<Tr> <Th> Granddaughters </Th> <Td> Luc Patterson </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Nephews </Th> <Td> Nelson McFarlane </Td> </Tr> <P> 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 the longest - serving female cast member on the show, having played the role of Irene for over 20 years . </P> <P> 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 ." </P>

Who plays irene roberts in home and away