25 years of drama, disaster, and dry wit is coming to an end for Coronation Street famed Eileen Grimshaw. But it won’t be heartbreak and tragedy. Her exit is packed with warmth, surprises, and a real-life connection to actress Sue Cleaver’s own life story.
Sue’s Secret Farewell Plan
Sue Cleaver admitted she had been secretly plotting her departure for four years. When producers approached her and asked how she’d like Eileen to leave, she demanded a happy ending—not an over-the-top death. She said she didn’t want to shut the door on it for good, explaining she still enjoys the show.
Sue revealed that Eileen’s last story was very similar to her own. At the age of 61, she explained that she wanted to shake things up and challenge herself and commented that there is still so much life left in women her age. Departing from Corrie, she explained, was about venturing out of her comfort zone and taking charge of what’s next.
Jason’s Return in Coronation Street Wasn’t Planned
A year prior to shooting her last scenes, Sue contacted her previous co-star Ryan Thomas, who portrayed her son Jason. Even though Ryan had quit acting in 2021, Sue approached him and asked if he would return to assist in sending Eileen off—and he didn’t have to think twice. It meant a lot to her to have him present on her last day on set, calling it “special and lovely”.
Jason returns later this month at Julie Carp’s funeral. Confronted again with the sight of her son, and disenchanted with life in Weatherfield, Eileen makes a spontaneous decision to abandon the cobbles and travel to Thailand with Jason.
Sue described the toughest part as deciding to leave, but once she made the leap, everything felt perfect. Her son was grown, her duties had fallen away, and she was ready for change. She described the finale as “perfect” and commended the writers for providing her with the sendoff she desired. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more emotional goodbyes and shock comebacks from Coronation Street.
