Lynne McGranger, a stalwart of Home and Away, is bidding farewell to Summer Bay for good.
After over 30 years portraying one of the most beloved characters on Aussie TV, it’s been confirmed that the legendary actress will be exiting the hit Australian soap later this year.
Her character, Irene Roberts, has become an integral part of the show, making her emotional departure a must-watch event.
Lynne, who holds the record as the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama series, shared: “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 continued, “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.”
(Image: Jeremy Greive)
The Logie-nominated actress has been the heart and soul of Summer Bay since she first graced our screens in January 1993. Taking over the popular role, she quickly won over the nation with her iconic “Irene-isms'” and classic eyerolls, reports the Daily Star.
Lynne’s character Irene, a reformed alcoholic, made her comeback to Summer Bay in the 1993 series premiere with a new lease on life and a desire to reconnect with her daughter, Fin (Tina Thomsen). Since then, Irene has woven herself into the fabric of this close-knit coastal community, becoming a foster mum to numerous children.
She’s been at the heart of many of Home and Away’s most dramatic plots, including her fight with alcoholism, a breast cancer diagnosis, discovering a long-lost son, surviving a ferry sinking, a bomb blast, a plane crash, and even a wrongful imprisonment for murder.
(Image: Channel 5)
Despite the trials she’s weathered over the years, Irene’s tenacity and straight-talking attitude have made her a formidable presence. When she’s not serving up grub at the Pier Diner, you’ll often find this Summer Bay stalwart dispensing wisdom or lending a sympathetic ear over a cup of tea.
Irene isn’t just adored by fans; her unique sayings and catchphrases have seeped into Australian pop culture. In fact, TV WEEK readers voted her the second Greatest Australian TV Character Of All Time in a 2023 poll.
Off-screen, Lynne showcased her dance moves as the runner-up in Seven’s 2014 season of Dancing With The Stars and shared her life story in her 2021 autobiography, Acting Up: Me, Myself and Irene.
(Image: Getty Images)
Home and Away’s top boss, Julie McGauran, couldn’t hide her admiration as she gushed: “What a pure joy and privilege it has been for all at Home and Away to work with the wonderfully talented, witty, funny and kind Lynne McGranger. Lynne’s extraordinary portrayal of down-to-earth Irene Roberts is why the character is held with such great affection by fans around the world.”
She continued to sing Lynne’s praises, adding, “Lynne will always be a much-loved member of the Home and Away family, her friendship to all is truly cherished and we wish her all the best for what’s next in her bright, bright future.”
While Lynne is set to bid farewell to the set at the end of March, viewers can still look forward to plenty more iconic Irene moments, as her on-screen goodbye won’t happen until later this year.
After she wraps up filming, Lynne plans to enjoy some well-deserved rest before she hits the road again with an exciting new Grandparents Club tour across Australia.
Home and Away airs weekdays on Channel 5 and My5 at 1..45pm
View news Source: https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/huge-soap-star-announces-exit-34725462
