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Home And Away star Lynne McGranger’s unexpected blow up

She plays a much-loved character on Home And Away, but in real life Lynne McGranger has no problem telling the world how she feels after lashing out at a political leader, calling him out as “a clown.”

Ada Nicodemou and Lynne McGranger "Dollars for Dust" campaign

Lynne McGranger isn’t shy about sharing her opinions on social media.

And there’s one man she loves to hate – United States President Donald Trump.

“I can have an opinion about that clown shoe that calls himself the POTUS but I don’t know enough facts to start rattling them off,” the much loved star of TV drama Home And Away told the JMo Confidential podcast.

“When I have had a wine or two, I know so much I can’t even tell you. If you are going to make an opinion, make an opinion, don’t start sprouting facts that you think you know about.”

McGranger, 67, is one of our most recognisable faces on television thanks to nearly 28 years on the popular soap playing Irene Roberts.

In the wide ranging interview, McGranger spoke about everything from the one time she passed wind on set to her thoughts on the anti-vaccine movement.

Lynne McGranger.
Lynne McGranger.

“I am absolutely pro-vax and I don’t care who knows that,” she said. “If people want to block me or unfollow me because they now know that, that his their problem. I know enough to know that damage can be done by anything but I also know enough to know that more damage is done if you don’t vaccinate.”

McGranger is the second longest serving cast member on Home And Away behind Ray Meagher, who plays Alf Stewart in the fictional beachside town of Summer Bay.

She never expected the job to last as long as it has, initially going for a three month guest role that extended to six months and now more than 27 years.

Actors Ada Nicodemou and Lynne McGranger shoot a scene together. Picture: Cameron Richardson.
Actors Ada Nicodemou and Lynne McGranger shoot a scene together. Picture: Cameron Richardson.
Alex O'Han as Joey and Lynne McGranger as Irene in an old scene of Home And Away.
Alex O'Han as Joey and Lynne McGranger as Irene in an old scene of Home And Away.

“It was just one of those things where you buy a lottery ticket and you win the lottery. I won the acting Lotto.”

While she wouldn’t take the credit herself, straight talking McGranger is regarded as the matriarch of the show and has worked with many of our big stars in Hollywood who got their start on the drama including Isla Fisher, Ryan Kwanten, Melissa George and the late Heath Ledger.

Of Chris Hemsworth, she said: “Chris is the toppest bloke and has never let it get to him. He is a hard worker, even when he was on the set and living in the beach house with Irene, he would go to voice classes and practice the American accent and things like that, which I thought was really cool. Of course he went over (to Hollywood) and within six weeks landed a major movie role. It is not like he looks like a piece of poop, he is gorgeous and a gorgeous soul and I think that really helps.”

Throw back … Lynne McGregor, Chris Hemsworth and Bec Cartwright shoot a scene on Home And Away.
Throw back … Lynne McGregor, Chris Hemsworth and Bec Cartwright shoot a scene on Home And Away.

As for ageing on screen, McGranger has no issue with women seeking cosmetic assistance but urges people not to go too far.

“I am 67 and if people think I am 57 or 60, that works for me, I am happy with that but I don’t want to look 40 because that would be seriously peculiar,” she explained. “If you can keep things in check, not give in to stuff, then that is great. If it starts changing the way you look, if it makes your face stop moving, then it is too much.”

As for her most embarrassing moment working on Home And Away, McGranger recalled shooting a scene in ‘the diner’ when she accidentally broke wind while bending over.

“I must have been on some high protein regimen, which we all know is not good for social interaction,” she laughed. “I was so embarrassed. All of the crew pissed themselves laughing because they didn’t know it was me. It was horrifying at the time but we all do it, lets be honest, and I blame the protein bars.”

Years gone by … an old Home And Away old cast shot.
Years gone by … an old Home And Away old cast shot.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/home-and-away-star-lynne-mcgrangers-unexpected-blow-up/news-story/22a4b78021b7abfc60730df22aa2f8f4