Beloved soap legend leaves fans heartbroken as star quits popular show after 32 years

After three decades as a beloved fixture on Home and Away, 72 year old actress Lynne McGranger is saying goodbye to her iconic role as Irene Roberts. McGranger, who took over the character in 1993, will depart the show later this year, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in her career.

Following her exit from the show, Lynne will embark on a nationwide theatre tour of The Grandparents Club.

Expressing her mixed emotions on Instagram, Lynne stated: "After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who 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 added: "I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers whose doors are always open for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years.

"And 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."

"Fans have been expressing their sadness on social media. One fan posted: "Oh no! Why?"

Another user chimed in: "Dame Lynne, you are an icon! Thank you for your kindness and support when I visited the bay all those years ago and ever since. Congrats on a grand run! Onwards! X."

A third person said: "All the best Lynne! Will miss hearing 'Girlie' or another one of her catchphrases. Irene will remain and icon."

Explaining her decision to depart from Home and Away, Lynne revealed her long-held desire for change.

"For a few years now, I've been thinking that while I still have my health and fitness, I'd love to branch out again and explore theatre, maybe some radio, or stand-up comedy," she revealed to The Daily Telegraph.

She laughed, "You either leave voluntarily or leave in a box by the time you're my age." Lynne added, "I'm not going to live forever, especially if I keep putting in 14-hour days. The cost is exhaustion. When you have a bad night's sleep, you pay the price the next day. My body isn't as resilient as it once was."

During her time as Irene, Lynne McGranger has been central to some of Home and Away's most iconic storylines, including her character's struggles with alcoholism and a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Irene has not only won over fans but also made a significant impact on Australian pop culture with her memorable catchphrases and colloquialisms. In a 2023 poll conducted by TV Week, readers voted her as the second Greatest Australian TV Character Of All Time.