Eileen Grimshaw’s departure from Coronation Street was emotional, but the storyline that took her to Thailand almost didn’t happen. Behind the scenes, things could have been much darker. Eileen’s goodbye nearly involved a coffin instead of a suitcase.
The Mess That Led Eileen to Walk Away
If you’ve been watching recently, you know Eileen didn’t leave on a high note. Her sister Julie’s cancer diagnosis made things tough. When Julie passed away, Eileen was heartbroken. Just when she should have been allowed to grieve, the police began investigating, suspecting she helped Julie end her life.
Eileen ended up under suspicion. Even though she was innocent, the entire situation put her through a lot. Thankfully, the charges were dropped, but the damage was done, especially with George. Her relationship with George Shuttleworth suffered. When her son Jason invited her to invest in his new bar in Thailand, Eileen saw an opportunity to escape. She decided to pack her bags, end things with George, and start anew on the other side of the world. That’s how she took her exit on her own terms.
But It Could Have Ended Way Worse in Coronation Street
Here’s something fans didn’t see coming. The Coronation Street bosses considered killing Eileen off! Sue Cleaver, who has played Eileen for 25 years, shared that the producers asked her how she wanted to exit. They even suggested a dramatic death scene. But Sue wasn’t interested. She told them she didn’t want Eileen to leave in a body bag. Instead, she proposed that Jason could return and take Eileen away.
Sue expressed she didn’t want Eileen to have a tragic ending. Reaching 60 made her think it was time for new experiences. In her words, “The door is still firmly open,” but she is now off seeking new adventures, holding on to the same spirit she brought to Eileen.
What’s Next for Sue Cleaver?
Even though she’s left Coronation Street (for now), Sue isn’t slowing down. She has already secured a new role in Snake in the Grass, a stage play that will run at Theatre Clwyd and Octagon Theatre Bolton. She will appear alongside Nicola Stephenson and Lisa Zahra, so fans can still see her shine, just not on the cobbles for the moment.
After 25 years on Coronation Street, Sue feels fortunate to have been part of it all. The best part is she has left the show with the door wide open. So perhaps Eileen’s adventure in Thailand isn’t permanent. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the behind-the-scenes drama, exits, and unexpected returns coming your way!
