Next week on Home and Away in the UK, Irene works her final ever shift at the Pier Diner after handing it over to Leah.

Following her devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Irene (Lynne McGranger) has made the big decision to take a step back from the Pier Diner after nearly two decades.

Irene’s worst fears were realised last week, when her consultant confirmed the preliminary diagnosis given by Bree (Juliet Godwin) following a lumbar puncture.

Returning from her appointment accompanied by John (Shane Withington), Irene glanced over all the photos adorning her shelves—devastated by the fact that, in the not too distant future, she wouldn’t be able to name any of the people pictured.

She soon tasked herself with removing all the photos from their frames and writing the names on the back of them, reliving fond memories as she did so.

With Irene opting to keep her diagnosis secret at first, John struggled with the constant web of lies they were having to feed their friends.

Eventually, Justin (James Stewart) worked out that John’s worry over an old navy buddy was simply a cover story, it was Irene he was worried about. John admitted the truth, but Justin agreed to keep her news from Leah until Irene was ready.

Whilst Irene tried to put on a brave face, Leah’s ongoing concern caused Irene to lose her temper and throw her out of the Beach House. The following day however, Irene finally came clean about her diagnosis.

Next week, Leah is desperate to come up with some alternative arrangements—perhaps she could drop down to just a few shifts per week?

But Irene’s mind is made up, she knows that things are only going to get progressively worse from here on in. She is leaving today.

At that moment, Marilyn (Emily Symons) enters, and immediately picks up on the morose mood. Irene knows it’s time to have the difficult conversation with her.

Marilyn is devastated by the news, and immediately feels guilty for not checking Irene was okay before now.