Lynne McGranger confesses she was 'terrified' to join the cast of Home and Away after bidding farewell to the iconic soap
The actress, 72, who plays fan favourite Irene Roberts on the iconic Seven soap, has said 'goodbye' to Summer Bay, with her final scenes set to air next month.
Reflecting on her iconic role, which she landed just prior to her 40th birthday, Lynne revealed that, having come from the theatre, she wasn't sure how she would fare on the small screen.
'I was terrified because of my age,' she told The Australian Women's Weekly.
'There was an assumption that I knew what I was doing, and I didn't really have a clue because I'd only really done theatre.'
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Lynne added that she found her groove on the show by watching older cast members such as Judy Nunn, who played Ailsa Stewart, on the advice of the show's producers.
'The way to do it is to watch and mimic the older ones. That's how you learn if you want to stay and your character is successful,' she said.
'And even if your character is hated, that's a good thing too, because what you don't want is somebody to be ambivalent about you.'
Lynne, who is farewelling Summer Bay after almost 33 years, also admitted that, after playing Irene for so long, it can sometimes be difficult to make a distinction between fact and fiction.
'Really, the lines have been blurred for a long time. I don't know where Lynne ends and Irene starts, or vice versa,' she said.
'But personally, as an actor, whatever is going on in Irene's life stays on set. I don't know how actors stay in character for months at a time – it would absolutely drive me nuts!'
In a promo for her final episodes, Irene breaks down in tears while being supported by John Palmer, played by Shane Withington, after learning about her diagnosis.
'I am so scared,' she says, before admitting: 'I might not have any good days left.'
Justin Morgan, played by James Stewart, then appears on screen and describes it as 'the end of an era'.
John later adds: 'I don't know how to say goodbye. I don't have any words.'
Fans flocked to the comments to express their heartbreak after discovering Irene's health battle.
'I'm not ready to say goodbye to Irene. She's been such a favourite of mine. She brought many smiles on people's faces,' one person said.
'In tears thinking about it. I have grown up with Irene and Home and Away. John will miss her too,' another commented.
'I'm not ready, going to need a big supply of tissues,' a third wrote.
In March, it was revealed that Lynne had filmed her final scenes as Irene on Home and Away, with the series sharing moving scenes from her last day on set.
Lynne was gifted flowers by her co-stars, including Ada Nicodemou, and looked very emotional – albeit elated – as she finished up at Seven's long-running series after over 30 years in the cast.
The actress, who plays fan favourite Irene Roberts on the iconic Seven soap, has said 'goodbye' to Summer Bay, with her final scenes set to air next month
'I've had the ride of my life. And I love each and every one of you so much: the cast – Ray, Georgie, Emily, Shane, Ada, James, all the youngins,' she said in a statement.
'The art department, the writers, everybody – there are so many unsung heroes. This show is made up of so many parts,' Lynne continued.
'You're all amazing, and it's been my great privilege to work with each and every one of you. I'm touched, I'm humbled, and I'm so honoured. Thank you so much.'
The actress, who is nominated for both a Silver and Gold Logie at this year's 65th Awards, announced her departure from the show earlier this year.
'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,' the veteran star said at the time.
'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,' she continued.
'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.'
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