'H&A' Lynne McGranger: 'I love playing Irene'

Home and Away star Lynne McGranger has revealed that she has stayed with the soap for so long because she loves her character Irene Roberts.

The actress has played the former alcoholic foster mother for 18 years, and told Holy Soap that she never anticipated being with the Summer Bay cast for so long.

"I would never have thought in a million years - if you had asked me 18 years [ago] - I would still be here. It really has changed my life," she explained.

"I became and remained a working actor, my daughter has grown up with me on the show, it's opened doors, allowed me to work in England, wouldn't change it for anything."

McGranger added: "I think [what made me stay was] the fact that I love Irene, I love playing Irene and being employed as an actor.

"The opportunities I have been given from being on TV are amazing - like being able to work in plays, theatre and overseas. I love the people I work with, and I love the woman that I play."

McGranger has previously said that Irene is "a rough diamond with a heart of gold", who should be allowed to find true love.

The actress also recently teased that a "good meaty storyline" lies head for the matriarch.