‘No coming back' for Home and Away's Irene in ‘gut-wrenching' exit story
Home and Away has revealed details of Irene Roberts' (Lynne McGranger) exit story after three decades in the Australian soap.
The 72-year-old actress – who is the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama – announced her departure in February..
She filmed her final scenes at the show's studios in Redfern, Sydney, the following month.
Taking over the role from originator Jacqy Phillips in 1993, Lynne has been at the centre of several huge stories over the years.
From alcoholism, a breast cancer diagnosis, the discovery of a long-lost son and a stint in prison for a murder she didn't commit, she really has seen it all.
That's without mentioning a ferry boat sinking, a bomb explosion and a plane crash!
Now she's about to embark on her final plot, which plays out over the coming months.
In upcoming scenes, viewers will see Summer Bay favourite begin to suffer from memory loss.
A particularly worrying moment is when Irene forgets that she's babysitting Harper Matheson (Jessica Redmayne) and Tane Parata's (Ethan Browne) son Archie, and almost leaves him home alone.
Knowing that something troubling is at play, she confides in close friend John Palmer (Shane Withington), who encourages her to attend a medical consultation with Dr Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin).
Sadly, during the appointment, Irene has to face a 'gut-wrenching reality', and the team at Home and Away have assured us that there's 'no coming back from this one.'
But what is wrong?
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Speaking of her decision to leave, Lynne said: 'After almost 33 years in my dream role and working every day 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.'
'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.'
Lynne – who has put her heart and soul into the drama over the years – has been nominated for both a Silver and Gold Logie at this year's 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards.
View More »
Watch and stream Home and Away, weekdays at 1:45pm on 5.
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Amanda Holden wears £225 swimsuit but you can get similar one at £41
Fans were shocked when they found out the price of the timeless black and white swimsuit but for those who like the classic style, Boux Avenue has a similar one for less Amanda Holden showed off her tanned complexion in an eye-catching monochrome swimsuit while sunbathing in the glorious sunshine in the Mediterranean. Her sold out Away That Day Cannes Swimsuit has a classic black and white style but usually comes with a hefty £225 price tag. However, shoppers looking for something similar can look to Boux Avenue where the Rivoli monochrome swimsuit, currently reduced from £52 to £41.60, boasts similar features including the contrasting colour adjustable shoulder straps and figure-flattering balconette cups. The shoulder straps can be adjusted to sit further to the sides to accentuate the decolletage while the back features a cut-out design for a timeless style. Amanda Holden's swimsuit features a higher cut at the brief than Boux Avenue's, which is designed by cup size to make the most of curves. The Rivoli swimsuit is available in sizes from 30 to 38G, with shoppers praising the stunning design. It scored 3.9 out of fours in reviews, with one shopper saying: "Lovely swimsuit, the white details are super flattering, particularly on the leg area. Can't wait to wear this on holiday." A second shared: "I bought this with my normal bra size, which I have many from Boux Avenue, and it was on the small size. There was no way the back clip was going to reach, let alone stay done up and it was a bit small on the boob." She added that if the description could clearly mark the band size, she would go for one size up. A third also agreed on the flattering design and described as "50s pin up Barbie" but mentioned that it was "too short on the torso". For Australian swimwear fans, Seafolly's Ric Rac One Piece Swimsuit, £120, at Next is another good option for a holiday staple. The ultra-feminine one piece with scallop trimmed border and bow detailing features soft cups for shape and support, gripper support and gripper tape to hold the swimsuit in place with an internal shelf bra for bust support. Shoppers can also pick up the CupShe's Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit from Amazon, which is currently reduced from £26.39 to £22.43 in a limited time deal. Instead of thick shoulder straps for maximum impact, it's swapped to a thin border to go around the bust. Amanda's fans reacted to her post, with one commenting in disbelief: "£225 for that swimming costume!" A second wrote: "This woman has the most incredible figure, just no idea how, it's like she's still in her 20s."
