After 25 years of playing the beloved Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street, Sue Cleaver is officially saying farewell to the cobbles. In a heartfelt reflection, Sue shared her journey on the iconic soap, reminiscing about dramatic moments and the physical intensity of early scenes. She recalled the days before stunt doubles were commonplace, highlighting a particularly wild moment when she accidentally banged Steve McDonald and Craig’s heads together with such force that she feared she had seriously injured them.
Throughout her time on Coronation Street, Sue portrayed Eileen as a tough, no-nonsense character, delivering plenty of memorable clashes and emotional storylines. One scene involving a stunt went awry when a misstep during a physical altercation left Sue unconscious and requiring hospital treatment. Despite these intense experiences, she speaks fondly of the adrenaline rush that comes with acting in high-stakes drama.
At 61, Sue feels it’s the right time to leave and embrace new chapters in her life. Her upcoming book reflects on her personal journey, encouraging women to prioritize themselves and challenge the negative thoughts that can hold them back. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, sharing how personal growth requires courage and small, intentional actions.
In a touching surprise, former on-screen son Ryan Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw, shared a message expressing his excitement to reunite with Sue. This reunion hints at an emotional farewell storyline for Eileen.
As Sue bids goodbye to Coronation Street, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience, humor, and heart. Fans will undoubtedly miss Eileen’s presence on the cobbles, but Sue is ready to inspire others with her next adventure beyond Weatherfield.