since 1993, is reflecting on her decades-long journey on the Australian soap. As she gears up for her emotional departure, McGranger
has opened up about the storyline that left the biggest impact on her, making her time on the show even more meaningful.
A Deeply Personal Storyline
In a heartfelt interview on This Morning, McGranger was asked which storyline stood out the most during her time as Irene. Without hesitation, she pointed to Irene’s battle with breast cancer, revealing that the storyline held profound personal significance.
“When Irene was diagnosed with breast cancer, it really resonated with me,” she shared. “At the same time, my best friend Moren’s daughter, Nikki, was going through the exact same battle. That made it even more important to approach the storyline with authenticity and care.”
McGranger explained that she wanted to honor Nikki’s experience, ensuring the storyline was portrayed with the utmost sensitivity and respect. “It was essential to me that Irene’s journey reflected the reality of so many women facing this fight,” she said. “The writers did an incredible job in handling it with the dignity it deserved.”
Saying Goodbye to Summer Bay
As her time on Home and Away comes to an end, McGranger is preparing to say farewell to the cast and crew she has considered family for so many years. When asked what she’ll miss the most, she didn’t hesitate to mention the deep friendships she’s formed behind the scenes.
“I will deeply miss my incredible friends—the cast, the crew, the producers, the writers, the directors—just everyone who makes this show what it is,” she shared. “The camaraderie, the laughter, the simple joys of daily life on set—even something as small as grabbing a coffee before heading to makeup—it’s all been such a huge part of my life. Leaving is bittersweet.”
Though she’s sad to be leaving Summer Bay, McGranger is also excited for the next chapter of her career. She revealed her desire to return to the stage, though she remained tight-lipped about her upcoming projects.
How Will Irene Say Goodbye?
Fans have been eagerly speculating about how Irene’s story will come to an end, and while McGranger couldn’t reveal too much, she did hint that she played a key role in shaping her character’s final moments.
“I wanted Irene to have a send-off that truly does her justice,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of input into how she exits, and I think the audience will be happy with how her journey unfolds.”
As one of Home and Away’s most cherished characters, Irene’s farewell is sure to be an emotional moment for longtime fans. Will her departure bring a heartbreaking twist, or will she get the happy ending she deserves? One thing is certain—Summer Bay won’t be the same without her.
