Goodbye Irene – Lynne McGranger films final scenes on Home and Away

Lynne McGranger has filmed her final scenes on Home and Away after 33 years on the beloved soap. Here is what happened.

Goodbye Irene.

Lynne McGranger has filmed her final scenes on Home and Away after 33 years on the beloved TV soap.

The 72-year-old recorded her last moment as Irene Roberts on the Eveleigh set of the popular Channel 7 show just before 6pm.

“I’ve had the ride of my life,” McGranger said.

“And I love each and every one of you so much: The cast – Ray (Meagher), Georgie (Parker), Emily (Symons), Shane (Whittington), Ada (Nicodemou), James (Stewart), all the youngins. “The art department, the writers, everybody – there’s so many unsung heroes. This show is made up of so many parts. You’re all amazing, and it’s been my great privilege to work with each and every one of you. I’m touched, I’m humbled and I’m so honoured. Thank you so much.”

Lynne McGranger has won a warm place in viewers’ hearts across the country as Irene on Home and Away.

While details of McGranger’s storyline are tightly under wraps, Confidential can confirm her final scene was filmed in the Summer Bay Diner, where she shot her very first scene in 1993.

Co-star and close friend Ada Nicodemou, who plays Leah Patterson on the show, was also in the scene.

“I’m so happy for Lynne,” Nicodemou told Confidential.

“I’m happy for her because she’s moving onto the next step, and I love that for her. And I’ll always love her. She’s an icon. She’s an inspiration. We can all learn so much from her. She comes onto set with so much joy and happiness … she comes onto set and she knows everyone’s names … nearly. Thank you for 33 years of inspiration. We love you.”

McGranger shocked fans when she announced her departure last month and stating she had “done her dues” on the silver screen.

“You either leave voluntarily or leave in a box by the time you’re my age,” McGranger said at the time.

“I’m not going to live forever, particularly if I keep doing 14-hour days. You get a bit tired, you need your sleep, if you have a bad night’s sleep you will pay the price the next day. My body isn’t as resilient as it once was.”

Lynne McGranger’s final scene in Home and Away came after 33 years on the show.

McGranger was the longest serving female cast member, having joined at the age of 39 in 1993.

Nicodemou takes that mantle now, recently clocking up 25 years on the show.

Meagher, 80, remains the longest serving overall though as he was an original in the cast when Home and Away launched in 1988.

McGranger has worked with all of the top acting exports from the soap over the years including Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, Margot Robbie, Samara Weaving, Tammin Sursok and Ryan Kwanten.

While she has filmed her final scenes, McGranger’s character will be seen on air for a few more months.