After 25 years of portraying the much-loved character Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street, Sue Cleaver is facing a significant emotional chapter in her life. 

The actress, who has been a staple of the show since 2000, recently made the decision to leave the ITV soap, 

and now she’s opening up about the challenges of stepping away from her iconic role.

Cleaver, who has been a fixture on Coronation Street for over two decades, revealed in a recent interview that the decision to leave the soap was not an easy one. 

The actress admitted that it’s a huge emotional leap, especially after spending such a large part of her career bringing Eileen Grimshaw to life. 

In her interview, Cleaver spoke about the difficult yet necessary decision to move on and why she is choosing to “be brave” during this transition.

“It’s incredibly emotional, and I’m not going to lie, there have been tears,” Cleaver shared. “I’ve had such an incredible time on Coronation Street, and I think anyone who’s been part of the show for so long will understand how hard it is to say goodbye. But at the same time, I feel that this is the right moment for me to move on and challenge myself with something new.”

Cleaver’s character, Eileen Grimshaw, has been a central figure in Coronation Street for over two decades. Known for her quick wit, kind heart, and often tumultuous relationships, Eileen has become a favorite among fans. From her early days working at the local shop to her more recent storylines involving her family, friends, and romantic entanglements, Cleaver has been at the heart of many key moments in the show’s history.

Despite her longstanding commitment to the soap, Cleaver felt that it was time to leave, especially after playing such an integral role for so many years. “There comes a point when you have to look at things honestly and ask, ‘What more can I bring to this character?’” she explained. “I’ve been so fortunate to have played Eileen for so long, but after 25 years, I felt it was time for a new adventure.”

Cleaver also spoke about the emotional aspect of leaving Coronation Street, acknowledging how much the cast and crew have meant to her over the years. “The Corrie family is incredibly special. We’ve been through so much together, both on and off-screen, and it’s not easy to say goodbye to that,” she said. “But at the same time, I want to be brave. I’ve done a lot with Eileen, and now it’s time to see what else is out there for me.”

Fans of the show are naturally upset about Cleaver’s departure, as Eileen has been such a prominent figure in Coronation Street for so long. However, the actress is determined to embrace the change, confident that stepping away from the role will open doors to new opportunities. “I’m excited to see what the future holds. I have a lot of love for Eileen and Coronation Street, but I’m looking forward to exploring other projects and challenges,” Cleaver explained.

Cleaver also hinted at the possibility of exploring different genres and projects outside of soap operas, although she emphasized that she would always cherish her time on Coronation Street. “I love acting in all its forms, and while I may be leaving the world of Coronation Street, I’m excited about exploring other types of work,” she said.

As for Eileen Grimshaw’s storyline, fans can rest assured that the character will not be going quietly into the night. The show’s producers have teased a major exit storyline for the beloved character, and Cleaver has expressed her excitement about how Eileen’s departure will unfold. “It’s going to be emotional, and it will definitely give the fans something to remember,” Cleaver promised. “Eileen’s exit is going to be a big one, and I’m excited to see how it plays out.”

As Cleaver prepares to leave Coronation Street, she remains focused on being brave in this next phase of her career. “It’s definitely bittersweet, but I’m ready to face whatever comes next with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude,” she said. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”

In the meantime, fans can continue to watch Cleaver’s final moments as Eileen on Coronation Street, with her departure set to be one of the most talked-about exits in recent memory. For now, Sue Cleaver is ready to embrace her next chapter, trusting that her decision to leave the show will lead to new and exciting opportunities.

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