IRISH SOAP fans are reeling from the news that Home and Away stalwart Alf Stewart is set to leave the show after 30 years.
A popular fixture on the series for three decades, Alf became a firm favourite with fans thanks to a string of memorable catchphrases.
The likes of "flamin' gallah", "strewth" and "flamin' mongrel" have all become part of the pop culture lexicon and helped cement Aussie soaps as the ultimate guilty pleasure among audiences of a certain age.
But all good things must come to an end with Ray Meagher, the actor known for playing Alf, confirming his plans to depart the role during an interview with New Idea.
The 74-year-old is set to take up a new challenge playing Bob the mechanic in a touring production of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and few would begrudge him the chance to do something new this late in his career.
"We've got such a terrific team here. It's a privilege to have a job for 30 years and really enjoy it for that time," he told the Australian magazine.
A character known for his gruff exterior which serves to mask the fact he's a big softie underneath it all, Alf is the only remaining original Home and Away actor.
He even holds a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving actor on an Australian TV show.
A firm favourite with viewers over in Ireland, Meagher was mobbed by fans on his last visit to the Emerald Isle back in 2015.
And fans were obviously upset, taking to Twitter to express their sadness and dismay at a day they all knew would come.
It was a time of reflection for some...
#AlfStewart is the kind of character that would drive you mad most of the time. But then it’s announced he’s leaving #homeandaway and the foundations of my world are caving in. #DontGo #StrikeMeHandsome #FlamingGallah
— Niamh O’Shea (@puddingnbiscuit) September 18, 2018
And things got deep. Really deep.
Alf was loved by many. Even people who didn't watch the show anymore.
It was almost too much to take for some...
I would ask you to please respect my privacy at this difficult time https://t.co/VNlx3cuuxh
— Eamon Kelly (@eamonkelly) September 17, 2018
While others recalled fond memories from days gone by...
@BBC6Breakfast gutted to hear that the actor who plays Alf Stewart is retiring but he did give me an appearance on #smallclaimscourt passing him the ketchup in a Belfast cafe #flamingalaa
— Declan Morgan (@decky_morgan) September 18, 2018
And there were those who were able to perfectly sum up the mood of the nation.
Good luck Ray and thanks for all the memories!
