Summer Bay was awash in emotion this week as cast and crew of Home and Away paid an unforgettable tribute to one of the soap’s most enduring stars – Lynne McGranger, who is set to depart the series after an incredible 33-year run as Irene Roberts.
On-set tears turned to full-blown sobs as co-stars, past and present, gathered to celebrate McGranger’s legacy in a moving farewell that brought the cast closer than ever – and reminded fans just how much the woman behind Irene has meant to Australian television.
🎭 An Icon Steps Off the Stage
Lynne McGranger, 72, officially wrapped filming her final scenes earlier this year, with her last appearance as Irene due to air later in 2025. But in true Home and Away fashion, her send-off was far from ordinary.
Filmed in secret at Sydney’s iconic Palm Beach set, the tribute featured speeches, montages of her most unforgettable moments, and a symbolic walk through the fictional town she helped define. What began as a celebration quickly became a deeply emotional event – not just for Lynne, but for everyone present.
The crew paused production for several hours as cast members shared personal memories, funny anecdotes, and tearful reflections on working alongside a woman many consider the “heart and soul” of the show.
😭 Cast in Tears: “She’s More Than a Co-Star – She’s Family”
Ray Meagher (Alf Stewart), the only cast member to have appeared on the series longer than McGranger, was visibly moved during the tribute. In his speech, he described her as “the glue that holds us all together.”
“Lynne’s been my rock on this set for over three decades. Her humour, her professionalism, her kindness—it’s impossible to put into words what she’s meant to us.”
Newer cast members like Emily Weir (Mackenzie) and Kawakawa Fox-Reo (Nikau) also choked up while recalling the warmth McGranger brought to the set.
“On my first day, I was terrified,” said Weir. “And then Lynne walked up to me, gave me this huge hug, and said, ‘Don’t worry, love. You’re one of us now.’ That’s just who she is.”
🎥 A Tribute Worthy of Television Royalty
The tribute also included a special behind-the-scenes reel compiled by Channel 7, showcasing McGranger’s evolution from a recurring character in 1993 to one of the most central and beloved figures on Home and Away. It was a reminder of Irene’s many iconic moments—fighting personal demons, overcoming tragedy, and opening her home to so many of Summer Bay’s lost souls.
As the footage rolled, Lynne herself was brought to tears, laughing and crying as she relived the character’s highs and lows. The montage closed with the words: “Thank you for being our Irene. Thank you for being our Lynne.”
💐 Flowers, Hugs, and One Last Hamburger Phone
McGranger was presented with a custom gift: a replica of the “hamburger phone” used in the Pier Diner—her fictional workplace for much of her tenure. The gesture brought laughter through tears, a perfect encapsulation of Irene’s enduring spirit.
The actress also received a massive bouquet of flowers, a framed cast photo, and a personal letter from the show’s creators, thanking her for her decades of dedication.
🗣 Lynne’s Farewell Message: “You’ve Given Me the Ride of My Life”
In a heartfelt goodbye speech, McGranger addressed the cast, crew, and fans watching via a live stream on social media:
“This show has been my home, my family, and my greatest joy. I’ve laughed here, cried here, and grown here. You’ve given me the ride of my life. I’ll always carry a piece of Summer Bay in my heart.”
She continued:
“I’m not saying goodbye to the people. I’m saying goodbye to the place. And I’ll be watching, just like all of you.”
📺 A Lasting Legacy
As fans prepare for Irene’s on-screen farewell later this year, the emotional impact of McGranger’s departure is already being felt. Tributes continue to pour in from viewers across the country, with many calling for a Logie Hall of Fame induction in her honour.
For now, Home and Away moves forward—but the absence of Lynne McGranger will be deeply felt in every scene, every storyline, and every memory of Summer Bay.
From troubled beginnings to becoming a pillar of the Bay, Irene Roberts has become a legend. And the woman behind her, Lynne McGranger, is nothing less than iconic.
