A fan favourite feels unwelcome.
Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers.
Home and Away‘s John Palmer flees from Summer Bay next week after an upsetting outburst from his friend Irene Roberts.
John makes the selfless decision to give Irene some space after discovering that his presence in the Bay is making her miserable.
The sad situation unfolds as Irene tries to settle back into the community after leaving rehab.
Irene feels overwhelmed now that she’s away from the routine and support she had at the clinic, so she gets her friends on board to help her. But there’s one exception…
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“Dana and Leah step in to support Irene’s new daily schedule,” our Home and Away source explains.
“Irene feels it’s important to stay occupied so that she’s not tempted to drink again. But while she’s happy to have Dana and Leah joining her for power walks and other activities, she’s adamant that John can’t be included.”
John quickly notices that Irene is giving him the brush-off, so he desperately tries to get some answers over what’s going on.
Much to John’s frustration, Irene refuses to explain herself. Dana admits to John that she’s just as baffled over their friend’s confusing stance, which only seems to apply to him.
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“Dana feels bad for John, so she tricks Irene into meeting up with him,” our insider adds.
“It’s clear that John won’t let this go, so Irene eventually lashes out with the terrible truth. She claims that John’s presence is a painful reminder of every mistake she made when she fell off the wagon last year.
“This is nothing personal to John – he’s her best friend and Irene feels terrible that she let him down so much.”
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As John finally reads the room, he makes up a story about his former foster son Jett James being unwell.
This gives John an excuse to take a short break from the Bay, giving Irene the space that she’s so desperate for. Will things improve for Irene now she has her wish?
Home and Away airs these scenes on Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30 on Channel 5.
Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.
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