Home and Away kicks off Irene Roberts exit plot in heartbreaking new scenes

 Her loved ones are concerned.

Irene Roberts' exit story on Home and Away begins next week in sad scenes for the long-running character.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that soap star Lynne McGranger would be leaving Summer Bay after 33 years in the role of Irene.

Now, the Aussie series has kicked off Irene's memory problems storyline as the character starts experiencing some concerning memory lapses but attempts to brush them off with her loved ones.

In scenes airing next week, Irene checks with Harper Matheson, discovering she still hasn't told Tane Parata that she's going back to work after placing baby Archie in daycare. Irene suggests she consider discussing this with the baby's father, but Harper is unwilling to change her mind.

Meanwhile, Irene locks in dinner plans with John Palmer at Salt. Marilyn Chambers encourages Irene to enjoy her night, telling her she can leave work early.

When Marilyn returns later, she's surprised to see that Irene is still hard at work. An equally confused John turns up, asking about their dinner.

Irene has no recollection of them making plans. John and Marilyn are concerned, but Irene explains she's tired and spaced out because baby Archie is keeping her awake all night.

When John shows Irene her own texts, however, it seems clear that something is off.

Irene says that she ditched their dinner plans as she was unable to go to Salt, fearing a relapse in her alcohol addiction. She then heads home, leaving John and Marilyn perplexed.

The next day, John, Leah Patterson-Baker and Marilyn discuss Irene's worrying behaviour, agreeing that her explanations don't add up.

When Leah innocently asks Irene about a shift, Irene tries to cover up the fact that she forgot and goes for a walk.

John goes after her and she breaks down, telling him the truth. She completely forgot they made plans the previous night, and it's not the first time she's forgotten something lately.

She tells him she caught herself suddenly standing in the garden in her nightie a few days earlier, having no clue why she was there.

John suggests they shouldn't be sweeping this under the carpet, urging Irene to go see a doctor. She pushes that idea away, as she was expecting reassurance, and insists John drop it.

The show previously teased one of its "most emotional and unmissable storylines yet" with Irene's final scenes.

As the story progresses, Irene caves in and goes to see Dr Bree Cameron, facing a hard truth from which there is "no coming back from".

"As word spreads, the Bay will rally to support one of its most-beloved residents through her biggest challenge yet, building towards an episode that will go down in soap TV history," the synopsis added.