Lynne McGranger SPEAKS OUT — The REAL Reason She Left Home and Away
In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Home and Away fandom, Lynne McGranger — the longest-serving female cast member in Australian television history — has finally broken her silence about why she decided to say goodbye to Summer Bay after more than three decades. The 72-year-old actress, who has portrayed the beloved Irene Roberts since 1993, opened up in a candid and emotional interview on The Late Late Show, sharing the real reason behind her departure from the iconic soap.
A Bittersweet Goodbye to a Legend
For millions of loyal viewers, Irene Roberts isn’t just a character — she’s the heart of Home and Away. Known for her compassion, strength, and trademark sass, Irene became a mother figure not only to countless young characters on-screen but also to the show’s audience around the world.
So when news broke that Lynne McGranger was officially leaving the series, fans were stunned. Rumors swirled about possible behind-the-scenes conflicts or creative disagreements, but McGranger swiftly set the record straight.
“There were no dramas, no feuds, no secret fallout,” she said with a soft laugh. “The truth is much simpler — I was just exhausted.”
After over 30 years of relentless filming, grueling production schedules, and emotional storylines, the veteran actress admitted that her decision came down to one thing: burnout.
The Toll of a 14-Hour Workday
Speaking with characteristic honesty, McGranger revealed that the Home and Away filming schedule — which often demands 12 to 14 hours a day on set — had begun to take a serious toll on her physically and mentally.
“I’ve thought about leaving for quite some time,” she confessed. “It’s such a joy to do what I do, but those long days, five days a week, year after year — it wears you down. I just hit a point where I thought, ‘I’m too old for this now.’”
For decades, McGranger’s work ethic and dedication to the show made her a pillar of Home and Away. She became a fixture of Australian television, beloved by fans across generations. Yet even the most devoted actors eventually reach a crossroads.
Friends and co-stars have long praised her professionalism, but behind the bright lights and seaside scenery of Summer Bay, the workload was relentless. The constant filming of multiple episodes simultaneously left little room for rest or personal life.
“When you’ve been playing the same character for over thirty years, it’s both a gift and a challenge,” McGranger said thoughtfully. “You live and breathe Irene. But there comes a moment when you realize you’ve given everything you possibly can.”
Irene’s Emotional Exit: Life Imitates Art
McGranger’s on-screen farewell storyline mirrors her real-life decision to step back and rest. In a series of heartbreaking episodes, Irene Roberts is diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s — a devastating twist for one of the show’s most resilient women.
Rather than succumbing to fear, Irene makes a life-affirming choice: she decides to travel the world before her condition worsens. It’s a farewell that feels deeply poetic — and unmistakably personal.
“It was important that Irene’s exit had dignity,” McGranger explained. “She’s a survivor. She’s been through addiction, abuse, heartache — and yet, she’s always had hope. So I loved that her ending was about freedom and living life on her own terms.”
The emotional scenes left both cast and crew in tears. Emily Symons (Marilyn), Ada Nicodemou (Leah), and Ray Meagher (Alf) were all reportedly on set during McGranger’s final day of filming, and the atmosphere was overwhelmingly emotional.
“We were all crying,” McGranger recalled. “It felt like saying goodbye to family.”
Three Decades of Irene Roberts: A Legacy That Changed Television
Lynne McGranger joined Home and Away in 1993, taking over the role of Irene Roberts from actress Jacqy Phillips. What began as a guest appearance soon turned into one of the most iconic runs in soap opera history.
Irene started out as a fiery, no-nonsense single mother with a troubled past, but over time, she evolved into one of the moral anchors of Summer Bay. McGranger infused the role with warmth, humor, and vulnerability — qualities that made Irene relatable to audiences around the globe.
Throughout her tenure, Irene tackled powerful storylines involving domestic abuse, alcoholism, foster care, and social stigma. McGranger’s nuanced performance brought authenticity and heart to each topic, earning her praise from critics and countless awards nominations.
“I think people saw themselves in Irene,” McGranger reflected. “She’s flawed, she’s messy, but she’s also kind and loyal. I’m proud that we gave her such depth.”
Fans will remember Irene as the woman who always had a cup of tea and a shoulder to cry on, whether it was for Sally, Leah, Bella, or any of the many teens she took under her wing. Her kitchen became the emotional heart of Home and Away — a place of safety, wisdom, and love.
The Hardest Goodbye: Leaving Her Second Family
After 31 years on set, walking away from Home and Away wasn’t just a career decision — it was saying goodbye to a second family.
“That was the hardest part,” McGranger admitted. “Not the cameras, not the fame — but the people. Ada, Shane, Emily, and dear Ray — they’ve been my anchors. We’ve shared births, weddings, losses, everything. I’ll miss seeing them every day.”
She revealed that even after filming wrapped, she still keeps in touch with her co-stars regularly. “We text, we have lunch, and we’re always laughing about something ridiculous that happened on set,” she said fondly.
Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart, shared his admiration for McGranger’s legacy, calling her “a true professional and an irreplaceable part of the Bay.”
Life After Home and Away
Despite her departure, Lynne McGranger isn’t disappearing from the public eye anytime soon. She’s already receiving offers for stage and television projects — but for now, she’s focused on rest, travel, and family.
“I want to take some time for myself,” she said. “To see the world, to visit friends, to enjoy mornings without an alarm clock. I’m not retiring — I’m just taking a deep breath.”
Interestingly, her real-life plans mirror Irene’s storyline once again. McGranger revealed she has been planning an extended trip through Europe and New Zealand, something she’s always dreamed of but never had time for.
“I’ve lived so much of my life on that set,” she mused. “Now it’s time to live a little more out in the real world.”
A Lasting Legacy in Summer Bay
Few characters have left such a mark on Australian television as Irene Roberts. Through Lynne McGranger’s portrayal, she became more than just a soap icon — she became a symbol of resilience, kindness, and authenticity.
As Home and Away prepares to move forward without one of its cornerstones, there’s no doubt that the spirit of Irene will continue to echo through the show’s storylines.
“She’ll always be part of me,” McGranger concluded with a smile. “Irene taught me to be brave, to laugh at myself, and to never stop caring. That’s a pretty good legacy to leave behind.”
For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that while Irene Roberts may be saying goodbye to Summer Bay, Lynne McGranger’s influence on Home and Away — and on generations of viewers — will live on forever.