Lynne McGranger’s major announcement

Lynne McGranger is the longest running female cast member on Home and Away. Here, she makes a major announcement for her character, Irene.

After almost 33 years, Irene is hanging her apron and departing Summer Bay for good.

Lynne McGranger, better known as the iconic Irene Roberts on TV soap Home and Away, is leaving the beloved character behind.

“It’s kind of been in my head for a few years, where I thought, I’ve still got my health, my fitness, and I would like to branch out again and do some more theatre, maybe a bit of radio, a bit of stand up comedy,” McGranger told The Daily Telegraph in an exclusive sit-down interview.

Lynne McGranger has made a major announcement about her time on Home and Away. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The 72-year-old believes she has “done her dues” on the silver screen but concedes news of her quitting the long-running TV show may come as a shock to its legion of devoted fans.

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

“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.”

McGranger was the longest serving female cast member, having joined at the age of 39 in 1993. Ada Nicodemou takes that mantle now, clocking up 25 years on the show next month.

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

Lynne McGranger as Irene and Chris Hemsworth as Kim on Home and Away.

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.

In 2021, McGranger released a best selling tell-all memoir titled Acting Up – Me, Myself and Irene.

McGranger was met with tears on set when she announced the news in what she describes as one of the most emotional moments of her career.

“It means a lot that my friendship and Irene has been such an important part in the lives of people in and around Summer Bay both on screen and behind the scenes,” she said.

Lynne McGranger as Irene on Home and Away.

TV actress Lynne McGranger as Irene in 'Home /and /Away' 16/5/ 1996 .headshot alone

McGranger will film her final scenes at the end of March with her character to be seen on screen for several more months.

She was careful not to give any detail away about her finale episode, other than to say it would be a “great storyline”.

Her one wish for Irene over the decades would be that she could have had a long-term love interest on the show.

McGranger’s favourite storyline involved real life bestie Nicodemou, whose character Leah slapped Irene in the face in an explosive blow-up between the characters.

Lynne McGranger and daughter, Clancy Waters appearing on Better Homes and Gardens.

Lynne McGranger and Carmello Pizzino on Dancing With The Stars. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Once her final shooting day is wrapped, with a big party planned no doubt, McGranger has a busy schedule ahead that includes a holiday and a return to the stage with The Grandparents Club.

“I’m locked in with appearances and rehearsals up until October,” she said.

“Then I might go to Japan for a little holiday.”

Originally published as Lynne McGranger’s major announcement