Irene Roberts
Irene Roberts is a fictional character from the Australian Channel Seven soap opera Home and Away, played by Lynne McGranger. She was previously played by actress Jacqui Phillips from 1991 until 1992 when McGranger took over the role on 12 January 1993. Irene was originally a recurring character, but on 7 October 1993 McGranger was promoted to the regular cast. McGranger is now the longest-serving female cast member on the show,and has currently played the role of Irene Roberts for 22 years with the character appearing in all seasons of the show since season four.
Casting
Actress Jacqui Phillips was cast the role in 1991, Irene was later recast with Lynne McGranger taking over the role. McGranger was part of the guest cast when she joined because Irene was a recurring character, on 7 October 1993 she was promoted to the regular cast. McGranger is now one of the longest serving cast members in the serial. Speaking of her duration whilst interview by TV Tonight, McGranger stated: "Being very pragmatic, I love my job. You couldn’t be doing this for 18 years if you didn’t love it. You would go stark raving nuts, because it is intense."
