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Home and Away's Irene faces setback over her court appearance

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

From Digital Spy

Note: This article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting. It also includes spoilers from Home and Away episodes currently airing in Australia, which some UK readers may prefer to avoid.

Home and Away's Irene Roberts could be left with nobody fighting her corner in court as she faces serious criminal charges.

Irene is currently taking centre stage in a huge storyline on Australian screens, as she has confessed to a violent attack on Bella Nixon's dangerous online groomer Tommy. The dramatic scenes also play out on UK screens this week, showing Irene come to Bella's rescue when Tommy tries to rape her.

With Irene due to face court over what happened, she needs as much support as she can get – so Bella (Courtney Miller) has been asked to give testimony about what happened with evil Tommy on the day of the attack.

Unfortunately for Irene, Bella's older brother Colby Thorne (Tim Franklin) has now put his foot down by refusing to let her testify.

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

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Monday's episode on Channel 7 in Australia (August 19) saw Bella head on another worrying downward spiral after reluctantly agreeing to give evidence in court.

Bella got drunk in a wild party hosted by Ryder Jackson, much to the concern of Colby when he found her with a bad hangover the following morning.

When Bella opened up to Colby about how she was feeling, she explained that the pressure of the upcoming court appearance had taken its toll – even though she wants to support Irene as a thank-you for rescuing her from Tommy.

Realising it was time to nip this in the bud, Colby went straight to Irene and warned her that Bella would no longer be giving evidence. Although apologetic, Colby insisted that he had to put Bella's needs first.

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

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Future episodes will see Irene fear the worst when her lawyer warns that the future is looking very bleak for her without Bella's support.

Now facing the worrying prospect of heading to court all alone, could Irene be going to jail?

Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene, recently told Digital Spy: "The case goes to court but even then it doesn't stop, it still takes more twists and turns.

"I have to give full credit to [Home and Away script executive] Louise Bowes and all of the writers, as it was a great storyline. It was amazing."

Home and Away fans in the UK will see Colby's tough decision over Bella and Irene in October.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5 (UK), and Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 (Australia).


Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.

Readers in Australia are encouraged to contact Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia.


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