Wait Until You See…’: Lynne McGranger’s Mysterious Tease as Irene Roberts Prepares for Farewell

Long-running drama Home and Away says its farewell to star character Irene Roberts this week, but for the woman who’s portrayed her for almost 33 years, it’s a bittersweet time.

McGranger joined the cast in 1993, becoming the longest-serving female performer in an Australian series, and announced her departure in February of this year.

Irene has been coming to terms with an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, and McGranger said she had been driven by the story “that needs to be told,” one she had a role in formulating.

"This is the first time it is being dealt with at length, out in the open and talked about," she added of the condition's depiction in a local TV drama.

"So many people now own it.

"I'm very, very, very proud of it and I think it's an important story, and it needs to be out there."

However, after such a long run in the role, and with many fans stating they are unsure how they would handle their favorite drama without such a popular character, McGranger has a mysterious message.

"Well, wait until you see ... just wait."

She paid tribute to artist Jessica Mauboy, whose song can be heard over Irene's final moments.

"As much as you love sticky date pudding, it's only when you pour the butterscotch sauce on it that it lifts it to another level, and that is what her song does with Irene's final scene."

Fans aren't the only ones who will have to get used to life without Irene. McGranger admits that her family will have to do the same.

"My daughter is 34, and I have been on the show for nearly 33 years," remarked the actress. "So she doesn't remember anything else."

Goodbye, Irene: How to Send Personal Farewell

The Gold Logie winner thinks viewers, including those who haven't been following the series for a while, "might jump on board now and ride the wave home with her, so to speak."

In terms of what comes next, McGranger stated that, while she will miss Irene and may adopt some of her mannerisms on occasion, she is thrilled about the future.

"I'm excited to rest," she remarked. "I'm looking forward to not having to learn lines every night and working 14-hour days.

I suppose I'll miss the camaraderie. I'll miss my wonderful friends who appear on the show; I've made many over the years."