Sydney, 8 July 2025 – One of Australia’s most beloved TV stars, Lynne McGranger, has officially broken her silence on her exit from Home and Away, marking the end of a legendary 33-year run as Irene Roberts. In an emotional interview, the veteran actress described her final storyline as “gut-wrenching” and “deeply personal,” revealing she helped shape her own dramatic farewell.

McGranger, who joined the long-running soap in 1992, is the longest-serving female cast member in the show’s history. Her final scenes, filmed in late March at the iconic Pier Diner set, are expected to air in August 2025, with fans bracing for a heartbreaking goodbye.

“It’s time,” McGranger said. “This exit story means so much to me – it’s real, it’s raw, and it reflects something that touches so many lives. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created.”

The upcoming episodes will see Irene facing significant health struggles, including memory lapses and confusion, prompting fears of a stroke. John Palmer notices something is wrong, leading to a series of medical tests and a devastating diagnosis that will change Irene’s life forever.

McGranger revealed that she pitched the storyline herself to producers, wanting her departure to reflect a meaningful and relatable issue. “I didn’t want to just disappear. I wanted something with weight and truth,” she explained.

Following her departure, McGranger will return to her first love — theatre. She is set to tour Australia with The Grandparents Club later this year and says she looks forward to slowing down after decades of 14-hour shoot days.

Tributes have already begun pouring in from co-stars and fans alike. Home and Away producers released an emotional video montage in her honour, while stars like Ada Nicodemou and Ray Meagher praised McGranger as an “icon” and “inspiration.”

“Lynne has left an indelible mark on Home and Away,” said series executive producer Julie McGauran. “Her portrayal of Irene brought humour, compassion, and strength to millions of viewers.”

McGranger’s final episodes promise to deliver a powerful and poignant farewell. As Home and Away prepares to say goodbye to one of its most cherished characters, fans can expect tears, tributes, and a legacy that will endure far beyond Summer Bay.

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