Sue Cleaver, the talented actress who has brought the character of Eileen Grimshaw to life on Coronation Street for many years,

has recently opened up about her emotional experience following the departure of her long-time co-star, Helen Worth, who has portrayed Gail Platt for over four decades.

In a candid interview, Cleaver revealed the profound impact that Worth’s exit had on her, leading to what she described as a personal “breakdown” of sorts.

Cleaver shared that it wasn’t just the departure of a colleague that affected her deeply, but the end of an era within the iconic soap.

Her relationship with Helen, both professionally and personally, was so strong that Worth’s decision to leave the show triggered a series of emotions that Cleaver found difficult to cope with initially.

Cleaver explained that, while it is common for soap operas to experience cast changes over time, the departure of Helen Worth was especially hard for her to come to terms with. The two actresses had worked together for many years, forming a bond both on and off-screen. Their characters, Eileen and Gail, had shared numerous moments on the show, whether in times of joy or moments of turmoil, and their friendship behind the scenes mirrored that connection. The deep respect Cleaver had for Worth and their long-standing professional relationship made the prospect of her co-star leaving Coronation Street an emotional turning point in her own life.

The emotional toll of Worth’s departure was something that Cleaver had not fully anticipated. She explained that, although they all knew that cast changes were inevitable, the departure of someone as iconic as Helen Worth felt like a personal loss. Cleaver admitted that she found herself overwhelmed by a sense of grief and sadness, and at times, it felt as though she was losing not just a colleague, but a close friend. “It was hard to imagine the show without her,” Cleaver said, reflecting on how integral Worth’s presence had been to Coronation Street for so many years. “Helen was a constant on the set, and to think of the show moving forward without her was difficult for all of us.”

The emotional strain that Cleaver experienced after hearing about Worth’s decision to leave was not just about the loss of her friend, but also about the realization that the show was entering a new chapter. Coronation Street has been a beloved staple of British television for decades, and the departure of a key character like Gail Platt marked the end of an era. Cleaver explained that, as the show evolves, it’s natural for cast members to come and go, but the emotional impact of these changes can sometimes be underestimated. The familiar faces and long-running characters that fans have grown to love are a key part of what makes soap operas feel like a family, and when a beloved figure like Gail Platt leaves, it’s not just the character that is missed—it’s the history and connection built over years of storytelling.

Cleaver admitted that the emotional toll of Helen’s departure led to what she described as a “breakdown,” which was more of a reflection of how deeply she had internalized the changes taking place around her. The loss of such a long-standing and cherished cast member made Cleaver question her own role on the show and the passage of time in the world of Coronation Street. “It was a difficult time for all of us, especially because we’ve worked so closely together for so long,” Cleaver explained. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s like losing a piece of your own history. We’ve been through so much together on and off the screen.”

However, as Cleaver reflected on her feelings and the way her emotional response unfolded, she also recognized that it was part of the natural process of change and growth in the entertainment industry. In the world of soap operas, change is constant, and actors often come to terms with saying goodbye to colleagues as the storylines evolve. Still, Cleaver stressed that it didn’t make the process of saying farewell any easier. The connections formed over the years are deep and meaningful, and parting ways with a friend and a colleague after so many years together on set is a challenge that many in the industry can relate to.

Beyond her personal feelings, Cleaver also discussed the impact that Worth’s departure had on the broader Coronation Street family. The show has a unique way of bringing together actors who form strong bonds, creating a sense of community that is rarely found on other sets. For Cleaver, Helen Worth’s exit felt like the loss of a key member of that community. “We’ve all been through highs and lows together,” Cleaver explained. “You become so close with these people, and when someone leaves, it creates a huge void, both personally and professionally.”

Despite the sadness and emotional strain that Cleaver experienced, she acknowledged that life on Coronation Street goes on, and with that comes the need to adapt to new circumstances. While the departure of Worth was a difficult moment, Cleaver also expressed her gratitude for the time they spent together and the lessons she learned from working alongside such a talented and respected actress. She admitted that the experience had taught her the importance of cherishing the relationships she has with her colleagues and making the most of every opportunity.

Looking ahead, Cleaver expressed her excitement about continuing her work on Coronation Street and embracing the new challenges that come with each evolving storyline. She emphasized that the show’s ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its roots is what makes it such an enduring success. “It’s a constantly changing environment, and you have to roll with it,” Cleaver said. “But that’s what makes Coronation Street so special—it always finds a way to keep the stories fresh while honoring the legacy of the characters who’ve been there from the beginning.”

In her interview, Cleaver also paid tribute to Helen Worth’s remarkable contributions to Coronation Street over the years. She described Worth as not just a talented actress, but also as someone who had become a guiding figure on set. “Helen has always been a mentor to many of us,” Cleaver said, reflecting on Worth’s influence in the cast. “She’s someone you can always rely on for advice, and she has such a calming presence. It’s going to be strange without her.”

As Cleaver processes her emotions in the wake of Helen Worth’s departure from Coronation Street, she remains committed to her own role in the show and looks forward to continuing the journey. While the exit of such a significant figure has been difficult, Cleaver recognizes that it’s a part of the natural cycle of the show and the industry. Still, it’s clear that the bond between the cast members runs deep, and the farewell to Worth marks the end of an era that will be felt for years to come on Coronation Street.

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