Number 2
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2. Irene Roberts - 309 points
DOWN 1
Played by Jacqui Phillips and Lynne McGranger
Irene may no longer be in first place overall, but her fall to second is
no disgrace, especially considering the powerful stories Sally has been
given over the past year and half.
Irene arrived in Summer Bay as the alcoholic mother of two children
being fostered by Pippa. Having hit rock bottom after an unhappy
marriage and having hit the grog in despair she turned her life around
and carved out a niche for herself as the carer of many a troubled
teenager. She moved on from being the town drunk to being one of the
town’s most loved and respected residents.
Irene’s appeal is huge and she is loved by both Summer Bay residents and
by viewers alike. Irene, more than anyone, instinctively knows the
meaning of unconditional love. Irene collects waifs and strays like
others collect money off coupons, stamps or knick knacks; she just
cannot help herself. Whatever strife or trouble the kids give her she
will support them, defend them, worry over them, and love them, no
matter what the personal cost to herself. Like a lioness with her cubs,
for Irene the kids will always come first. As Tasha once said, “No one
ever loved me like you do.”
Irene has been unlucky in love. Her husband left her and then died, her
fiancé Ken died shortly before their wedding. Her relationship with the
younger Paris did not stand the test of time and he left. Barry, who
many think is the love of her life, has had to leave and only time will
tell if she moves on or waits for his return.
Irene is the quintessential Aussie battler who, according to my husband,
has a killer smile, a wicked laugh and a heart as big as Australia.
Irene is always among the first to stand up for what is right and just,
and is no soft touch. She can put her foot in it and get it horribly
wrong but her intentions are usually good and she is forgiven.She is
always on hand to support her friends. She can be judgemental and very
gobby at times but her fallibilty, when compared with some of the
more"perfect" characters, makes her more real and human. Whatever life
throws at her, and life has thrown one hell of a lot at Irene, she picks
herself up and gets on with it. There remains in Irene an unswerving
hope and an unshakeable belief that somehow things will turn out good in
the end.
During the last year she has seen Kirsty and Kane run off to escape the
law, Hayley leave to live in France, supported Hayley, Scott and Kim
through paternitygate, coped with the death of Chloe and the subsequent
dispute over Chloe's daughter, she punched Diana's nose; she went off
for jury service, and then went crazy and was carted off to a psych unit
after being poisoned by Corey. She dealt with Tasha being inviegled into
a cult, Kim being on drugs, and with a whole host of trials and
tribulations at The Diner and at home, the biggest shock of all being
Barry's departure. This last year has been an odd one, and quite a few
fans felt that Dan Bennett had not quite "got" Irene, and that some of
the writing for her was not quite Reenie, thankfully, that seems to be
less of a problem of late.
Irene is one of the most rounded and grounded characters on the show and
has been played by Lynne McGranger since 1993. Lynne has brought warmth,
laughter and tears to the role and inspires a loyal and affectionate
following from fans the world over.
Written by Chatter Box |
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