For more than three decades she’s been the rock of Summer Bay – a surrogate mum to countless lost souls and a pillar of strength through some of Home And Away’s toughest storylines.

But after almost 34 years, Irene Roberts is finally saying goodbye. Now, actress Lynne McGranger, 73, who has portrayed the Aussie soap’s longest-serving matriarch since October 1991, reveals she was “relieved” her time on the Australian drama has come to an end, following her latest storyline.

“I originally had the job for three months as guest cast and then for a year,” she explains. “Then they asked if I would like another two years and it just kept on going.”

What started as a brief appearance evolved into a career-defining part, one that has witnessed the character confront addictions, heartbreak, breast cancer and, most recently, Alzheimer’s disease.

In the storyline, Irene faces her deteriorating memory and is pushed into a life-altering choice – to sell up, pack her bags and leave Summer Bay to travel the world.

This week, Irene only has a handful of days to put her plan into action. And Lynne reveals the behind-the-scenes pressures were equally demanding.

“The storyline was so consuming and so full on,” explains Lynne. “I was doing 13-14 hour days, it was exhausting. Because of the circumstances, I was relieved when it was over. The storyline was so intense I didn’t really have time to grieve.”

Throughout the years, Irene has faced some of the programme’s most challenging storylines. One particularly poignant plot emerged in 2011, when Irene received a breast cancer diagnosis.

The storyline reflected a real-life struggle that touched Lynne deeply. “My best friend, who lives in York, her daughter Nicky had been diagnosed at the same time,” Lynne reveals. “She fought valiantly for about 10 years but sadly lost her fight when she was about 50.”

Despite Irene’s departure having been broadcast in Australia last month, Lynne has no plans to sever connections permanently. She remains in contact with several members of the Home And Away cast.

“I am catching up with Ada (Nicodemou) and James (Stewart) in a couple of weeks. I’m always at the network’s morning show, Sunrise , which is in the same studio, so I stick my head in, and always see someone.

“There is a lot to miss,” admits Lynne. However, much like her character, she understands the importance of perseverance and maintains an active lifestyle.

The actress quit smoking 20 years ago and has since replaced the habit with fitness routines and therapeutic walks. “I like to exercise, and I like to walk so I have a group of friends that I do fitness with,” she explains.

“Walking and exercising in general are the things that keep me sane. But I also enjoy reading and listening to podcasts, and hanging at home with the family.”

She’s not one to rest on her laurels, as she revealed: “I am currently touring our show The Grandparent’s Club around Australia.

When I finish the tour mid-October, I am off overseas to do some appearances in Ireland and Norway – and maybe London!”.

“Then it’s back home, and we’ll see what happens after that,” she added. It’s certainly the end of an era, and we’re all excited to see what comes next.