After a quarter of a century playing one of Coronation Street’s most beloved and enduring characters, Eileen Grimshaw has officially taken her final bow. The woman behind the no-nonsense, sharp-tongued matriarch, Sue Cleaver, has wrapped filming and bid an emotional farewell to the cobbles that made her a household name.

As cameras stopped rolling on her final scenes, it wasn’t just the end of an era for Eileen—it marked the close of a chapter for the fans and fellow cast who’ve walked alongside her for over two decades. And fittingly, her sendoff was as heartfelt as it was nostalgic.

Behind the scenes, Sue was showered with love, flowers, and tributes from her Corrie family. In a tender moment captured and shared by co-star Tony Maudsley (George Shuttleworth), the entire crew stood to applaud her as she beamed with pride, standing arm-in-arm with her on-screen sons, Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) and Gareth Pierce (Todd Grimshaw). The moment was more than just a goodbye—it was a celebration of an icon who’s given Weatherfield some of its most unforgettable moments.

Though Eileen’s storylines have spanned romance, heartbreak, comedy, and fierce rivalries (her feuds with Gail Platt are legendary), her departure was quietly hinted at earlier this year. In a reflective interview, Sue opened up about her decision to step away from the role that’s defined much of her professional life.

“I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street,” she revealed, adding that as she turned 60, something shifted inside her. “It was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.” And just like that, the door that had been wide open for Eileen all these years has gently begun to close—though not locked, as Sue herself was quick to point out.

Producers at ITV were quick to pay tribute. Kate Brooks, one of Corrie’s key voices behind the scenes, offered glowing words about Sue’s impact: “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver,” she said. “Over the past 25 years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most iconic Corrie storylines. There’s certainly no one quite like Eileen.”

The Coronation Street fandom is still reeling, not only from the emotional farewell but also from wild speculation about what Sue will do next. According to whispers in the entertainment world, her talents could soon be gracing a different kind of stage. The betting tables are heating up, with odds tipped at 4/1 for Sue to join Celebrity MasterChef or launch a show of her own. And with her warm, relatable presence as a frequent panelist on Loose Women, that speculation doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

Others believe the actress might trade the cobbles for the ballroom, with odds slashed to 6/1 that she could sashay her way into the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. Though a dramatic switch to a rival soap like Emmerdale or EastEnders seems less likely (with odds hovering at 12/1 and 16/1, respectively), it’s clear that Sue Cleaver isn’t disappearing from our screens just yet—she’s merely changing the script.

But while her real-life adventure is just beginning, Coronation Street will feel Sue’s absence profoundly. Eileen Grimshaw wasn’t just a character—she was the glue holding parts of the community together, the first to throw a withering look at foolishness and the last to back down from a fight. Whether dealing with dodgy lovers, family drama, or supernatural ghost hunts (yes, that happened), Eileen brought a grounded, fiercely loyal energy to the Street that fans adored.

And as Weatherfield braces for a future without her, the question remains: how will the show write her out? Will she leave for a fresh start, off to reunite with Jason? Will she take a job abroad? Or could her final chapter come with a shock twist? ITV has been tight-lipped, but fans are watching closely for clues in the upcoming episodes.

One thing is certain—Sue Cleaver’s exit marks a major shift in Corrie history. Few characters remain from her era, and even fewer leave behind such a legacy. Her comedic timing, emotional range, and effortless chemistry with castmates have made Eileen one of the show’s most multidimensional figures.

As Sue walks away from the cobbles and into the unknown, she leaves behind more than just a character—she leaves a gap in the heart of Coronation Street that no one else can quite fill.

Whether she ends up plating up gourmet dishes, spinning across a dance floor, or hosting her own daytime TV venture, one thing is for sure: this isn’t the end of Sue Cleaver—it’s just the start of a fearless new act.