For more than three decades, Irene Roberts has been a rock—there through crises, triumphs, and Summer Bay’s biggest dramas. But this August, the beloved matriarch makes the shattering decision to leave Summer Bay, closing the book on her iconic journey.

A Beloved Legend Says Goodbye

Behind the scoop? Lynne McGranger, who has portrayed Irene since 1993, announced her departure earlier in 2025. With nearly 33 years in the role, McGranger hands over the Pier Diner apron and bows out of the show’s daily life (Wikipedia, Digital Spy). She films her final scenes in March; the character’s on‑screen departure is set to air in August 2025, marking the end of an era (Wikipedia).

McGranger called it “bittersweet to close this chapter on the best and longest gig of my life”, paying emotional tribute to the show’s writers, crew and loyal fans for making Irene such a cherished household name (Variety Australia).

The Trigger: Memory Gaps and a Devastating Diagnosis

It starts subtly—forgotten appointments, misplaced items, even cancelled dinner plans with John Palmer while Irene has no recollection (Digital Spy). Her dear friend John (Shane Withington), watching her struggle, gently encourages her to face the issue. Soon she sees Dr Bree Cameron.

The diagnosis? Alzheimer’s disease—a life‑altering moment. As Irene fights for normalcy, she witnesses herself forgetting she was babysitting baby Archie, a near‑tragic slip that jolts Summer Bay into action (Back to the Bay).

Scene 1: A Slip That Shakes the Bay

The pivotal episode aired on July 29, 2025, when Irene nearly leaves baby Archie alone at home, completely forgetting her babysitting duties (What to Watch). John, already anxious about a hot iron accident, is terrified. Irene is mortified—her forgetfulness has crossed from irritating to dangerous.

That scene is electric. It shows Irene, confused and ashamed, as the community realizes that the legend they know is now under threat.

Scene 2: Facing Reality

Next, Irene and John travel to the city for further tests—including a lumbar puncture that tragically confirms Alzheimer’s (What to Watch, Back to the Bay). Back in Summer Bay, Irene forces herself back into her routine—opening the Pier Diner, snapping at colleagues, desperately clinging to control (Back to the Bay).

But inside her heart, a storm brews. She retreated home mid‑shift, gathering framed photos and carefully writing names on their backs, bracing herself for a future when she may no longer remember the faces she loves (Back to the Bay).

Scene 3: Flashbacks and Farewell

With John’s encouragement, Irene sits down with Leah (Ada Nicodemou). The two share a tearful exchange—Leah comforting the friend who has spent years mothering everyone else. Flashbacks swirl: Irene fostering children, battling breast cancer, enduring betrayal and redemption. They remind us of every child’s safety net, every time she lent her strength.

Leah, Marilyn, and John decide: Irene should sell her stake in the Pier Diner. But she waves them off—she doesn’t want to burden them (Back to the Bay). She attempts to gift her share to Leah, prompting John to intervene: she’ll still need the funds for the future—and for her adult children (Back to the Bay).

Eventually, after tear‑filled negotiations, Irene agrees to sell her share once Leah secures a bank loan. The choices are tough, the consequences final.

Scene 4: The World Beckons

A turning point arrives when Sonny (Tane Parata’s character) finds Irene daydreaming about travel and adventures. He offers the advice she needs: don’t wait until it’s too late to chase life’s possibilities. Inspired, Irene drops a bombshell: she’s selling the beach house and plans to travel the world, on her terms, while she still can (Back to the Bay).

In that quiet moment, Irene declares her farewell—not in defeat, but on her own terms.

Scene 5: A Party and a Parting

The Bay community gathers by the beach for a farewell dinner—complete with an “Irene’s Mocktail Bar,” smiles, tears, laughter and shared memories. As the toast is raised, viewers are reminded of Irene’s legacy: a woman who took in broken kids, fought her demons, and anchored Summer Bay for decades (Back to the Bay).

Though Lynne McGranger filmed her final scenes in March at the Pier Diner, the emotional goodbye plays out over several episodes, culminating in August (Wikipedia).

Why Irene’s Exit Resonates

1. A Character Who Cared

Irene Roberts was more than a role—an institution. She battled alcoholism, helped reunite kids, survived breast cancer, and even faced wrongful imprisonment. She transformed from the notorious drifter into a community mother figure, and her open‑door policy made Summer Bay feel like home (The Sun).

2. Alzheimer’s—the Hidden Villain

Home and Away has never shied from hard truths—but Alzheimer’s is one of its most poignant stories yet. Watching Irene gradually lose herself is wrenching, both for her on-screen loved ones and the audience. She identifies objects by writing names on photo backs—small gestures loaded with heartbreak (Back to the Bay, Digital Spy).

3. Control in the Face of Decline

Rather than fading helplessly into illness, Irene’s exit is defined by agency. She chooses to step away: selling the diner, the house, gifting memories. She travels while she can—to preserve dignity, autonomy, and the essence of who she is.

4. Emotional Impact on the Bay

John’s heartbreak. Leah’s tears. Marilyn’s quiet sorrow. The entire Bay uniting to support its most generous resident. When the community rallies around Irene, it’s both beautiful and painful to witness.

What This Means for Home and Away

As one legend exits, the Bay braces for change. Irene’s departure creates a vacuum at the diner, in the beach house, and in the hearts of viewers. New stories will emerge—but for now, the focus is on honoring a character who shaped the show’s soul.

Meanwhile, Lynne McGranger is moving on too—embracing theatre, radio, even stand‑up comedy after her long tenure (Daily Telegraph). She described her time on the show as a blessing and called it “a privilege” to bring Irene to life for more than six decades of television.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just another soap exit—it’s a seismic, emotional arc that handles loss, legacy, and life with rare grace. Home and Away weaves heartbreak into hope as Irene Roberts walks away—but only because she’s choosing to chase who she still wants to become.

For long‑time fans, Irene’s journey has been a lifetime of memories packed into 30 years. Watching her walk away marks the end of a chapter—but also a final gift: a woman who knew loss but answered with courage, laughter, and love.

As the screen fades to black on Irene Roberts one last time… summer Bay will never be the same again.