Home and Away star Lynne McGranger has offered her thoughts on Irene Roberts’ relapse as she deals with the consequences of scammer Bronte’s actions.
In scenes airing in Australia this week (fans in the UK will have to wait till late August), Irene realises her judgement has been clouded after she almost willingly bankrupted herself, jeopardising the business she co-owns with her best friend Leah.
Irene is also grappling with additional guilt, as Dana’s life was placed in danger when she was kidnapped by the scammers.
Devastated by her own actions in Bronte’s scam, Irene reaches for the bottle and ends up breaking her sobriety, pushing away her loved ones in the process.
“Irene has always prided herself on being a great judge of character,” McGranger told TV Week. “And of course, with Bronte, this has gone completely down the toilet.”
Concerned after Irene fails to show up for work, John calls on her – but she kicks him out after he unintentionally upsets her.
Irene opens up a whisky stash hidden under her sink, and starts drinking from it.
“The shame and despair that she feels is why she goes back to alcohol because it’s an escape for her as most alcoholics know,” adds Lynne.
Leah and Marilyn sense there’s something off when they see a drunk Irene fumbling with the coffee cart.
Her behaviour leads to further concern when she interrupts Dana and Xander, as they try to have a conversation about the future of their relationship.
Will Irene reach out for the help and support she needs?