Things go from bad to worse for a struggling Irene in Home And Away this week as her drinking spirals out of control.
When Fleur (Nikita Waldron), a young journalist from the Coastal News approaches Irene (Lynne McGranger) and Leah (Ada Nicodemou) – who are friends and business partners – to do a story about being scammed by fraudster Bronte (Stefanie Caccamo), Leah thinks it could be an opportunity for Irene to get everything off her chest and move on.
But Irene, still reeling from the pain she’s caused others after being duped by Bronte, doesn’t want to take part – she’s been humiliated enough.
However, after discussing it over with her old friend John (Shane Withington), Irene says she’s going to go home and think about it. And think she does… over a stiff drink!
Later that day, Irene returns to the Diner – and, looking slightly dishevelled and a lot chirpier than she was earlier – is ready to do the interview. But Leah can see Irene has been drinking and starts to doubt the wisdom of agreeing to do the interview.
Ada, 47, tells TV WEEK Leah is in a difficult position, as she does “hold Irene responsible” for the financial strain they’re now under. Although she believes media coverage might alleviate some of their struggles, on the other hand, she loves Irene and still desperately wants to help her.
“It’s really sad for Leah,” Ada says. “She’s seen Irene like this before and is heartbroken, as she’s a close friend and she doesn’t want her suffering.”
Leah watches, horrified, as Irene bungles the interview, and begs the journalist to not run the story. However, the determined young writer is looking for her first front-page splash and thinks she’s just found it!
Can Leah quash the story?