TV legend ‘in denial’ as co-star of 32 years quits

Home and Away’s Ada Nicodemou has shared her reaction to the news the iconic Lynne McGranger is leaving the show. The 72-year-old is the longest-serving female actor in an Australian drama, but her tenure is set to come to an end later this year, with her exit set to be an unmissable one that promises to go down in Summer Bay history.

Lynne took over the role of Irene Roberts in 1993, who has had some dramatic storylines over the years, including alcoholism, a breast cancer diagnosis, the discovery of a long-lost son and a stint in prison for a murder she didn’t commit. Following the news, star Ada – who plays Leah Patterson-Baker in the show – has paid tribute to her co-star and friend ahead of her final scenes.

On Instagram, as well as sharing a variety of pictures of herself and Lynne together, Ada wrote alongside:. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. ‘What can I say about my best mate? And my favourite work mate? I love you so much @lynnemcgranger I think I’m still in denial that you’re leaving. I may not let you leave. Maybe I’ll just kidnap you and let you live in our dressing room hahaha.

She added: ‘Honestly though the show won’t be the same and my day won’t be the same without you in it! We all adore you! #HomeandAway.’. In the comments section, Lynne responded: ‘Oh sweetheart I know I’ll be in bits when the day arrives. But we’ll be forever friends and there’ll be many more lunches, dinners, and catchups and laughs. And you’ll get to share a dressing room with someone who leaves their pants on!’.

Discussing her departure from the Australian soap, Lynne previously said:. ‘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.’.

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Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!. ‘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.’. Lynne is set to finish filming at the end of March, with her emotional exit set to play out on screen later this year on Channel 5, giving fans a while longer to enjoy her Irene-isms.

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