Home and Away delivered one of the most emotionally charged episodes in its long and storied history on Tuesday night — and the nation showed up in force. A record-breaking audience tuned

in to witness the farewell of Irene Roberts, one of the soap’s most enduring and beloved characters, as Lynne McGranger bowed out after more than three decades on screen.

Yet while the episode shattered ratings records and left many viewers in tears, it also ignited a fierce backlash online, with fans branding the send-off “soulless,” “underwhelming,”

and unworthy of a true Home and Away legend.

A Ratings Triumph That Dominated the Night

From a numbers perspective, Channel Seven had every reason to celebrate. Home and Away emerged as Tuesday night’s number one drama and the top entertainment program across all networks. The episode reached a staggering national audience of 1.61 million viewers, with a sizeable 1.1 million tuning in overnight. Streaming figures on 7plus also soared, making Irene’s farewell the highest-rated episode of 2025 so far.

For a show that has been part of Australian television culture for nearly four decades, the numbers confirmed what fans already knew: Irene Roberts is not just a character — she is an institution.

Irene’s Final Journey: A Bittersweet Goodbye

The farewell episode centred on Irene’s heartbreaking decision to leave Summer Bay after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As viewers have watched over recent weeks, the once sharp-witted, fiercely independent Irene has begun to struggle with memory loss — a devastating arc that many fans praised for its sensitivity and realism.

In her final storyline, Irene makes the courageous choice to travel through Europe while she still can, explaining that she wants to “see old friends while I still remember them.” It was a quiet, dignified exit — one rooted in hope, bravery, and the refusal to let illness define her final chapter.

As Irene prepared a farewell party, emotions ran high. Her final speech, delivered with raw vulnerability by McGranger, reduced many long-time viewers to tears. For those who have grown up watching Irene weather addiction, heartbreak, love, loss, and redemption, the goodbye felt deeply personal.

“I’m heartbroken at Irene leaving,” one fan wrote. “She’s been in it since I started watching. It’s not going to be the same.”

Another added, “Irene’s speech at the end of tonight’s episode was just emotional. I can’t believe she’s gone for good now.”

A Farewell That Divided the Fanbase

Despite the emotional weight of the storyline, the episode quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. As Irene boarded her next chapter, fans took to social media in droves — not just to grieve, but to vent their anger.

The loudest complaint? The glaring absence of legacy characters and even key current cast members.

“Would have been nice to have some flashbacks as she was leaving or some old faces to send her off,” one viewer wrote on X. “It felt off that the whole cast wasn’t there.”

Others were far less diplomatic.

“Those cast members who didn’t show up to Irene’s farewell, shame shame,” one post read.

“They seriously couldn’t even get all the current main cast in, let alone previous characters,” another fan fumed. “Low key a bit s**t.”

As the camera lingered on what was meant to be an intimate farewell, fans questioned why so many familiar faces were missing.

“Where the f**k is the rest of the bay?!” one viewer asked. “Surely not working!”

Another added, “Why is only like two per cent of the cast there at Irene’s farewell? Where’s Cash, Tane, Mackenzie?”

For many, the absence of former cast members — people who shared decades of storylines with Irene — was unforgivable.

“Not bringing back ANY old faces ruins the legacy of Irene and taints her exit forever,” one furious fan wrote. “Well f**king done.”

‘Underwhelming’ or ‘Realistic’? The Ending Debate

Beyond the missing faces, some fans were disappointed by the overall tone of Irene’s exit. While the writers opted for a gentle, hopeful goodbye, not everyone agreed it was the right choice.

“Well, that was… underwhelming,” one viewer commented.

Another questioned the logic of the storyline itself: “Did they really just send Irene — who has Alzheimer’s — off travelling around the world?”

Some even expected a more dramatic conclusion, true to soap tradition. “I honestly thought they’d do a last-minute death on the beach or something,” one fan admitted.

Others felt the farewell party itself was oddly staged, noting the presence of unfamiliar extras instead of meaningful relationships.

“I’m digging the party send-off vibe,” one post read, “but why the random extras at what should’ve been an intimate gathering?”

A Legacy Three Decades in the Making

Criticism aside, there is no denying the magnitude of Irene Roberts’ impact. Lynne McGranger has portrayed the iconic “Aussie battler” since 1993, making Irene one of the longest-running characters in Australian television history.

Over 30 years, Irene evolved from a tough, troubled alcoholic into the moral backbone of Summer Bay — a woman who offered tough love, fierce loyalty, and unshakable resilience. Her storylines tackled addiction, domestic violence, poverty, and now dementia, often reflecting real-world struggles faced by viewers.

In March, Channel Seven revealed that McGranger had filmed her final scenes, sharing emotional behind-the-scenes footage from her last day on set. Earlier this year, the 72-year-old actress formally announced her departure — just months after winning the Gold Logie at the 65th Logie Awards, a fitting recognition of her immense contribution to Australian television.

A Farewell That Will Be Debated for Years

Irene Roberts’ exit may go down as one of Home and Away’s most-watched episodes — but also one of its most divisive. For some, it was a moving, dignified goodbye to a beloved character. For others, it was a missed opportunity to properly honour a legacy three decades in the making.

What cannot be disputed is this: Irene’s departure marks the end of an era. Summer Bay will never feel quite the same without her sharp wit, warm heart, and unmistakable presence behind the bar.

Love it or loathe it, her farewell proved one thing beyond doubt — Irene Roberts mattered. And judging by the record-breaking audience and the passionate fan reaction, she always will.