Sue Cleaver, a beloved star of Coronation Street, has recently opened up about her
decision to leave the long-running ITV soap, offering an emotional reflection on her 25 years portraying Eileen Grimshaw. The actress, who has been a staple on the cobbles since 2000, announced her plans to depart from the show earlier this year. As fans continue to process
her exit, Sue took the opportunity to share her thoughts on the journey, the significance of her role, and the emotional scenes that are set to mark her departure.
In an appearance on the Loose Women panel on January 9, Sue discussed her long tenure on the show, reflecting on what the iconic role of Eileen Grimshaw has meant to her over the years. During the segment, the actress, visibly moved, revisited some of the most memorable moments from her time on Coronation Street. These included her character’s major storylines, relationships, and the numerous highs and lows she faced as a mother, partner, and friend. For Sue, Eileen Grimshaw has become not just a character but an integral part of her life, and stepping away from the show is both a significant and bittersweet moment.
In her conversation with fellow Loose Women panellists Charlene White, Frankie Bridge, and Katie Piper, Sue explained why she felt that now was the right time to say goodbye to Weatherfield. She began by acknowledging that 25 years is an incredibly long time to be a part of any television show, especially one as popular and enduring as Coronation Street. “25 years is a long, long time,” Sue remarked, as she reflected on how much has changed in her personal life during her time on the show. When she first joined the cast, her son was very young, and the decision to take on the role was one that allowed her to balance her career with motherhood. At the time, he was just a child, and now, as Sue pointed out, he is 29 years old.
“The show became my family,” Sue said, describing the deep connections she has formed with the cast and crew over the years. For Sue, Coronation Street has been more than just a job—it has been a place where she found both professional fulfillment and personal support. Despite the long hours and demanding nature of soap opera life, Sue was able to build her acting career while also being there for her son during his formative years. The job offered her the perfect balance, allowing her to pursue her passion for acting while ensuring she could still be a present and devoted mother, “making sure I was there in the morning and there at night to put him to bed.”
Sue’s decision to leave Coronation Street was not made lightly, and she has spoken about the mixed emotions she is feeling as she prepares to say farewell to the character who has been a part of her life for over two decades. She acknowledged that the decision to leave had been brewing for some time, and she feels that it is the right moment for her to explore new opportunities and embrace the next chapter in her career. Though it’s never easy to leave a show that has shaped her professional identity for so many years, Sue expressed confidence in her choice, knowing that it’s time for her to step away and explore new horizons.
As for her exit from Coronation Street, Sue teased that emotional scenes are on the way for her character Eileen Grimshaw. Given Eileen’s close-knit relationships with various residents of Weatherfield, including her family and friends, it’s expected that her departure will be filled with poignant moments. Fans of the show can likely expect a heartfelt and dramatic send-off for the beloved character, who has become a fixture in the lives of many viewers over the years. The emotional farewell will no doubt serve as a testament to Sue’s lasting impact on the soap and the audience.
Sue’s exit marks the end of an era for Coronation Street, as she has been one of the show’s most enduring and recognizable characters. However, she remains optimistic about the future and what lies ahead for her. Sue’s time on Coronation Street is a remarkable achievement, and as she moves forward, she is ready to take on new challenges, trusting that this new chapter will bring exciting opportunities. While it’s clear that her time in Weatherfield will always hold a special place in her heart, Sue is looking forward to what comes next in her career, knowing that her departure from the show is simply the beginning of a new and exciting journey.
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