After 30 years in Summer Bay, Lynne McGranger has bid farewell to Home and Away, ending one of Australia's longest-running soap careers. The 71-year-old actress has played Irene Roberts since 1993, and over three decades, her character became a cornerstone of the community.
Irene first appeared as a troubled villain, a violent, alcoholic mother whose children had been taken away. But after choosing sobriety, she dedicated herself to fostering children, becoming a mentor and friend to many. Her storylines included a relationship with a murderer, battling breast cancer, and a relapse into alcoholism. Her final storyline involved an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
McGranger revealed her decision had been brewing for a year or two. 'I had probably been thinking about leaving the show for a year or two, just in passing - just thinking maybe the time is drawing nigh to change direction and to do a little bit of theatre,' she said. She has no regrets: 'I never had any doubts, no. And I haven't had any regrets or any doubts since.'
Fans have expressed disappointment, but McGranger remains philosophical. 'Many, many people have come up to say, 'oh why did you have to leave, it's not the same'. And I'm like, 'well it was time for me to move on. No, it's not the same but it will be different, and it will be better in some respects',' she said.
One storyline that resonated deeply was Irene's breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, which mirrored the experience of her best friend's daughter. 'My best friend, who lives in York, her daughter Nicky had been diagnosed at the same time. She fought valiantly for about 10 years but sadly lost her fight when she was about 50,' McGranger recalled.
Despite her departure, McGranger stays in touch with former colleagues and visits the studio. She is currently touring Australia with The Grandparent's Club, with upcoming shows in Ireland, Norway, and possibly London.
