Iconic actor Lynne McGranger played tough-love character Irene Roberts on Home and Away for 33 years.
Her departure last year from the show was the end of an era on Australian television.
McGranger, who is the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama series, said at the time: “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 so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay.”
Now, McGranger has given more insight into the “sad” reason behind her exit storyline.
The beloved actor recently spoke to TV Week about her final scenes, where Irene, with the degenerative Alzheimer’s disease, chose to sell her house to travel the world while she was able to.
“The idea came from Jess Redmayne’s mum, who sadly was diagnosed with early onset dementia in her 50s and passed away a few years ago,” McGranger said.
“She was my age. It was beautifully done and it made me very happy because of that, but it was also incredibly sad.”
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Lynne McGranger opens up about leaving Home and Away
McGranger also shared that after such a long career, it was an honour to win both the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Drama and the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, at the Logies in 2025.
Admitting that she was surprised by the Silver Logie win, she laughed: “That was the one that blindsided me. I got such a shock. I look back at the speech and think, ‘I do not know what I’m saying up there.’
“Then to win the Gold as well was just delightful. It was kind of like the full stop at the end. The T was crossed. The I’s were dotted. I couldn’t have written the script better myself.”
Mediaweek reported at the time the quintessential Aussie actor joked backstage:
“If I’d known this was going to happen, I’d have left years ago, love.”
Top image: Lynne McGranger. Image: Instagram