Next week on Home and Away in the UK, it’s the end of an era as Irene leaves Summer Bay for good after nearly 33 years.

Irene’s (Lynne McGranger) departure comes six weeks after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, following a number of worrying memory lapses.

As Irene looked through old photos and postcards, lamenting the fact that she wouldn’t be able to visit all the places around the world she’d hoped to see one day, Sonny (Ryan Bown) pointed out she still had time, and that she shouldn’t let her diagnosis rule her immediate future.

Opting to seize the day, Irene announced the very next day that she was going to put the Beach House on the market, and use the money to fund a trip around the world.

Irene’s loved ones, particularly John (Shane Withington), were concerned about her decision, but she assured them that she was putting arrangements in place to ensure her safety.

She would be staying with various friends along the way, and would otherwise be travelling with carers.

Although friends including Leah (Ada Nicodemou), Justin (James Stewart) and Alf (Ray Meagher) vowed to support her following her heartfelt plea, it took John a little longer to get his head around the idea of losing his best mate.

As the final itinerary came together this week, Irene was dealt a harsh dose of reality when John found her at the diner, having completely forgotten that she no longer worked there.

Not wanting to waste a moment longer, Irene decided that she wasn’t going to wait another six weeks as planned, and would leave Summer Bay as soon as possible.

Next week, it’s action stations for Leah, Justin, Alf, John and Marilyn (Emily Symons) as they bring forward the preparation for Irene’s farewell party.

John’s disappointed that Irene is leaving even earlier than anticipated, but is determined to do her justice with his farewell speech.

When Leah liaises with her Yabbie Creek travel agent contact over the new arrangements, Irene is left with a snap choice. The only two departure dates that would be feasible for her itinerary are one three weeks away… or one in three days’ time!

In the end, it’s not a tricky decision as Irene makes her mind up on the spot. One day to tie up loose ends, another to see the grandkids in the city, and then she’ll be gone.

The reality sinks in for John as he watches his friend pack up her life. Justin does his best to bolster John as they lend a hand shifting Irene’s belongings into storage, but he can’t ease the blow of John losing his closest companion.