Irene Roberts (Home and Away)

Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts
Occupation	Fictional character
Known for	Home and Away

Irene Roberts is a character created for the Australian television soap Home and Away. The role was first played by Jacqy Phillips from 29 October 1991 until 13 May 1992, after which Lynne McGranger took over, making her debut on 12 January 1993. Initially appearing in a recurring capacity, McGranger was elevated to the main cast on 7 October 1993. She holds the distinction of being the longest-serving female performer in an Australian drama series and ranks among the most enduring cast members of Home and Away. On 23 February 2025, McGranger announced her decision to leave the show after more than three decades; her final episode is scheduled to air in August. That same month, she received the Gold Logie in recognition of her work as Irene.

Casting

Jacqy Phillips, who was primarily a theatre actress, was cast in 1991 under an "open-ended" agreement but departed in 1992. Later that year, Lynne McGranger assumed the role. McGranger brought mainly stage experience with limited television credits and relocated from Melbourne to Sydney for this opportunity. Originally signed for a brief guest appearance lasting thirteen weeks, her character's popularity led to a full-time contract six months later on 7 October 1993. McGranger has acknowledged that this role provided consistent employment in a highly competitive field and remains one of the show's longest-tenured actors. Reflecting on her long-standing involvement, she remarked, "Being very pragmatic, I love my job... You couldn't be doing this for 18 years if you didn't love it."

Development

At first, Irene was depicted as a spiteful alcoholic, which drew negative reactions from the audience. In 1992, Phillips shared that people would approach her publicly and label her as the "really rotten bitch from Home and Away."

According to the show's official website, Irene embodies "the quintessential Aussie battler. Grounded with a sharp sense of humour, she’s always ready with a story and a laugh. Regardless of age or background, Irene’s door is always open." She is portrayed as a nurturing figure who frequently fosters children, allowing her to experience motherhood anew and seek redemption for past errors.

There were initial plans to remove Irene from the storyline in early 2002; however, incoming Script Producer Coral Drouyn strongly opposed this and instead crafted compelling narratives to deepen her character.

McGranger reflected on challenging story arcs: "Portraying someone 'losing their mind' was quite demanding for a show like Home And Away and for Irene, who had been comfortably settled in Summer Bay for over a decade... Occasionally you become too comfortable in a role, and this really pushed me beyond my usual boundaries. It was tiring but invigorating."

Irene’s identity is closely tied to her fostering role and motherly presence toward numerous young characters such as Selina Cook (Tempany Deckert), who was romantically involved with Irene's son Damian Roberts (Matt Doran), Chloe Richards (Kristy Wright), Chloe’s daughter Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno), siblings Hayley (Bec Hewitt) and Nick Smith (Chris Egan), Sasha Bezmel (Demi Harman), Geoff (Lincoln Lewis), Annie Campbell (Charlotte Best), Belle Taylor (Jessica Tovey), and Joey Rainbow (Alex O'Han).

Storylines later introduced health challenges for Irene related to heart issues following episodes of stress. She battles addiction to painkillers, copes with the end of her relationship with Paris, and faces difficulties managing Tasha Andrews' (Isabel Lucas) rebellious behaviour. While supporting fellow recovering alcoholic Kit Hunter (Amy Mizzi) in maintaining sobriety, Irene experiences chest pains leading to hospitalization.

McGranger described this plot as a "wake-up call" about health concerns; although it wasn’t a heart attack, it revealed early indications of cardiac disease. As someone overcoming alcoholism, Irene becomes aware of the toll on her body and interprets this as a serious warning sign.

Her cardiac problems are attributed more to stress than dietary factors. Despite being "a health nut" who maintains regular exercise routines, stress significantly worsens her condition. McGranger valued this storyline for highlighting that heart ailments can occur unexpectedly regardless of physical fitness or lifestyle.

Departure

On 23 February 2025, McGranger revealed her intention to exit the series in August, concluding a remarkable 32-year tenure. She expressed mixed emotions, describing herself as "excited," "somewhat melancholic," and "thrilled," emphasizing that the timing felt appropriate. Her decision followed participation in a 2024 staging of The Grandparents' Club, which she felt symbolized a full-circle moment by returning to the theatrical roots of her career. Although the choice was challenging, it was made after discussions with family members, fellow cast, and production staff. McGranger contributed to crafting her character’s departure narrative, which received acclaim from the head writer and producers; however, she kept plot specifics confidential, referring to it as "highly relevant and significant."

Filming for McGranger’s concluding scenes occurred between 24 and 26 March 2025. The final shot took place on the Pier Diner set at the network’s Eveleigh studio, where Series Producer Lucy Addario honored her with a bouquet and the emblematic hamburger phone. Reflecting on her journey, McGranger stated, "This experience has been unforgettable... The show is composed of so many incredible elements. Everyone here is exceptional, and it has been an honor to collaborate with each one of you." Her farewell episode was broadcast on 19 August 2025.

Storylines

Irene enters Summer Bay as a mother struggling with alcoholism, caring for her three sons—Nathan, Damian, and Finlay—who are placed in foster care under Pippa Ross. Following a troubled marriage that led her to rock bottom, her excessive drinking resulted in violent outbursts directed at her children. Despite Damian and Fin's efforts to maintain contact, Irene’s conduct escalates to false accusations and threats, compelling them—with assistance from Pippa and Michael—to urge Irene to leave and rebuild her life elsewhere.

After eighteen months of sobriety, Irene returns upon learning that Fin nearly drowned. Her children respond positively to her sincere transformation, and she establishes permanent residency in Summer Bay. Reuniting with Pippa reveals a gentler facet of Irene as she supports Pippa through personal grief. Irene quickly becomes central to the community by taking charge of the Beach House and fostering multiple youths alongside her biological children.

Tensions arise between Irene and Angie Russell when Angie falsely accuses her of misconduct. Discovering Angie’s affair with Nick triggers Irene to confront and assault Angie while working to expose Angie’s troubled history. Following Angie’s death—which is later determined accidental by her son Dylan—Irene adopts Tasha, Angie’s homeless cousin. Josie contests custody but ultimately withdraws after legal counsel from Morag Bellingham. Concerns about surveillance involving Tasha’s father are resolved amicably, securing Tasha’s placement with Irene.

Worried about Tasha’s involvement with the hazardous Believers cult led by Mumma Rose, Irene observes Tasha's decline yet respects her independence. Subsequent events include Mayor Josh West’s arrival; his death leads to suspicion falling on Tasha, who is eventually exonerated. Irene briefly dates Barry Hyde until his murderous past emerges. She feels relieved when Tasha leaves the cult.

Irene offers support to Will amid his legal challenges related to Penn's murder but is heartbroken when he flees town. She tracks him down and persuades him to surrender; while Will faces arrest, Irene endures blame from Lily.

During a hospital bombing while delivering food for Bianca Scott and Heath Braxton, Irene sustains injuries but survives. A poisoning incident involving Chris Harrington’s mushroom dish temporarily closes the diner Irene manages; community solidarity aids its recovery. Chris, along with his brother Spencer and Sasha Bezmel, moves into the Beach House with Irene.

Irene provides support for VJ Patterson and Zac MacGuire during Leah Patterson-Baker’s coma and invites Nate Cooper to reside with her. She briefly dates Principal Greg Snelgrove but finds him unengaging. A trip to London leads Irene to care for Olivia Fraser Richards; upon returning home, she assists Marilyn coping with memory loss. Olivia reveals past abuse which prompts Irene to share her own history of trauma and forced child adoption, resulting in a relapse into alcoholism.

Following Charlotte King’s shooting, Irene becomes a suspect. She takes in John Palmer's foster daughter Skye Peters during his absence. At a hospital fundraiser event, Irene encounters Mick Jennings who kidnaps her; she remains held captive for weeks while he impersonates her over the phone.

Irene welcomes housemate Harper Matheson; Harper conceals her sister Dana from law enforcement due to Dana being framed by a corrupt detective. When Dana is discovered, Irene is arrested for harboring a fugitive and faces potential imprisonment of up to seven years due to previous convictions. With support from Harper, Dana, and John Palmer, Irene's defense highlights her benevolent intentions; ultimately all charges are dropped.

After meeting Bronte—a city visitor who deceives Summer Bay residents—Irene initially trusts her despite Dana’s doubts. Bronte’s schemes culminate in kidnapping Dana; she is imprisoned following exposure. In the wake of a water contamination crisis linked to The Pier that strains relations with Leah, Irene resumes drinking and later seeks rehabilitation after sustaining injuries from a fall down stairs at home.

Reception

McGranger earned several accolades for her role as Irene, including nominations for "Best Supporting Actress" and "Biggest Laugh in Soap" at the 1997 Inside Soap Awards, as well as "Funniest Performance" in 2007. The friendship between Irene and Leah was honored with the 2015 TV Week and Soap Extra #OMGAward for Best BFFs. In 2017, McGranger appeared on both the longlist and shortlist for Best Daytime Star at the Inside Soap Awards, though the award ultimately went to Lorna Laidlaw from Doctors. In 2023, she received a nomination for the Logie Award for Most Popular Actress, and in 2025 she secured both the Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television and Best Lead Actress in a Drama.

Shelley from TV Week characterized Phillips' portrayal of Irene as harsh, offensive, and unfeeling, labeling her "the nastiest bitch on television in Australia," even more so than Cornelia Frances’ Morag Bellingham. The Sydney Morning Herald identified Irene as one of the show's three enduring "legacy characters," alongside Alf and Colleen. Holy Soap pointed to her most unforgettable moment as being assaulted by an ex-wife of a former partner. Catherine Deveny depicted Irene as "a rough diamond with a heart of gold" who effortlessly speaks in Australian clichés.

In 2018, TV Week placed Irene within their "Top 20 Home and Away characters of all time," highlighting her strength in overcoming breast cancer, alcoholism, and various personal challenges. Her welcoming nature created a refuge for numerous characters seeking guidance and support, although her generosity occasionally sparked tensions, particularly following her son Mick’s entrance. Another writer from TV Week commended Irene as a cherished character worldwide, admired for her compassion and sharp humor.

In November 2021, three critics from The West Australian ranked Irene second in their list of "Top 50 heroes we love and villains we hate" from Home and Away. They lauded her evolution from a struggling alcoholic to a resilient Aussie battler with a compassionate spirit who took in troubled youths. McGranger herself has become a beloved icon as one of the series’ longest-serving cast members.

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