Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver has said an emotional goodbye to the ITV soap after portraying Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years. In her final episode, Eileen departed Weatherfield for a new life in Thailand, accompanied by her son Jason, played by Ryan Thomas. The send-off featured heartfelt goodbyes from key characters including Steve McDonald, George Shuttleworth, and Eileen’s younger son Todd, as local taxi drivers gave her a touching horn salute.
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Taking to Instagram, Cleaver reflected on her time on the show, writing: “Well… that’s a wrap. 25 years of laughs, tears, costumes, chaos — and one unforgettable journey. I’ll miss this character like crazy, but what a ride it’s been. Thank you for every moment.” She first appeared in 2000, playing the straight-talking, no-nonsense Eileen, who initially joined Streetcars to support her two teenage sons.
Throughout her time on the cobbles, Eileen became known for her fiery exchanges with Gail Rodwell (née Platt) and her close friendship with Steve McDonald. Off-screen, Cleaver has spoken candidly about her personal life, including reconnecting with her birth mother, during her 2022 stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. Her family is notably intertwined with the Corrie cast — one of her half-sisters is goddaughter to Helen Worth, while another is married to former cast member John Bowe.
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In 2024, Cleaver published A Work In Progress, a book in which she shares her views on ageing and personal growth, stating she doesn’t believe she’s past her prime. She has also made appearances on Loose Women in recent years, continuing her presence on British television beyond the soap that made her a household name.
