Next week on Home and Away in the UK, a powerful emotional storm brews as beloved fan favourite Irene Roberts (portrayed by Lynne McGranger) makes her long-awaited — and final — return to Summer Bay. After seven months in rehab, this marks the swan song of one of the soap’s most iconic characters, and emotions run high as those closest to her grapple with the woman who’s come back a little different, a little more guarded, and unsure if she still belongs.

The Breakdown That Shook Summer Bay

The last time viewers saw Irene, she was spiralling into one of the darkest chapters of her life. A recovering alcoholic for nine years, her world crumbled when she was conned by new “friend” Brontie, who claimed to be terminally ill. Moved by empathy and her innate desire to help, Irene rallied the entire community, raising a staggering $100,000 for what she believed was Brontie’s last shot at life-saving treatment in Canada. But it was all a cruel scam.

The fallout was devastating — emotionally, financially, and physically. Not only did Irene feel responsible for misleading the town, but things took a terrifying turn when her housemate Dana was kidnapped by Brontie. Overwhelmed by guilt and shame, Irene relapsed. Her best friend John discovered her crying over a broken bottle, but even then, she refused to acknowledge the severity of her situation. While she initially claimed to have her drinking under control, it soon became evident that she was spiraling deeper.

John returned from the city to find Irene still refusing help. The two clashed bitterly, and Irene, fiercely defensive, pushed him away. Matters hit rock bottom when she drunkenly fell down the stairs and ended up in hospital. When nurse Bree found a hip flask hidden in Irene’s hospital bed, the illusion shattered completely. This was no longer a temporary slip — it was a complete collapse. Irene, finally seeing the truth, checked herself into a rehabilitation facility.

“This one was the worst,” Lynne McGranger admitted in an interview with TV Week Australia. “The stakes were so much higher this time. This wasn’t just about drinking. It was about shame, betrayal, and her sense of self.”

Wedding Bells and Worry

Now, months later, Harper and Tane are preparing for their wedding — but they’re puzzled when Irene turns down their invitation. The decision comes as a shock to everyone, particularly John and Dana, who knew how excited Irene had been about the ceremony before her breakdown.

Refusing to let the issue go, John and Leah decide to visit Irene at her rehab centre. They’re met with an awkward smile and an excuse about Tai Chi class. She’s polite, but distant. Clearly, something is still holding her back.

When pressed about her refusal to attend the wedding, Irene is direct: she’s simply not ready. She can’t make promises she may not be able to keep. John, ever the intuitive friend, senses there’s more beneath the surface.

A Friend Who Won’t Give Up

Irene’s recovery is personal — and she’s determined to keep it that way. But John isn’t convinced. The next day, he returns to the facility, bringing Leah with him once more. Irene, caught off guard by their persistence, is less than thrilled. She throws up her walls again, but John isn’t easily swayed.

He joins her in an art therapy class, using the moment of calm and creativity to break through. Slowly, Irene begins to talk. Her fear isn’t just about facing the wedding crowd — it’s about returning to Summer Bay, a place full of ghosts and memories. She fears that seeing familiar faces who witnessed her at her lowest will trigger another relapse.

“She’s grown to feel safe here,” McGranger explains. “She’s found peace in the routine of the rehab centre. Facing the real world again feels overwhelming.”

But John reminds her of the strength she’s shown, and the unwavering love that awaits her. “You’re not alone,” he tells her. “We’ve all got your back.”

That heartfelt moment breaks through. Later that day, a visibly hesitant Irene agrees to return, packing her bags and joining John and Leah for the journey home.

Crossing the Threshold

As the trio drives past the iconic Welcome to Summer Bay sign, Irene freezes. A surge of anxiety grips her, and she demands the car stop. Stepping out, she trembles as she tries to catch her breath. Is she really ready to return?

This scene — raw, unscripted, and deeply moving — captures the heart of Irene’s story. It’s not about a triumphant return, but about a woman braving the unknown with nothing but hope and the love of her friends.

A Final Curtain Call

Irene’s emotional journey mirrors that of actress Lynne McGranger, who confirmed earlier this year that she was saying goodbye to her iconic role after more than three decades. Her absence from the show was initially to allow her time to perform in the stage production The Grandparents Club, but it soon became clear that this was her final bow.

“After almost 33 years in my dream role, it’s bittersweet to be closing this chapter,” McGranger said in a heartfelt statement. “I’m forever grateful to the writers, the crew, and the fans who’ve stood by Irene through every twist and turn.”

McGranger filmed her final scenes on March 26th at Seven’s Eveleigh Studios in Sydney, surrounded by cast and crew. In an emotional farewell, she thanked everyone — from co-stars Ray Meagher (Alf), Georgie Parker (Roo), Emily Symons (Marilyn), Ada Nicodemou (Leah), to the younger cast and the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

“This show is made up of so many incredible people,” she said through tears. “I’ve had the ride of my life, and I love each and every one of you.”

A Legacy Etched in the Bay

As Irene steps tentatively back into Summer Bay, viewers brace for a touching farewell arc. Her return is not about tying up loose ends — it’s about honouring a character who, through highs and lows, remained one of the show’s emotional anchors.

Her courage, her flaws, and her relentless determination have made her a relatable force across generations. And as Home and Away prepares to say goodbye to Irene Roberts, it does so not with finality, but with celebration.

After all, in Summer Bay, no one is ever truly gone.