Irene is distant and cold.

Home and Away spoilers follow.

Home and Away legend Irene Roberts’ cold return to Summer Bay will leave her friends feeling concerned.

Irene left the Bay temporarily last year in an attempt to get sober after falling off the wagon while actor Lynne McGranger took part in a touring theatre show and underwent surgery on her thyroid.

The actor returned to filming last year, before announcing that the return would be brief and she was exiting the soap for good.

In scenes which will air in Australia this week and in the UK in April, Irene makes her return to the soap after her friends John and Leah visit her in rehab where they find her distant and cold (via Woman’s Day).

At the wellness clinic, John and Leah let Irene know what’s been going on at home. When they ask Irene if she’ll be back in the Bay in time for Harper and Tane’s wedding, she won’t answer.

Sensing she is hiding something and is scared to come home, Leah and John question what’s wrong. Later in the week, Irene arrives home.

At home, it’s clear that Irene isn’t quite who she used to be. Alf and Marilyn are thrilled to spot her at The Diner, but Irene tells them she feels smothered by her friends, saying it’s her recovery and she can go about it how she pleases.

That night, Irene sits at home alone – but will she relapse again?

Speaking recently about her decision to quit the soap, McGranger said: “After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it’s bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life.”

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first-look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK.