Home and Away fans thrilled by return of beloved character: 'Been too long'

Home and Away fans are rejoicing (for once) with the exciting news beloved character Irene Roberts is set to make her way back on our TV screens soon, after actress Lynne McGranger took leave from the show to go on tour in comedy-musical The Grandparents Club.

Home and Away actor Shane Withington, who plays John Palmer, sent fans into an excited state when he posted a photo of himself with Lynne and Ada Nicodemou, sharing that the three of them would be filming together this week. "Working with these two and can not wait!!" he captioned the photo. "Can’t wait to see you guys again!! It’s been too long! Hope I remember what to do," Lynne joked in response.

Though she's resuming filming this week, Irene won't officially be back on our screens until 2025, after she was sent to rehab after she relapsed from her alcohol addiction.

Fans delighted to see return of Home and Away star, beg for new romance

While fans are delighted to see Lynne return, they're also ready for Irene to find a happy ending that's not at the bottom of a bottle of whiskey... in fact, fans are begging for Irene and John to finally get together.

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If you watch the show, you know the two have more sexual tension than Cash has had with literally anyone he's ever dated, so really, it's about time they just get together. Of course, this is slightly awkward given John used to be with Marilyn, one of Irene's besties, but IDK sharing is caring... or something.

Commenting on the photo, many said Irene was sorely missed but also were excited to see what storylines were about to play out next.

"Great actors, Irene and John should get together, please," one fan begged. "Bring Irene back so her and John can be together, a good couple," another said.

"I just love the dynamic between Irene and John, like irritated siblings," someone else stated, with another fan replying, "A lot of people would like to see Irene and John as a couple!!"

Lynne McGranger's health update

While Lynne was on a Home and Away break while touring, she also shared with fans last month that she had undergone a major operation which extended her leave from the show.

In August, the star took to Instagram saying she had "parted ways" wth her toxic "overactive thyroid".

"It was a long time coming – we were incompatible and quite frankly I was exhausted," she captioned the post. "Could not recommend The Mater more highly- what an exceptional example of health care done right! I’m healing well and so far I don’t miss that dirty thyroid one bit! Stay tuned for Scar spam."

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