The fan favourite seems to be heading for a world of trouble as she introduces a Summer Bay newcomer who has sinister intentions.

Stefanie Caccamo has been cast as Bronte Langford, who is right by Irene’s side when the Diner owner returns to the Bay following a short break.

Irene announces that she met Bronte at a hospital in the city and invited her to the Bay as a new houseguest.

Bronte then fills in the blanks for Harper Matheson, explaining that she’s seriously ill with an autoimmune condition and that Irene took pity on her.

Irene introduces Bronte to more of her friends, who soon share her concern for the new arrival when Bronte appears to display some worrying symptoms.

However, as soon as Bronte gets a moment alone, she calls a mysterious contact and boasts about how she’s conning Irene.

Bronte callously brands Irene a “total pushover” and reveals that everyone in the Bay seems to be fooled by her false claims of an illness.

Later, Bronte puts the next stage of her plan into action as she claims to have received some devastating test results.

Bronte “reveals” that there’s nothing more the doctors can do and she’s going to die within the next few months. Irene promises to be there for whatever Bronte needs.

Before long, Bronte lies that there’s an expensive experimental treatment available in Canada, which could still save her life.

When Bronte says that the cost is close to $100,000, the caring Irene promises to get her the money somehow.