What Happened to Irene in Home and Away?
Irene Roberts, played by Lynne McGranger, has been at the heart of Summer Bay for over 33 years. In recent episodes, viewers have noticed Irene experiencing worrying memory lapses—forgetting appointments, missing dinner dates, and even nearly leaving a baby home alone.
These incidents prompt her to seek medical advice, leading to a devastating diagnosis that marks the beginning of her exit storyline.
The show has confirmed that Irene’s departure will be “emotional and unmissable,” with the community of Summer Bay rallying around her as she confronts her biggest challenge yet. The storyline is set to become a historic moment in Australian television.
Why is Irene Roberts Leaving Home and Away?
Lynne McGranger, the actress behind Irene, has decided to step down after an extraordinary 33-year run.
She was personally involved in crafting her character’s exit, aiming for a storyline that is both relevant and respectful. McGranger described the process as “bittersweet,” expressing pride in the way Irene’s journey concludes.
The exit is designed to be powerful and realistic, focusing on Irene’s health struggles and the support she receives from her friends and the community.
How Old is Irene Roberts from Home and Away?
Irene Roberts was first introduced in 1991, originally played by Jacqy Phillips, before Lynne McGranger took over in 1993.
The character’s age is not explicitly stated on the show, but Lynne McGranger herself is 72 years old as of 2025. This aligns with Irene’s portrayal as a matriarchal figure and the long-serving owner of the Summer Bay diner.
| Actress | Year Joined | Age in 2025 | Years as Irene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynne McGranger | 1993 | 72 | 33 |
Who is Irene Roberts?
Irene Roberts is one of Home and Away’s most iconic characters. Originally introduced as a troubled alcoholic, Irene’s journey has been one of redemption. Over the years, she became a compassionate foster mother, a business owner, and a pillar of the Summer Bay community. Her major storylines have included:
- Overcoming alcoholism and addiction
- Surviving breast cancer
- Searching for her long-lost son
- Surviving a plane crash
- Fostering and supporting countless young people in need
Her resilience, warmth, and signature slang have made her a fan favorite and a symbol of strength in the show.
Does Irene Die in Home and Away?
As of July 2025, there is no confirmation that Irene Roberts dies in the show. Her exit storyline is centered on her health struggles, particularly her memory lapses and the emotional impact of her diagnosis.
While the outcome is described as “gut-wrenching” and “there’s no coming back from this one,” the show has not explicitly stated that Irene’s character dies.
Instead, the focus is on her journey, the support she receives, and the legacy she leaves behind in Summer Bay.
Irene Roberts’ departure marks the end of an era for Home and Away. Her legacy as Summer Bay’s “diner queen” and mother figure will live on in the hearts of fans. As the show counts down to her final episode, tributes are pouring in from across the world—proving that Irene Roberts is truly irreplaceable.
Disclaimer:
The information provided regarding Irene Roberts' storyline and departure from Home and Away is based on current broadcast updates and storyline developments. While the show has confirmed Irene's exit, the specific details of her fate, including whether she dies, remain subject to upcoming episodes. As the storyline unfolds, the information may be updated, and viewers are encouraged to watch the show for the latest developments.
