Home and Away star Lynne McGregor has announced that she will leave the Australian soap after 32 years.
McGregor has played the character Irene Roberts on the show since 1993, and is the longest serving female actor on the show, making her debut in January of that year.
Irene Roberts has been at the centre of some of Home and Away's biggest storylines, including her battle with alcohol addiction, a long lost son, a plane crash, bomb explosion, a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as spending a brief spell in prison for a murder she did not commit.
After 32 years, Lynne McGregor confirmed that she would be leaving the soap, with this statement.
"After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it's bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life", McGregor said.
She continued: "I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years, and I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay".
"Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support".
Elsewhere, Julie McGauran, Home and Away's Executive Director, paid tribute to McGregor.
"What a pure joy and privilege it has been for all at Home and Away to work with the wonderfully talented, witty, funny and kind Lynne McGranger", she said.
"Lynne’s extraordinary portrayal of down-to-earth Irene Roberts is why the character is held with such great affection by fans around the world. Lynne will always be a much-loved member of the Home and Away family, her friendship to all is truly cherished and we wish her all the best for what’s next in her bright, bright future".
Lynne McGregor will finish up filming on Home and Away at the end of March, with her final scenes to appear on screen later this year. According to the show, this will mark an "emotional exit storyline, gearing up for for an unmissable farewell that will go down in Summer Bay history".
