Australians have been left “a blubbering mess” over the emotional departure of Irene Roberts from Summer Bay.

The iconic Home and Away character, played since 1993 by Gold Logie winner Lynne McGranger, bid farewell in moving scenes on Channel 7 on Tuesday night.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: A teary TV farewell as Australia says goodbye to Irene.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

The moment was amplified by singer Jessica Mauboy, whose song While I Got Time provided the soundtrack to the tear-jerking exit.

Viewers across the country were left reaching for the tissue box, with many taking to social media as a major chapter in Australian TV came to a close.

“I’m a blubbering mess,” said one person of McGranger’s final appearance.

“Goodbye Irene.”

“Goosebumps all over watching Irene’s farewell,” said another.

A third said, “I was a flippin’ mess through the whole show”, and a fourth described it as the “best ever farewell”.

Another said it was an “absolutely brilliant farewell for this amazing woman”.

Irene said goodbye in touching scenes following the character’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s is a common form of dementia that impacts memory, ability to think and behaviour.

Roberts said she was proud of this particular story arc — one which has shone a light on dementia and the more than 400,000 Australians living with it — just as she is with others.

“I would say when Irene had breast cancer, it was very moving,” McGranger said.

“We were mirroring the storyline off one of my best friends who lives in York. Her daughter Nicki was diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time.

“Sadly, she didn’t make it.

“But it was very important to honour my friend and her daughter.”

McGranger was initially given a three-month contract in 1993 before being asked to come back for another 12 months.

Ahead of her final appearance on the Channel 7 drama, McGranger told www.20304050.best she did become “teary” watching her last scenes and knowing the ride was over.

“I love what Irene has been able to represent, the comfort she has been able to bring people,” she said.

“Irene does dumb stuff. She’s quick to anger. Yet, she’s also quick to forgive.”

McGranger is heading to Tasmania to tour her show The Grandparents Club and said she would love to do some theatre.