Welcome to Episode 56 of Talking Prisoner where your host, Matt Batten, enjoys a sit-down with Lynne McGranger, best known for her role as Irene Roberts on the long-running soap, Home and Away. With nearly three decades on the show, Lynne proudly holds the title of longest-serving female cast member.
Before capturing our hearts as Irene, Lynne graced several other Australian TV shows such as The Flying Doctors, Skirts, Street Angels, Seven Deadly Sins, and Sky Trackers. In this episode, Lynne recounts her journey from her humble beginnings in Sydney, her time as a school teacher, and how she landed her enduring part on Home and Away.
We delve into the mystery surrounding Jacqy Phillips's departure and why she didn't continue as Irene. Lynne shares her insightful thoughts on the end of Neighbours and the future of free-to-air TV. With a fondness for theatre acting, Lynne has appeared in many pantomimes over the years which are also discussed in our conversation.
In the 1980s, Lynne was part of the comedy group, The Natural Normans, performing alongside Denise Scott, Sally-Anne Upton, and Lynda Gibson. Lynne reminisces about the laughs and the learning during her comedy stint.
In 2014, Lynne put on her dancing shoes for Dancing with the Stars, emerging as the runner-up. We chat about the intense schedule of learning to dance and the unforgettable experiences on the show. Lynne shares her journey of penning down her book, “Me, Myself and Irene,” and the process that led to its creation.
Interestingly, Lynne reveals that she discovered through a radio interview with Jonesy and Amanda that her character Irene was set to be axed in 2002. Fortunately, Coral Drouyn, a Prisoner Writer who had been hired to boost Home and Away's ratings, saved Irene, believing her character had many storylines left to explore.
Lynne also shares cherished memories of working with Chris Hemsworth who played Kim Hyde on Home and Away and a hilarious encounter with a fan during dinner with Ray Meagher after a long day of shooting.
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