Eileen may have driven off into the sunset in Coronation Street, but the actress who played her isn’t slowing down. Just weeks after saying goodbye to the cobbles, Sue Cleaver is stepping into an entirely new role and this time, she’s trading the Street for the stage.
Leaving Weatherfield Behind—But Not the Drama
After an impressive 25 years as Eileen Grimshaw, Sue is moving on to new roles and what better pastures than a thrilling new theatre role? While filming her final scenes on Coronation Street, Cleaver will take the lead in Snake In The Grass, it’s a dark comic thriller by the unrivalled Alan Ayckbourn.
The play is about two sisters, Miriam and Annabel, and their reunion after the passing of their abusive father. But events go from bad to worse when their deceased father’s former nurse shows up, claiming Miriam murdered someone and warning her she will tell all. Sound like a storyline fit for the Rovers? We think so.
From Coronation Street to Stage Spotlight
Directed by Francesca Goodridge, the production will first run at Theatre Clwyd in Wales from 15 September to 4 October, before moving to the Octagon Theatre in Bolton from 9 to 25 October. It’s evident that the Northerners won’t have to travel far to see Sue bring the drama live on stage.
Sue’s new gig comes just days after her dramatic departure from Corrie, where her on-screen character Eileen left packing her bags to move to Thailand and begin a new life with her son Jason.
Ryan Thomas reprised his role as Jason for the dramatic farewell, providing a traditional send-off for fans. Speaking about her departure, Cleaver told Digital Spy that she’d wanted her on-screen exit to mirror her real-life step back.
She said she asked the writers to give Eileen a “fresh start” just like she was having in her own life, and she felt lucky to be handed such a heartfelt goodbye. While Eileen may be chasing sunshine and cocktails, Sue’s trading that for creepy twists and psychological tension. But then again, when has she ever shied away from drama?
Whether she’s dealing with dodgy undertakers or digging up family secrets, Sue Cleaver always delivers and this new role looks like the perfect post-Corrie challenge. And for fans who feared the end of Eileen meant less screen time for Sue, fear not. She’s swapping cobbles for curtain calls, and we’re here for it. For more soap scoops and Coronation Street comebacks, stay glued to Soap Opera Daily. You never know who’ll pop up next!
