Coronation Street icon determined to be ‘brave’ as she quits after 25 years

Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver has revealed that she’s trying to be ‘brave’ after deciding to leave the ITV soap. The Loose Women panellist, 61, has played the outspoken Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, but will depart in the coming months. The character was soon employed by Vikram Desai (Chris Bisson) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) to work at taxi firm StreetCars, a means to provide for her her two teenage children, Jason (Ryan Thomas) and Todd (then Bruno Langley).

Eileen went on to feature in some of the show’s most famous storylines, including Todd coming out as Corrie’s first-ever gay character. In 2017, she unknowingly married serial killer Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre). During a dramatic confrontation on a cliffside in Whitehaven, he fell into the water and was presumed dead. She is also best known for her long-running feud with Gail Platt (Helen Worth), who departed at Christmas after 50 years.

Speaking about her time on the cobbles, Sue said: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’. ‘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,’ she added. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.

Up Next. In a new interview, she’s now admitted that she’s the ‘happiest’ she’s ever been. ‘These few years have probably been my happiest decade. No matter what you do in life, we all get to that point where society tells us we’re at the end,’ Sue told Yours Magazine. ‘I hear empty nesters say: “That’s it, my work is done now,” but you can recreate yourself, and be brave.’. She’s also urged others in the same situation as her to ‘exercise their courage’ in life, and to find ‘joy’.

‘People don’t have courage – it’s a muscle and, like everything else, you exercise it. Stop giving yourself a hard time, because you are unique and fantastic,’ she said. ‘Use the internet to research what it is you want to do, or make a phone call to find out more. ‘You don’t have to do big challenges, or write books, but I think the biggest thing is to do things that bring you joy.’.

Away from the cobbles, she recently appeared as Mother Superior in the UK tour of Sister Act, and also enjoyed time Down Under in the I’m a Celebrity… Get me Out of Here! jungle. Speaking of her Corrie exit, the show’s producer Kate Brooks said: ‘We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver. Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster. Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.

A source told Metro: 'It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline. ‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house. ‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’.

Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw. Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye. She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’. ‘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.'. Colson Smith as Craig Tinker.

After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year. He said: 'I've loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. 'I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning.

'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!'. Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley. After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects. She said in a statement: 'My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish. 'After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.