Irene Roberts’ Tearful Goodbye — Home and Away (UK Premiere Next Week)

Next week, UK viewers will witness the end of an era as Home and Away bids farewell to one of Summer Bay’s most iconic residents. After nearly 33 years, Irene Roberts leaves the Bay in a storyline that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

Irene’s departure comes only six weeks after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, following a series of worrying lapses in memory. When she found herself sifting through old postcards and photographs, regretting the many places she would never see, Sunny gently reminded her that she still had time. Inspired by his words, Irene decided not to let her diagnosis define her future. The very next day, she announced she would sell the beach house and use the proceeds to fund the trip of a lifetime, traveling the world while she still could.

Her loved ones were understandably shaken by her decision. John, in particular, struggled with the idea of losing his closest friend. Though Irene reassured them she had made arrangements to stay with friends or travel with carers, John could not hide his pain. As the final details of her trip were settled, Irene’s illness dealt her another cruel blow. She was spotted at the diner, completely forgetting that she no longer worked there. Realizing she could not waste another moment, Irene pushed her departure forward, choosing to leave almost immediately.

This sudden change threw the Bay into action. Leah, Justin, Alf, John, and Marilyn rushed to organize a farewell party, determined to send her off in style. Leah even arranged travel details with her Yabbie Creek agent, leaving Irene with only two choices: a departure in three weeks, or one in three days. Without hesitation, Irene opted for the sooner date. She would spend a day tying up loose ends, another visiting her grandchildren, and then she would be gone.

Preparations for the farewell were bittersweet. Justin and Theo agreed to provide music, Marilyn readied her tarot cards, and Alf reassured Leah that Irene would be happiest simply surrounded by the people she loved. When Leah visited the beach house to discuss plans, she was stunned to see the living room stripped bare—an entire life packed away in boxes. Over takeaway, the two shared a poignant moment, with Leah tearfully confessing it felt like the end. Irene, equally moved, gently replied, “That’s because it is, love.”

The farewell party itself was everything Irene deserved. A grand cake, a mocktail bar, and a room full of friends old and new. Yet one person was missing—John. Overwhelmed, he sat alone at the diner until Justin persuaded him he would regret not showing up. When he finally arrived, Irene lit up. His emotional speech captured everything the Bay felt: pride, gratitude, and love for a woman who had given them so much.

After heartfelt tributes, music, and dancing, Irene revealed her parting gift to John—a plane ticket to Paris, reminding him of his dream to have coffee by the Eiffel Tower. “This isn’t goodbye, it’s au revoir,” she told him. As she later climbed into a waiting car, her friends opened letters filled with her final words of wisdom: to be brave, take risks, love deeply, and cherish every moment.

Passing the “You are now leaving Summer Bay” sign, Sunny asked if she had any regrets. Irene smiled and replied simply, “None, love.” Turning to the viewers for one last time, she whispered, “Life’s too short,” before leaving behind more than three decades of memories in Summer Bay.