Sue Cleaver is saying goodbye to Coronation Street, but viewers won‘t have long to wait to spot her again. The 61-year-old actress, who has played Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, revealed she was departing the soap earlier this year.
With 25 years of legacy behind her, Eileen has been at the center of some of Corrie’s most explosive storylines, ranging from her son Todd coming out as the program’s first-ever gay character to her ill-starred union with serial killer Pat Phelan. As her last scenes start to air, the soap pro already has a move lined up next—one that keeps her part of Weatherfield, even after her on-screen departure.
A Familiar Face in a New Place
Cleaver has been announced as part of the An Audience with Coronation Street live tour, joining a number of her old cast members on stage. The tour begins in September and provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on the Coronation Street set, with intimate interviews and untold anecdotes from some of the show’s most popular stars.
She will appear with Coronation Street favorites like Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald), Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), and many more.
ITV has vowed an evening packed with backstage rumor, private observations by the actors themselves, and some surprise appearances—including a return by one unnamed Coronation Street legend. The tour starts in London on September 14th, then heads to Sheffield and Salford before ending in Glasgow on September 24th.
Coronation Street: A Farewell, but Not a Goodbye
While Cleaver has chosen to leave Coronation Street, she has indicated that the door is always open for Eileen’s return. Her exit plot is already underway with the return of Eileen’s sister, Julie Carp. Julie’s return, though, comes with sadness, as she is fighting against a terminal disease—it’s paving the way for Eileen’s heart-tugging goodbye.
Adding to that nostalgia, Ryan Thomas will return as Jason Grimshaw in a one-off episode to bring Eileen’s life to a full circle. As fans, we are on cloud nine and will see more of Eileen even after her exit. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street updates.
