Next week on Home and Away in the UK, a chat with Sonny gives Irene an idea – she’s going to leave Summer Bay and travel the world! But will her friends support her?

After signing over her half of the diner business after two decades, Irene (Lynne McGranger) is wasting no time in getting her affairs in order following her devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

When John (Shane Withington) calls over next week, he finds Irene sorting through boxes of ornaments and trinkets. Wondering if she’s having a garage sale, Irene explains that she’s sorting out gifts for people.

Whilst Irene wishes to hang on to her memories, she’s determined to declutter and ensure that when the time comes, her loved ones aren’t left with masses of stuff to sort through.

John’s concern ensures that word soon gets back to Leah (Ada Nicodemou) who later calls in at the Beach House herself.

It’s ideal timing for Irene, who surprises Leah with a gift—a teapot.

Irene explains that making tea in it was what helped her through her initial recovery from alcoholism.

She adds that she wouldn’t have managed without friends like Leah, and she wants her to have it to remind her of their special bond. Leah accepts, but remains unsettled at how freely Irene is parting with her possessions.

As they head to the Diner, Marilyn (Emily Symons) tries to lift the mood, but Irene makes it clear she’s serious about putting things in order. Leah and John protest, saying she doesn’t need to rush, but Irene insists she’s not going to drag it out.

She asks them to support her, and whilst they agree to do so, none of them are at ease.

Later, Irene flicks through old photographs, smiling at memories of happier times, including Leah and Justin’s (James Stewart) wedding day.

When John drops by, he promises to support her decisions, but admits he can’t bear the thought of losing her sooner than necessary, and urges her not to shut her friends out.

When Dana (Ally Harris) returns home with Sonny (Ryan Bown), John is still trying to rein Irene in over how much she’s clearing out.

The tension in the room rises as she explains to both John and Dana that she could end up being shipped off to a home at any point, and doesn’t want to be a burden on anyone.

When Sonny attempts to cut the tension with a joke about Irene’s memory, Dana and John are astonished. But Sonny’s risk pays off as Irene laughs, the mood immediately lightened as he offers to take some of the boxes to the charity shop.