Summer Bay is bracing itself for one of the most emotionally devastating departures in Home and Away history, as the show prepares to air the final episodes of Irene Roberts, portrayed for more than three decades by Lynne McGranger.

Irene’s exit comes just six weeks after her world was shattered by a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, following a series of unsettling memory lapses that quietly signalled something was terribly wrong. What follows is not a dramatic collapse or sudden tragedy — but something far more painful: a conscious goodbye, made while Irene is still herself.

“I won’t let this define me”

As Irene flicks through old photos and postcards, she’s confronted by the life she once imagined — places she hoped to see, dreams she may never fulfil. But in a moment that captures Irene’s indomitable spirit, Sonny (Ryan Bown) gently reminds her that time is still hers. That single conversation changes everything.

By the next day, Irene shocks her loved ones by announcing she’s selling the Beach House to fund a trip around the world. It’s a decision that stuns those closest to her — particularly John Palmer (Shane Withington), who struggles to accept the idea of losing his best friend.

Though Leah, Justin and Alf pledge their support, concern lingers. Irene insists she has it all planned: friends along the way, carers when needed, and safeguards in place. This isn’t recklessness — it’s defiance.

A moment that changes everything

Reality hits hard when John finds Irene at the diner, completely unaware she no longer works there. It’s a quiet, crushing moment that makes it clear waiting six more weeks is too dangerous. Irene decides she’s leaving immediately.

Preparations for her farewell are pulled forward, and emotions begin to fray. When Irene is given a stark choice by a travel agent — leave in three weeks or in three days — she doesn’t hesitate. One day to pack. One day to see her grandchildren. Then she’s gone.

For John, watching Irene pack up her life is unbearable. Justin tries to steady him, but nothing can soften the blow of losing the person who has anchored him for years.

A farewell Summer Bay will never forget

The farewell party outside the surf club is lovingly prepared — mocktails, a towering cake, and Marilyn’s tarot cards for one final reading. But one person is missing. John.

As Irene’s concern grows, Justin tracks John down alone at the diner, paralysed by grief and fear. In a raw confrontation, Justin reminds him that regret will last longer than pain. When John finally arrives, Irene greets him with a smile and a teasing insult — and the relief is palpable.

John’s speech is simple, honest, and devastating. They don’t want her to go, he admits — but if this is her choice, they couldn’t be prouder. He raises a glass to “the bravest woman I’ve ever met.”

Music follows. Dancing. Tears. And then something extraordinary.

“It’s not goodbye… it’s au revoir”

As the crowd disperses, Irene quietly hands Alf letters to give out once she’s gone. Then she pulls John aside and shocks him again — with a plane ticket to Paris. Under the Eiffel Tower, in a few weeks’ time, she tells him, they’ll meet again.

“It’s not goodbye,” Irene says softly. “It’s au revoir.”

With Sonny waiting in a chauffeur’s uniform and a polished Mercedes, Irene leaves Summer Bay behind. As the others open her letters — urging them to remember her as she is now, and to make every moment count — Irene passes the familiar road sign.

“No regrets,” she says. “Life’s too short.”

As Irene Roberts leaves after more than 30 years, Home and Away doesn’t just lose a character. It says farewell to its heart.