Irene’s Homecoming: Tensions Rise in Summer Bay | Home And Away Spoilers

Devastated at putting all her loved ones in danger—both financially and physically, considering lodger Dana (Ally Harris) had been abducted by Bronte—Irene fell into a downward spiral and began drinking.

Best friend John (Shane Withington) soon discovered Irene’s relapse when he found her crying over a broken bottle, but despite Irene promising to attend AA meetings, she instead opted to start drinking openly in front of her friends, claiming she now had it under control.

When John returned from a visit to the city, he was shocked to find that Irene hadn’t sought help as promised. But as he refused to humour Irene’s new stance on drinking, Irene pushed John away.

Things finally came to a head after Irene fell down the stairs and was admitted to hospital.

When Bree (Juliet Godwin) found Irene sipping from a hip flask in her hospital bed, Irene realised she had reached a new low.

Apologising to John, who vowed to stand by her, Irene admitted herself to rehab.

“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.

Devastated at putting all her loved ones in danger—both financially and physically, considering lodger Dana (Ally Harris) had been abducted by Bronte—Irene fell into a downward spiral and began drinking. Best friend John (Shane Withington) soon discovered Irene’s relapse when he found her crying over a broken bottle, but despite Irene promising to attend AA…