Sad Twist in Summer Bay: Irene’s Battle with Dementia Marks a Tearful Farewell from Home and Away
In a heartbreaking development that has left fans reeling, Home and Away is preparing for one of its most emotional exits yet. After more than three decades on our screens, beloved character Irene Roberts, played by Lynne McGranger, is facing an on-screen health battle that will ultimately lead to her departure from the show — and the storyline is one that hits close to home for many viewers.
Sources close to the production have confirmed that Irene will be diagnosed with early-onset dementia in an upcoming storyline that promises to shake Summer Bay to its core. The decision to portray dementia in a long-standing character was not made lightly, and according to insiders, the show’s writers spent months researching the emotional and medical realities of the condition.
The storyline begins subtly, with Irene showing signs of forgetfulness — missing appointments, repeating stories, and becoming increasingly confused. What starts as light concern soon spirals into fear for those closest to her, as they realize something far more serious is happening. The diagnosis leaves the community stunned, but also brings to the surface deeply human questions about aging, independence, and the fragility of memory.
For viewers, Irene has long been the heart of Summer Bay — a no-nonsense, fiercely loyal, and often hilarious matriarch who has supported generations of troubled teens, broken families, and wayward souls. Watching her deteriorate will be devastating, but also undeniably powerful.
“It’s one of the most moving storylines we’ve ever written,” a Home and Away insider revealed. “Lynne has been incredible in portraying this journey with sensitivity and heart. We wanted to honour not just the character but the real people living with dementia and the families around them.”
The exit will not be abrupt. Instead, Home and Away will give Irene a slow, graceful goodbye — something rarely seen in long-running soaps. As the dementia progresses, Irene begins to realize she can no longer manage on her own. In a deeply emotional arc, she makes the decision to leave Summer Bay to move closer to her son, seeking care and stability in her final years.
While fans are already bracing themselves for the tears, many have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the show tackling such a meaningful and painful subject. “This is not just a TV moment,” one user posted. “It’s a tribute to everyone dealing with dementia every day.”
With Irene’s final scenes expected to air within the next few months, Home and Away is preparing to say goodbye not just to a character — but to a legacy. Whether you’ve watched for years or are tuning in now, Irene’s farewell promises to be one of the most unforg
