Irene’s Shocking Change of Plans — Home & Away Exit CONFIRMED

Summer Bay is about to lose one of its most beloved residents, and the circumstances surrounding her farewell are set to leave fans deeply moved. This week on Home and Away, Irene Roberts’ exit plans take an unexpected turn, leading to an emotional goodbye that no one is quite ready for.

It all begins with Irene sitting quietly on a bench at Flat Beach, gazing across the water as she reflects on her decades in the Bay. Every corner holds memories of friendships, heartbreaks, and triumphs, and while she is excited for the journey ahead, it’s clear that no place will ever measure up to Summer Bay. John joins her, and together they share a bittersweet moment, agreeing that while travel offers excitement, the magic of the Bay will never be replicated anywhere else.

Later, Irene proudly reveals her travel plans. At her home, she shows John a pinboard marked with destinations she intends to tick off her bucket list: Halong Bay, Machu Picchu, an African safari, and reunions with family scattered across the globe. She’s eager to see granddaughter Luc and BJ in Cyprus, visit Bella and Nikau in New York, stop by Tori and Christian in London, and reconnect with April and Dex in Paris. For Irene, the thought of reuniting with loved ones across continents makes the bittersweet goodbye a little easier.

Leah and Justin soon drop by, impressed with Irene’s vision. Leah even promises to connect her with a trusted travel agent in Yabbie Creek. Yet beneath the excitement, Leah struggles with the thought of losing her friend. Irene, ever the optimist, insists that planning should be fun, not sad. With her trademark spirit, she suggests a proper send-off: a huge farewell party. “If I’m leaving Summer Bay, I’m leaving with a bang,” she insists, rallying her friends to help plan the celebration.

But the following day takes a heartbreaking turn. When Leah, Justin, and John arrive for party planning, Irene is nowhere to be found. Concern mounts until John discovers her back at the diner—serving customers as though nothing has changed. Gently, John reminds her that she sold her share of the business to Leah and no longer works there. The realisation leaves Irene shaken.

When she returns home with John, things grow even more unsettling. Seeing Leah waiting, Irene appears bewildered, unable to remember their plans to meet. The moment devastates her. Quietly, she confesses to Leah that she fears her good days are slipping away and there’s nothing she can do to stop it. Leah does her best to comfort her, listening patiently as Irene faces her fears.

Later, Irene seeks guidance from Dr. Bree Cameron. Bree reassures her that one difficult day doesn’t define her future and urges her not to abandon her dreams. Encouraged, Irene makes a bold decision: she can’t wait six weeks for her farewell. Gathering Alf, Marilyn, John, Justin, and Leah at the diner, Irene announces with conviction that she will be leaving Summer Bay immediately.

For longtime fans, Irene’s sudden change of plans marks the end of an era. Her farewell promises to be both heartbreaking and inspiring—a testament to her enduring strength and spirit.