Coronation Street is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most enduring stars, Sue Cleaver, who has portrayed Eileen Grimshaw for over two decades. Now aged 60, Cleaver has decided it’s time for a new chapter, and her final scenes on the long-running ITV soap will be broadcast soon. Co-star Tony Maudsley offered fans a first glimpse of her departure on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt photo of Sue on set, surrounded by flowers and her on-screen family.
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Sue’s final storyline brings together familiar faces, including the return of Ryan Thomas as her son Jason Grimshaw. The actor revealed that Sue personally asked him to return for her departure, and he was more than happy to oblige. “I’m going to step onto the cobbles for five minutes,” he said. “I’m excited. My kids weren’t alive when I was on Corrie, so it’ll be lovely for them to see this.”
The soap has been gradually building up to Eileen’s farewell, with emotional and complex storylines involving her family. Her son Todd has become entangled with Theo Silverton, a man who is secretly married with children, causing heartbreak and frustration. At the same time, Eileen’s sister Julie Carp has returned to the storyline, revealing she has terminal cancer. A planned holiday to fulfil one of Julie’s last wishes becomes uncertain when donation money mysteriously disappears.
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Cleaver’s departure marks the end of an era on Coronation Street, where her character has been a fan favourite since 2000. While it remains to be seen exactly how Eileen exits the show, her final scenes promise to be moving. The cast has shared their admiration and affection for the actress, and viewers will no doubt do the same as they bid farewell to one of Weatherfield’s most beloved residents.
