Home and Away Spoilers: What Has John Done to Upset Irene?

John phoned Irene that evening to apologise in case they’d upset her, with Irene finally revealing that she was scared… but of what, she didn’t say.

This prompted a further visit the next day, which irked Irene somewhat, but Irene eventually confided in John that there were too many painful memories back at home, and being around the people who saw her at her worst might tempt her to drink again.

Promising to support her, John and Leah convinced Irene to return home with them that very day, but after first suffering a panic attack as they drove into town, Irene then proceeded to put off going back to the Beach House for as long as possible.

Irene later confided in Leah and Marilyn (Emily Symons), admitting that the lack of the structured schedule of the rehab centre had left her feeling lost.

The steady rhythm of daily activities had given her something to hold onto—it provided reassurance, kept her accountable, and was the one thing standing between her and relapse.

“I knew where I was supposed to be every minute of the day,” she told them. “I had that routine for 133 days. And now I don’t have it, it is such a jolt to the system.”

Next week, Dana arrives home late from work to find Irene sitting alone in the dark, clearly struggling.

Irene opens up about how disoriented she feels, and Dana, wanting to lift her spirits, suggests they spend the next morning together.

What Dana didn’t expect was to be dragged into a powerwalk. As she does her best to keep pace with Irene, the two happen to run into Leah and Marilyn, who were on their way to the Beach House with breakfast in tow.

Leah’s phone buzzes—it’s John, anxious that he hasn’t been able to get through to Irene. But Irene brushes off his concern without hesitation.

Irene perks up when Leah and Marilyn offer to help her build a new routine to keep her days full.

John phoned Irene that evening to apologise in case they’d upset her, with Irene finally revealing that she was scared… but of what, she didn’t say. This prompted a further visit the next day, which irked Irene somewhat, but Irene eventually confided in John that there were too many painful memories back at home, and…