Coronation Street legend steps down from show after 25 years

Actress Sue Cleaver will be stepping down as her role as Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street after 25 years – but the door has been left open for a potential return

After 25 incredible years, Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver is hanging up Eileen Grimshaw’s iconic coat. The 61 year old actress has played the lovable but no-nonsense Eileen since 1999, being at the heart of some of the show’s most dramatic storylines, including her son Todd’s teenage pregnancy scandal with Sarah Louise Platt.

Although Sue is stepping back from the cobbles to explore new projects, fans will be relieved to know that Eileen won’t be meeting a dramatic end, leaving the door open for her return. “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street,” Sue reflected in a statement shared with the media.

“The door is still firmly open but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”

A source revealed that Sue has “adored” her time on the show but feels it’s time to spread her wings, with talks of her departure beginning last summer after her theatre stint in Sister Act. This early start allowed writers to craft a compelling exit storyline that will surely delight viewers.

Sue will remain on screens until late Spring, giving fans plenty of time to bid farewell to the beloved Eileen. Corrie’s Sue Cleaver has shared heartfelt words on Loose Women about her co-star Helen Worth, who recently left the soap after an incredible 50 years, reports the Mirror.

Sue expressed her sadness over Helen’s departure as Gail Platt, saying: “Helen leaving, I can’t tell you it’s really awful, it’s really sad. We are all devastated. I mean she has deserved it, I mean 50 years is extraordinary isn’t it.”

She continued to praise Helen’s character: “One thing I tell you is, she is the most generous, empathetic, humble human being you will ever meet, and everybody loves her.”

Sue also reflected on the impact Helen had behind the scenes: “If you speak to Jack Shepherd and Tina O’Brien who play her kids in the show, they will say she has been a mentor. She has taught them everything they know, from how you behave on the set, etiquette.

Corrie boss Kate Brooks said in a statement: “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver. Over the past twenty five years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her onscreen rivalry with Gail Platt will undoubtedly go down in Corrie folklore.”