After more than three decades captivating audiences, Home and Away bids farewell to one of its most enduring and beloved characters: Irene Roberts. In a finale equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring, Irene’s departure marks the end of an era—one punctuated by personal sacrifice, unwavering loyalty, and a shocking twist that will leave Summer Bay reeling. As viewers struggle to come to terms with the exit of Lynne McGranger’s iconic character, we delve deep into Irene’s final storyline, what it means for the residents of Summer Bay, and why her departure feels both tragic and heroic.

The Road to Goodbye: Irene’s Last Stand

Irene’s exit storyline has been building quietly yet powerfully over recent months. Long-time viewers will recall that Irene has often been the moral compass of Summer Bay—a mother figure not only to the countless foster kids she’s cared for, but also to friends, neighbours, and even the town’s most troubled souls. Her fierce honesty and razor-sharp wit have grounded the soap in reality, even when storylines veered into the sensational.

The seeds of Irene’s farewell were sown earlier this year, when she discovered troubling news: her health was failing. Doctors diagnosed Irene with a rare heart condition, the result of years of stress, heartbreak, and self-neglect. Yet, true to form, she chose to keep this diagnosis from those closest to her, determined not to be seen as vulnerable or to cause anyone pain.

A Community in Crisis

As fate would have it, Irene’s personal struggle unfolded just as Summer Bay faced one of its greatest crises: a devastating fire at the Diner, the very heart of the community that Irene co-owned. Rumours of sabotage spread quickly, fingers pointed in every direction, and emotions ran high. Irene, grappling with her own mortality, refused to let her illness stop her from fighting for the Diner’s future.

In the weeks leading to her exit, viewers saw a series of powerful scenes: Irene confronting the insurance company, standing up to aggressive developers eyeing the prime beachfront land, and comforting her staff and loyal patrons. She played peacemaker and warrior in equal measure—classic Irene, refusing to back down even when the odds seemed insurmountable.

Unfinished Business and Old Ghosts

One of the most poignant elements of Irene’s farewell was the re-emergence of unfinished business from her past. In a surprising twist, her estranged son, Mick Jennings, recently released from prison, returned to Summer Bay. His arrival stirred deep wounds: Irene had given Mick up for adoption after being assaulted as a teenager—a tragic chapter she had bravely shared with viewers years ago.

The writers took viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as Irene wrestled with guilt, forgiveness, and fear. Should she allow Mick back into her life? Could she trust him after everything that had happened? These questions haunted her, creating some of the most gripping and raw moments of the season.

In the end, Irene found it within herself to face Mick. In an emotionally charged scene, she told him that while she could never forget the pain, she would not let it define their relationship—or her own sense of worth. For longtime fans, this confrontation was a testament to Irene’s evolution: from self-destructive alcoholic to a woman who confronted her past with grace and honesty.

The Heroic Goodbye

The true climax of Irene’s exit came during yet another catastrophe in Summer Bay—a violent storm that caused flooding and left several locals trapped in rising waters. As the townspeople rallied to save their own, Irene, despite worsening health, joined the rescue effort. When young Jordan, a new foster teen she had taken under her wing, was caught in the flood, Irene didn’t hesitate. Ignoring her doctor’s warnings, she plunged into the water to pull him to safety.

In a moment both devastating and heroic, Irene collapsed shortly after bringing Jordan to shore. Rushed to the hospital, she drifted in and out of consciousness, surrounded by those who loved her most. In her final scenes, she urged her friends and family to look after each other, to “keep the Bay together, no matter what.”

The show handled Irene’s last moments with sensitivity and authenticity. Rather than a dramatic death on screen, Irene chose to leave Summer Bay quietly, relocating to the city for urgent treatment and a fresh start. But the message was clear: whether or not she survives, her legacy endures.

A Void That Cannot Be Filled

Irene’s departure leaves a profound void—not just among characters, but in the heart of the audience. For over thirty years, she was the anchor in a town often rocked by scandal, tragedy, and upheaval. Her kitchen became a safe space; her advice, sometimes blunt but always heartfelt, helped guide countless storylines.

In an emotional farewell episode, the residents of Summer Bay gathered at the Diner, walls still charred but spirit unbroken, to celebrate Irene’s life and impact. Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) delivered a touching tribute, calling her “the toughest, kindest soul the Bay has ever seen.” Marilyn, Leah, and John—her closest allies—shared memories that showcased Irene’s humour, stubbornness, and relentless compassion.

For viewers, the scenes served as a love letter to both Irene Roberts the character and Lynne McGranger, whose performance made her unforgettable.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Sadness, and Gratitude

Unsurprisingly, social media erupted following Irene’s final episode. Hashtags like #GoodbyeIrene and #HomeAndAway trended for hours, with thousands sharing memories of the character’s most iconic moments: her battle with alcoholism, the fight to save the Diner from arsonists, and her countless acts of kindness toward Summer Bay’s lost souls.

Some fans expressed sadness that Irene didn’t receive a definitive on-screen death, while others praised the writers for allowing hope: that somewhere, Irene fights on, just out of frame. Many noted that Irene’s departure feels all the more poignant given the show’s current themes of resilience and community.

The End of an Era—And What Comes Next

While Irene’s exit undoubtedly closes a chapter, it opens new possibilities. How will the Diner survive without her steadfast leadership? Will Mick remain in Summer Bay, and could his presence bring further turmoil? And who, if anyone, can step into the role Irene played as the Bay’s moral centre?

Producers have hinted that the ripple effects of Irene’s departure will shape storylines well into 2026. Yet, no matter what comes next, Irene Roberts’ spirit will continue to guide Summer Bay—a testament to the character’s lasting power and the actress who brought her to life.

A Farewell Worthy of a Legend

In the end, Irene’s exit is both tragic twist and heroic goodbye—a departure true to the woman fans came to love: flawed but brave, scarred but unbreakable. As the waves crash against the sands of Summer Bay, the imprint Irene leaves behind is as permanent as the tide.