitness, and I would like to branch out again and do some more theatre, maybe a bit of radio, a bit of stand-up comedy,’ she said.
She admitted that the demanding schedule had become more challenging over time.
‘You either leave voluntarily or leave in a box by the time you're my age,’ she joked.
‘I'm not going to live forever, particularly if I keep doing 14-hour days. You get a bit tired, you need your sleep, if you have a bad night's sleep you will pay the price the next day. My body isn't as resilient as it once was.’
During her tenure on Home and Away, McGranger worked alongside actors who later became Hollywood stars, including Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth.
She also shared scenes with other well-known Australian actors such as Samara Weaving, Tammin Sursok, Ryan Kwanten and Isla Fisher.
McGranger’s final months on the show coincided with her involvement in The Grandparents Club, a stage musical comedy touring Australia between July and October.
She also revealed plans to take a trip to Japan after leaving the series.
Her departure had been in the works for some time, as she previously hinted at it in an interview in May 2023.
‘It's something I've mulled over, and it has been in the back of my mind for the last year or two,’ she said at the time.
McGranger took over the role of Irene from Jacquy Phillips and went on to play the character for 33 years, making her one of the longest-serving stars in the show’s history.
In 2021, she released her memoir, Acting Up: Me, Myself And Irene, where she opened up about her struggles with drugs and an eating disorder.
Lynne McGranger’s time on Home and Away has spanned over three decades, making her one of the show’s most enduring stars.
Take a look back at her very first appearance as Irene Roberts in 1993—watch the video below!
In a previous story, we explored the fresh faces set to shake up Home and Away in 2025.
With long-time favourites departing, these new arrivals are set to bring exciting changes to Summer Bay.
Read more about the upcoming cast and what their arrival means for the show.
After 33 years in Summer Bay, Irene Roberts' departure marks the end of an era—how do you think Home and Away will change without her? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
When a familiar face steps away after decades on screen, it marks the end of an era and leaves fans wondering what comes next.
Now, one of Home and Away’s most beloved stars has announced their departure, closing the chapter on a role that has spanned over 30 years.
Lynne McGranger, who played Irene Roberts on Home and Away for over three decades, announced she was leaving the long-running series.
The 72-year-old actress confirmed her departure on Sunday, calling it a ‘bittersweet’ decision.
‘After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day 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,’ she said in a statement.
She expressed gratitude to the show's production crew and writers, crediting them for shaping Irene’s story.
‘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,’ she continued.
McGranger confirmed she had already informed her castmates of her decision, describing it as an emotional moment.
‘It means a lot that my friendship and Irene has been such an important part in the lives of people in and around Summer Bay both on screen and behind the scenes,’ she said.
The veteran actress first took on the role in January 1993, becoming one of the show's most enduring characters.
She revealed she would film her final scenes in March but remained tight-lipped about how Irene would leave Summer Bay.
‘And I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay,’ she said, only hinting that her exit would be a ‘great’ moment in the show’s history.
Explaining her reasons for stepping away, McGranger said she wanted to explore new creative opportunities.
‘It's kind of been in my head for a few years, where I thought, I've still got my health, my fitness, and I would like to branch out again and do some more theatre, maybe a bit of radio, a bit of stand-up comedy,’ she said.
She admitted that the demanding schedule had become more challenging over time.
‘You either leave voluntarily or leave in a box by the time you're my age,’ she joked.
‘I'm not going to live forever, particularly if I keep doing 14-hour days. You get a bit tired, you need your sleep, if you have a bad night's sleep you will pay the price the next day. My body isn't as resilient as it once was.’
During her tenure on Home and Away, McGranger worked alongside actors who later became Hollywood stars, including Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth.
She also shared scenes with other well-known Australian actors such as Samara Weaving, Tammin Sursok, Ryan Kwanten and Isla Fisher.
McGranger’s final months on the show coincided with her involvement in The Grandparents Club, a stage musical comedy touring Australia between July and October.
She also revealed plans to take a trip to Japan after leaving the series.
Her departure had been in the works for some time, as she previously hinted at it in an interview in May 2023.
‘It's something I've mulled over, and it has been in the back of my mind for the last year or two,’ she said at the time.
McGranger took over the role of Irene from Jacquy Phillips and went on to play the character for 33 years, making her one of the longest-serving stars in the show’s history.
In 2021, she released her memoir, Acting Up: Me, Myself And Irene, where she opened up about her struggles with drugs and an eating disorder.
Lynne McGranger’s time on Home and Away has spanned over three decades, making her one of the show’s most enduring stars.
Take a look back at her very first appearance as Irene Roberts in 1993—watch the video below!
In a previous story, we explored the fresh faces set to shake up Home and Away in 2025.
With long-time favourites departing, these new arrivals are set to bring exciting changes to Summer Bay.
Read more about the upcoming cast and what their arrival means for the show.
After 33 years in Summer Bay, Irene Roberts' departure marks the end of an era—how do you think Home and Away will change without her? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
