Goodbye Irene: How to send personal farewell to ‘TV legend'

Perth Now

2 days ago

As Home and Away favourite Irene begins her farewell tour of Summer Bay, fans of the iconic character are being encouraged to 'Say goodbye to a TV legend' ahead of her final episodes on the long-running soap.
Playing the coastal town's matriarch for 33 years, Lynne McGranger will depart the series in August, filming her final scenes in March this year.
However, before the sun officially sets on her time at the bay, fans will have the opportunity to submit a personalised farewell to the character at goodbyeirene.com.au.
The bespoke website reads, 'After more than 30 years in Summer Bay, the time has come to say goodbye to one of Australia's most beloved TV icons, Irene Roberts.
'Share your personal video message, memory, or goodbye note now.'
A handful of tributes will be selected to feature in the promotion of Irene's final episodes, illustrating the impact she's had on loyal audiences for decades. Lynne McGranger has played Irene Roberts for 33 years, but will leave the show for good in August. Credit: Jeremy Greive
This week, Irene's Alzheimer's diagnosis has led her to reminisce about the many faces and stories that have given her life in Summer Bay meaning.
And it's triggered an outpouring of support online from fans who have cried with her.
'Dear Lynne. As a 37 year old woman, You have been in my home since I was 5. You will forever be missed as my familiar anxiety calming and grounding background voice therapy. We will miss you more than you will ever know. Thank you!' one fan wrote.
Another said, 'It was a walk down memory lane tonight. So many faces that we've loved over the years. Johnny Ruffo made me cry. It will be hard to say goodbye to Irene. Thank you Lynne for the years and years of wonderful memories.'
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Earlier this month, the reality of Irene's departure was outlined to viewers.
'After over three decades as the Bay's tough-talking, big-hearted battler, Irene's gripping final storyline is now in motion, and it will have all of Australia talking,' an official release said.
McGranger, 72, was instrumental in determining how her much-loved character would leave the series.
She told PerthNow earlier this year, the story is 'very pertinent, and very important, and I am really very proud of it'.
The former comedian revealed to the Women's Weekly this month that the life-changing role resulted in her husband Paul becoming a stay-at-home dad.
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'He would do the reading. Take her to ballet, to netball. He loved it. I don't know how parents cope with young children when they're both working,' she said.
'Invariably someone's just earning money to pay for childcare, so we were very blessed for Paul to bring her up through her school years.'
Arguably going out at her peak, McGranger is nominated for both a Silver and Gold Logie at this year's 65th TV Week Logie Awards held on August 3.
Leave your personal message to Irene at goodbyeirene.com.au.