How Irene left Home and Away after decades
Over the past 33 years, Irene has become part of the fabric of the fictional seaside community, having taken in multiple foster children and offering a safe haven to those in need.
She has been at the centre of many of Home and Away's biggest storylines, including her battle with alcoholism, a breast cancer diagnosis, the shock arrival of a long-lost son, a ferry boat sinking, a bomb explosion, a plane crash, and a stint in prison for a murder she did not commit.
It was an emotional episode that saw Irene leave Summer Bay 'with a bang', getting the send off she deserves.
It began with a farewell party so everyone had one last chance to say goodbye before she embarked on her new life exploring the world.
Party music was playing, love and laughter was in the air, but it wasn't quite perfect. The man who means the most to Irene was nowhere to be seen.
Ever since she first announced that she was leaving to travel the world, Irene faced resistance from John Palmer (Shane Withington), who has in recent episodes been concerned about her Alzheimer's progressing, but held too much pride to admit he'll miss her.
As Summer Bay's residents made their speeches, John finally makes a welcomed appearance, and the pair share a bittersweet goodbye that sees them both with tears in their eyes.
'I want you to meet me at the Eiffel Tower,' Irene says, revealing that she's bought him a ticket to join her in Paris.
'So you see, it's not goodbye, it's au revoir,' she laughs.
'I will be there,' insists John. 'In hell or high water, I will be there!'
As she's driven away from the Bay, Irene takes one last look out the window at the community she called a home for more than three decades and smiles, as a letter she left behind is read out in her voice.
'Most importantly, take care of each other. At the end of the day, that's what matters. Friends and family,' she says.
'No regrets?' Irene is asked, to which she grins and replies with her signature pet name, 'None, love.'
'Life's too short,' she finishes.
McGranger, who in 2023 was voted by viewers as the second Greatest Australian TV Character of All Time by TV Week, and picked up the coveted Gold Logie earlier this month, confessed that her decision to quit the soap was 'bittersweet' for her.
'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.'
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.'
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