Latest news with #IreneRoberts
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
After 33 years playing Home and Away's Irene, Lynne McGranger is just getting started
You'd be forgiven in thinking that after 33 years of playing beloved Irene Roberts on Home and Away that accomplished actor Lynne McGranger planned on resting and slowing down. But the departure of Irene means welcoming a whole new and exciting chapter for McGranger, 72, who will be on tour with The Grandparents Club nation-wide until November. The actor, who finished filming the soap in March, told The Senior that after first doing The Grandparents Club last year, it "triggered" her thoughts to return to the stage and she just knew it's where she wanted to be. Read more on The Senior: "I've still got my marbles, and I'm still physically fit. Thank goodness. Touch wood," she said. McGranger joked that maybe she should "jump before I'm pushed", a notion which is highly unlikely given the reaction of staff when she told them she was leaving Summer Bay. "I went and spoke to the producers and they cried, which was lovely," she said. McGranger got her acting chops in theatre - but it's hard to believe that Australia's longest running actress in a soap didn't embrace acting until her late twenties. Sydney born and raised, the actor first trained as a primary school teacher in the country NSW town of Wagga Wagga, before working in various teaching gigs. McGranger decided to do some drama lessons on the side, but relief teaching proved to be the final straw. "I just went, 'Oh boy, I'm really bad at this. I really don't like it, I'll have a crack at this acting thing'," she said. "And my dad, God bless him, said 'don't come to me when you're in the gutter'. "And then, of course, two days later, he's ringing me going 'are you alright for money?'." Lynne said both her parents were very proud of her work in Home and Away and would be so excited she was nominated for Australian television's biggest award. "They're watching down from heaven ... they would be enjoying every minute," she said. The refreshingly down-to-earth McGranger is shocked by her nominations. "I was absolutely blindsided," she said. "It's very gratifying." McGranger, who suspects she is nominated because it is her last season on the soap and joked she would have "left years ago" if she knew it meant she'd get the Gold nod, is wonderfully self-depreciating. "I think the silver was probably, in a way, even more surprising," she said. Explaining that the Silver Logie is now two previous categories combined - Best Outstanding Actress and Most Popular Actress - McGranger said she is in the same category as "wonderful actresses". "Good grief," she said. "If I win that, I really will probably fall head first into my soup." The 72-year-old, who would consider working in television again, is open to working in the UK, New Zealand and even Norway (where Home and Away is wildly popular). And to other late bloomers out there who want to pursue their passion, McGranger gives some solid advice. "Go for it. Be brave," she said. "Never be afraid to fail. Don't be mediocre." McGranger said a past acting teacher told her she would be successful because she wasn't "afraid to look ugly" - as she always gave her everything - advice she also tells people. The beloved actor's final episode on Home and Away, after starting in 1993, is rumoured to air in mid to late August. Lynne for the Gold Logie win? Vote here: The TV Week Logie Awards are on Sunday August 3. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. You'd be forgiven in thinking that after 33 years of playing beloved Irene Roberts on Home and Away that accomplished actor Lynne McGranger planned on resting and slowing down. But the departure of Irene means welcoming a whole new and exciting chapter for McGranger, 72, who will be on tour with The Grandparents Club nation-wide until November. The actor, who finished filming the soap in March, told The Senior that after first doing The Grandparents Club last year, it "triggered" her thoughts to return to the stage and she just knew it's where she wanted to be. Read more on The Senior: "I've still got my marbles, and I'm still physically fit. Thank goodness. Touch wood," she said. McGranger joked that maybe she should "jump before I'm pushed", a notion which is highly unlikely given the reaction of staff when she told them she was leaving Summer Bay. "I went and spoke to the producers and they cried, which was lovely," she said. McGranger got her acting chops in theatre - but it's hard to believe that Australia's longest running actress in a soap didn't embrace acting until her late twenties. Sydney born and raised, the actor first trained as a primary school teacher in the country NSW town of Wagga Wagga, before working in various teaching gigs. McGranger decided to do some drama lessons on the side, but relief teaching proved to be the final straw. "I just went, 'Oh boy, I'm really bad at this. I really don't like it, I'll have a crack at this acting thing'," she said. "And my dad, God bless him, said 'don't come to me when you're in the gutter'. "And then, of course, two days later, he's ringing me going 'are you alright for money?'." Lynne said both her parents were very proud of her work in Home and Away and would be so excited she was nominated for Australian television's biggest award. "They're watching down from heaven ... they would be enjoying every minute," she said. The refreshingly down-to-earth McGranger is shocked by her nominations. "I was absolutely blindsided," she said. "It's very gratifying." McGranger, who suspects she is nominated because it is her last season on the soap and joked she would have "left years ago" if she knew it meant she'd get the Gold nod, is wonderfully self-depreciating. "I think the silver was probably, in a way, even more surprising," she said. Explaining that the Silver Logie is now two previous categories combined - Best Outstanding Actress and Most Popular Actress - McGranger said she is in the same category as "wonderful actresses". "Good grief," she said. "If I win that, I really will probably fall head first into my soup." The 72-year-old, who would consider working in television again, is open to working in the UK, New Zealand and even Norway (where Home and Away is wildly popular). And to other late bloomers out there who want to pursue their passion, McGranger gives some solid advice. "Go for it. Be brave," she said. "Never be afraid to fail. Don't be mediocre." McGranger said a past acting teacher told her she would be successful because she wasn't "afraid to look ugly" - as she always gave her everything - advice she also tells people. The beloved actor's final episode on Home and Away, after starting in 1993, is rumoured to air in mid to late August. Lynne for the Gold Logie win? Vote here: The TV Week Logie Awards are on Sunday August 3. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. You'd be forgiven in thinking that after 33 years of playing beloved Irene Roberts on Home and Away that accomplished actor Lynne McGranger planned on resting and slowing down. But the departure of Irene means welcoming a whole new and exciting chapter for McGranger, 72, who will be on tour with The Grandparents Club nation-wide until November. The actor, who finished filming the soap in March, told The Senior that after first doing The Grandparents Club last year, it "triggered" her thoughts to return to the stage and she just knew it's where she wanted to be. Read more on The Senior: "I've still got my marbles, and I'm still physically fit. Thank goodness. Touch wood," she said. McGranger joked that maybe she should "jump before I'm pushed", a notion which is highly unlikely given the reaction of staff when she told them she was leaving Summer Bay. "I went and spoke to the producers and they cried, which was lovely," she said. McGranger got her acting chops in theatre - but it's hard to believe that Australia's longest running actress in a soap didn't embrace acting until her late twenties. Sydney born and raised, the actor first trained as a primary school teacher in the country NSW town of Wagga Wagga, before working in various teaching gigs. McGranger decided to do some drama lessons on the side, but relief teaching proved to be the final straw. "I just went, 'Oh boy, I'm really bad at this. I really don't like it, I'll have a crack at this acting thing'," she said. "And my dad, God bless him, said 'don't come to me when you're in the gutter'. "And then, of course, two days later, he's ringing me going 'are you alright for money?'." Lynne said both her parents were very proud of her work in Home and Away and would be so excited she was nominated for Australian television's biggest award. "They're watching down from heaven ... they would be enjoying every minute," she said. The refreshingly down-to-earth McGranger is shocked by her nominations. "I was absolutely blindsided," she said. "It's very gratifying." McGranger, who suspects she is nominated because it is her last season on the soap and joked she would have "left years ago" if she knew it meant she'd get the Gold nod, is wonderfully self-depreciating. "I think the silver was probably, in a way, even more surprising," she said. Explaining that the Silver Logie is now two previous categories combined - Best Outstanding Actress and Most Popular Actress - McGranger said she is in the same category as "wonderful actresses". "Good grief," she said. "If I win that, I really will probably fall head first into my soup." The 72-year-old, who would consider working in television again, is open to working in the UK, New Zealand and even Norway (where Home and Away is wildly popular). And to other late bloomers out there who want to pursue their passion, McGranger gives some solid advice. "Go for it. Be brave," she said. "Never be afraid to fail. Don't be mediocre." McGranger said a past acting teacher told her she would be successful because she wasn't "afraid to look ugly" - as she always gave her everything - advice she also tells people. The beloved actor's final episode on Home and Away, after starting in 1993, is rumoured to air in mid to late August. Lynne for the Gold Logie win? Vote here: The TV Week Logie Awards are on Sunday August 3. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lynne McGranger confesses she was 'terrified' to join the cast of Home and Away after bidding farewell to the iconic soap
Lynne McGranger has admitted that she was terrified to join the cast of Home and Away. 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.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 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.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Heartbreak as Home and Away star reveals shock health diagnosis: 'I'm so scared'
Home and Away is set to say goodbye to one of its longstanding cast members. Irene Roberts, played by the legendary Lynne McGranger, will be leaving the show after three decades. The lovable character's final storyline will leave loyal fans in tears as Irene battles Alzheimer's disease. 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.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 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. The 72-year-old 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. 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 '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.' An additional post to the show's Instagram read: 'Today, Lynne wrapped her final scene with her best friend Ada by her side. 'Stay tuned for Irene's emotional exit storyline coming later this year'. Lynne has been a Home and Away fan favourite for three decades playing the character of 'Aussie battler' Irene Roberts. 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.'
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Soap legend's heartbreaking exit storyline revealed as she leaves show after 33 years
They are building towards an episode that will go down in Australian television history.' THREE DECADES LATER Soap legend's heartbreaking exit storyline revealed as she leaves show after 33 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Soap legend's heartbreaking exit storyline revealed as she leaves show after 33 years Home and Away was first shown in 1988 and has been a hit with viewers ever since. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Lynne McGranger is preparing to say goodbye to Home and Away for the last time Credit: Getty 5 After her debut in 1993, she's the longest-serving female cast member on the show Credit: Alamy 5 The character will embark on a tragic storyline Credit: Handout In the UK, fans of the show can watch episodes on Channel 5 after Vanessa Feltz takes to the airwaves for her eponymous lunchtime show. Back in February, it was announced that Lynne McGranger, 72, who plays Irene Roberts in the hit Aussie soap, will be leaving the show. She made her initial debut on the Australian drama back in January 1993 and is longest-serving female actor on the show. Now the actress is preparing to say goodbye to the show as she is set to embark on her tragic farewell storyline. READ MORE ON HOME AND AWAY HOME & LA Home & Away star unrecognisable with new life and career 13 years after quitting Viewers who have tuned into the soap in recent weeks would have seen the character experience significant lapses in her memory. This includes one concerning incident where she nearly left baby Archie at home when she forgot her babysitting duties. Taking support from her friend John Palmer (Shane Withington), she seeks help from Dr Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin). When she goes for the medical consultation, she is forced to face the gut-wrenching reason behind her behaviour. The Bay will have to rally round the beloved resident as she faces her biggest challenge. This will reportedly build towards an episode which some say will 'go down in Australian television history.' Home and Away star, 45, has barely aged a day in 36 years since playing rebellious teenager on soap and drink drive arrest At the time of her initial announcement, the 72-year-old explained: "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. "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." 5 In recent weeks, viewers have seen Irene Roberts experience concerning lapses in her memory Credit: Seven 5 Lynne McGranger has been a part of the show for 33 years Credit: Getty Images - Getty You can watch Home and Away on 5.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Soap legend's heartbreaking exit storyline revealed as she leaves show after 33 years
Soap legend's heartbreaking exit storyline revealed as she leaves show after 33 years Home and Away was first shown in 1988 and has been a hit with viewers ever since. 5 5 5 In the UK, fans of the show can watch episodes on Channel 5 after Vanessa Feltz takes to the airwaves for her eponymous lunchtime show. Back in February, it was announced that Lynne McGranger, 72, who plays Irene Roberts in the hit Aussie soap, will be leaving the show. She made her initial debut on the Australian drama back in January 1993 and is longest-serving female actor on the show. Now the actress is preparing to say goodbye to the show as she is set to embark on her tragic farewell storyline. Viewers who have tuned into the soap in recent weeks would have seen the character experience significant lapses in her memory. This includes one concerning incident where she nearly left baby Archie at home when she forgot her babysitting duties. Taking support from her friend John Palmer (Shane Withington), she seeks help from Dr Bree Cameron (Juliet Godwin). When she goes for the medical consultation, she is forced to face the gut-wrenching reason behind her behaviour. The Bay will have to rally round the beloved resident as she faces her biggest challenge. This will reportedly build towards an episode which some say will 'go down in Australian television history.' Home and Away star, 45, has barely aged a day in 36 years since playing rebellious teenager on soap and drink drive arrest At the time of her initial announcement, the 72-year-old explained: "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. "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." 5 5
