As speculation around Irene Roberts’ possible departure from Home and Away continues to grow, longtime fans are looking back on a series of subtle — and not-so-subtle — moments that suggest her time in Summer Bay may soon be coming to an end. From quiet reflections to emotional goodbyes, here are 27 powerful scenes that may have been foreshadowing Irene’s heartbreaking farewell.
🕊️ Emotional Hints and Quiet Goodbyes
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The beach at sunrise – Irene gazes out at the water, whispering, “Maybe it’s time.”
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Her final shift at the diner (for now?), where she pauses, looks around, and says, “Feels different today.”
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Giving Marilyn her old recipe book, saying, “You’ll take good care of this.”
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Visiting Leah just to “talk”, breaking down in tears mid-conversation.
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Packing away old photos, lingering on a picture of her and Colleen.
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Avoiding the word “forever” in conversations about her future in the Bay.
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A letter from an old friend inviting her to the country — and the look in her eyes as she reads it.
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Returning to her childhood home in a quiet solo trip, seen only in montage.
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A solo toast at Salt, raising her glass quietly to “what’s next.”
💬 Conversations That Say More Than Words
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Telling Alf, “You’ve always had this place figured out. Me? Not anymore.”
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Telling Justin and Leah she’s “exhausted” and needs space.
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Asking Dana, “What would you do if you felt like you didn’t belong anymore?”
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Looking over her will, with a solemn expression.
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Calling John Palmer “the most loyal bloke I’ve known”, and hugging him goodbye — longer than usual.
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Saying to Theo, “You’ve got your head on right. You don’t need me watching over you anymore.”
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Apologising to Marilyn “in case I’ve ever let you down.”
💔 Nostalgia, Flashbacks, and Final Reflections
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Watching old video footage of the diner with Bobby and Colleen.
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Revisiting the caravan park, standing in silence at the door of her old van.
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Looking at the photo wall in the diner, her hand lingering on pictures of departed characters.
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Walking barefoot along the shore, alone, just like in her first episode.
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Returning to her AA meeting, sharing a vulnerable speech about endings and beginnings.
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Giving away small keepsakes — her apron, her necklace, her garden gloves.
💬 Sudden Changes in Routine
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Refusing to take on more shifts, saying she needs time to “breathe.”
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Turning down Alf’s dinner invite, something she rarely does.
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Staying in more, going out less, despite encouragement from friends.
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Writing a series of letters, later seen in a box labeled “to be opened later.”
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Ending an episode with Irene alone, closing the front door and saying softly, “Goodbye.”
Whether these moments are part of a slow build-up to a full departure or a temporary farewell arc, one thing is clear: Irene’s presence has been shifting, and viewers are feeling it. Each scene, filled with nuance and emotion, hints at a woman ready to turn the page.
Stay tuned as Home and Away continues to explore Irene’s story — and possibly, her next great chapter.
