Home And Away diner owner Irene Roberts, played by Lynne McGranger, is to leave the Australian soap after more than 30 years. Lynne said in a statement: “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.”
The Channel 5 show said the 72-year-old actress would film her last scenes as Irene in March, with her final episode airing later this year.
Home And Away said: “After nearly 33 incredible years, our beloved diner queen, Irene, is waving goodbye to Summer Bay. While Lynne wraps up filming at the end of March, fans can still enjoy many more months of Irene’s iconic slang and warm presence before her final episode airs later this year.”
We caught up with Lynne in the famous Pier Diner to find out exactly why she’s decided to leave now, and what we can expect from Irene’s exit storyline.
Irene was first introduced in 1991, when she was played by Jacqy Phillips, as a recurring character, but when the role was taken on by McGranger in 1993 she was promoted to the regular cast.
In her original incarnation, the character was seen as a villainous alcoholic, but when she joined the main cast Irene was made mellower. She is best known for working in and later owning the Summer Bay diner, having previously worked as a shop assistant.
During her time on the show, Irene’s biggest storylines have included her breast cancer diagnosis, discovery of a long-lost son, and surviving a plane crash.
Home and Away airs on Channel 5 in the UK.
