Viewers are preparing to farewell one of Home and Away’s most beloved characters this week.
Irene Roberts, who actress Lynne McGranger has played for over three decades, will make her final exit in a double episode beginning Monday.
And a new trailer teases that fans are in for an emotional rollercoaster as Irene prepares a farewell party
At one point in the preview, Irene, who has been struggling with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, says she wants to ‘see old friends while I still remember them’.
Fans have watched with distress over the last few weeks as McGranger’s character, known for her sharpness, has suffered memory loss.
In her exit storyline, Irene is leaving her life in Sumner Bay to travel the world, ‘while she still can’.
Another highlight of the trailer sees Ada Nicodemou share a tearful scene with McGranger’s fan favourite.
Ada, who has appeared as the character of Leah on Home and Away for 25 years can be seen telling her old friend Irene, ‘‘I just know that everything would be alright because you were by my side.’
Fans will be eager to see how the wrenching storyline between Irene and her close friend John (actor Shane Withington) will play out.
The preview teases that John may not be able to bring himself to make Irene’s farewell party.
As Irene finally packs away her home, a distressed John can be seen barely holding himself together as he tells his friend, ‘I don’t know how to say goodbye…I don’t have the words.’
It was during a series of episodes last month that John helped Irene come face-to-face with the truth about her medical condition.
Also included in the trailer are a collage of throwback moments featuring McGranger’s character celebrating her 33 years on the soap.
In March, it was revealed that McGranger 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 Nicodemou, and looked very emotional – albeit elated – as she finished up at Seven’s long-running series after over 30 years in the cast.
‘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’.
McGranger has been a Home and Away fan favourite for three decades playing the character of ‘Aussie battler’ Irene.
The actress, who won the 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.’
Home and Away Says Goodbye to Irene screens over Monday and Tuesday on Seven and 7+ at 7 pm
