The personal message behind Lynne McGranger’s final Home and Away episode.

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After a massive 33-year run on Home and Away, Lynne McGranger's final episode as Irene Roberts has aired. I'm feeling all the feelings.

The beloved actress announced her departure from the iconic Aussie drama in February, preparing fans for the end of an epic era.

Her long tenure on Home and Away was celebrated at the 2025 Logie Awards just weeks before her on-screen farewell.

In a fitting tribute to her enduring popularity, McGranger took home two of the night's most prestigious awards: the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality and the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama.

Irene's last episode was a fitting tribute, with the entire episode centred around the character, following in the footsteps of Kate Richie's Sally and Stephen Peacocke's Brax.

Watch Kate Richie reflect on leaving Home and Away. Post continues after video.

The season has detailed Irene's Alzheimer's diagnosis, her grappling with the news, stepping back from the diner, and deciding to sell her house, leave Summer Bay and travel the world.

The episode began with a farewell party where other veteran characters like Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher), Leah Patterson (Ada Nicodemou), Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons) and Roo Stewart (Georgie Parker) all had one last chance to say goodbye.

Irene then hands John Palmer (Shane Withington) a plane ticket to Paris and asks him to meet her at the top of the Eiffel Tower. "It's not goodbye, it's au revoir," she says, and he readily agrees.

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The episode ends as Irene is driven out of Summer Bay by Sonny (Ryan Bown), as she gazes out the window, bidding goodbye to the town she's called home for more than three decades.

When pondering if she had any regrets, Irene literally turns to look down the barrel of the camera to say, "None, love. Life's too short."

Jessica Mauboy's poignant song 'While I've Got Time' plays during Irene's final moments, a song choice that struck McGranger.

"As much as you love sticky date pudding, it's only when you pour the butterscotch sauce on it that it lifts it to another level, and that is what her song does with Irene's final scene," she told 7News.

The episode left fans super emotional, with many applauding the character's final episode.

Goodbye Irene thank you for your 30+ years on the show we all gonna miss you 😭😭😭😭 #HomeandAway pic.twitter.com/HyjXvBayDU

— Cherrykie (@CherrykieMore) August 19, 2025

Well it’s the end of an era. Goodbye Irene #HomeAndAway pic.twitter.com/tv6aR22IBJ

— Brenna Rose🇦🇺 (@BrennaRose_92) August 19, 2025

But not everyone was happy, as some fans expected a bigger sendoff where all her friends and family would gather to say goodbye — including some departed characters from Irene's past.

Not bringing back ANY old faces ruins the legacy of Irene and taints her exit forever. Well fucking done. #homeandaway

— my3epaulets (@my3epaulets) August 19, 2025

What a terrible send off for Irene! Lots of randoms, why didn’t they bring back some old familiar faces! #HomeandAway pic.twitter.com/AR8dXhP9oq

— 𝓛𝓮𝓪𝓱 (@LeahJayK) August 19, 2025

The episode did tick a lot of boxes. It spent time honouring some of Irene's most formative relationships, with exchanges between characters feeling like they were authentic to the relationships formed between the actors behind the scenes, too.

"You've always been there to support me, Irene," Marilyn tells the iconic character at her farewell party.

"I'm gonna miss you terribly."

In her final chat with Alf, she tells him "I've always been able to rely on you."

At her party, Irene gives a final speech to the town. "I have to leave now , but I want you all to stay here," she says.

"Making these memories is, honestly, the most important thing you'll ever do."

In letters given out, Irene tells her friends that she wanted to go before her Alzheimer's advanced to the point that she would no longer be the same person they know and love.

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"I'm going so you'll remember me as I am now, still full of life, love and hope," she penned.

"Life moves so quickly… don't waste a minute. Be brave, take risks and laugh loud."

It was a moving moment, and yes, I shed more than a few tears.

Glimmers of forgetfulness and cognitive confusion bled through Irene's final story arc, showing how pervasive Alzheimer's can be when it starts out slowly, giving a realistic portrayal of a condition that's often sensationalised on TV.

That said, I did find it a little odd that Irene didn't have any moments in her final episode where she seemed confused or disoriented, which almost undercut the very real symptoms that were explored in the earlier episodes.

But overall, it was a fitting ending for a character who isn't just a beloved personality on Home and Away — to many fans, she is Home and Away.

When McGranger decided to depart the series, she knew she wanted her story to pay tribute to a disease close to her heart.

"I sat down with Jessica Redmayne, who is one of our beautiful young actresses on the show, she plays Harper," McGranger said in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

"In 2023, Jess' mum Tina died of Alzheimer's, and that planted the seed in my head."

The actress decided that her departing story arc should send a bigger message to people with Alzheimer's and their loved ones.

"There are millions of people who watch this show every week, and if Irene's battle could encourage even a few people to seek help if they need it, then it would all be worth it," McGranger added.

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McGranger presented a proposal to the show's head writer, Louise Bowes, to suggest that Irene should be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

"Jess really loved the thought that a light was being shone on something that is so relevant and pertinent today," says McGranger.

"A dementia diagnosis hits harder than a bus; everyone knows someone who's been affected by Alzheimer's."

When McGranger announced her departure from Home and Away in February, she paid tribute to the whole cast and crew who she considered her family.

"After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day with people whom I love, respect, and whom I now consider family, it's bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life," she said.

"I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay. Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support."

Feature image: Seven.