Home and Away Shake-Up: Beloved Character Bids Temporary Farewell After Irene’s Emotional Breakdown

“In some respects, looking back over the years and the times she has fallen off the wagon, this one is the worst,” Lynne told Aussie magazine TV Week.

“The stakes were much higher because she was encouraged to go away to a facility.”

Seven months on, Harper (Jessica Redmayne) and Tane (Ethan Browne) are surprised when they learn that Irene has turned down an invite to their wedding.

It’s equally as baffling to John and Dana, with Dana commenting that Irene had been looking forward to it last time they spoke.

John and Leah (Ada Nicodemou) decide to take matters into their own hands and pay a visit to Irene at the rehab facility, in an attempt to find out what’s going on.

Irene is surprised to see the pair, and whilst she puts on a brave face it’s clear that she’s a little put out as she tells them she is about to head to her tai-chi class. John and Leah offer to wait.

When they later catch up, Leah asks Irene outright why she’s not attending the wedding. Irene doesn’t sugarcoat it—right now, she’s not ready to make promises she might not be able to keep.

John casts a knowing look in Leah’s direction, quietly wondering if there’s more to the story.

Irene remains firm though—her recovery is personal, and she’s not inviting anyone to weigh in with their opinions.

John later rings Irene to apologise, concerned they may have upset her. Irene admits to John that she’s scared, but refuses to tell him what of before hanging up.

John resolves to visit Irene again the next day, again roping Leah in to join him.

Upon arrival, they’re met with a lukewarm reception. Irene’s clearly not expecting, nor particularly thrilled, to see them turn up unannounced again so soon.

Irene puts up her defences, but John isn’t having it. Refusing to back down, he joins an art workshop Irene’s attending, using the time to gently probe what’s really keeping her from returning for the big day.

Eventually, Irene opens up. She explains that the thought of coming back to Summer Bay brings up too many painful memories.Being surrounded by familiar faces, the same ones who had seen her at her lowest, might be enough to tempt her into drinking again.

“Irene has become very comfortable in rehab,” Lynne added. “She enjoys the routine. She’s not quite ready to deal with the outside world.”

John reassures her that no one would be judging her, and that even in moments of doubt, she’s far stronger than she realises. More importantly, she wouldn’t be facing it all alone. They would all be there to support her.

Later that day, a reluctant Irene emerges with her bags packed to join John and Leah, having been convinced to come home with them.

But as they drive past the infamous ‘Welcome to Summer Bay‘ sign, Irene begins to panic, and hurriedly tells John to pull over.

Irene is shaking in fear as steps out the car to take a breath. Is she really ready to return home?

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Irene’s stint in rehab came as the result of Lynne taking an extended break for a touring theatre production, The Grandparents Club.

Shortly before her return to Australian screens back in February however, it was announced that Lynne had decided to hang up her diner apron for good.

“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,” Lynne said in a statement.

“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.”

On Wednesday 26th March, Lynne filmed her final ever scenes at Seven’s Eveleigh studios in front of a gathering of cast and crew members.

“In some respects, looking back over the years and the times she has fallen off the wagon, this one is the worst,” Lynne told Aussie magazine TV Week. “The stakes were much higher because she was encouraged to go away to a facility.” Seven months on, Harper (Jessica Redmayne) and Tane (Ethan Browne) are surprised…