Eileen Grimshaw’s exit is shaping up to be one of the most emotional storylines Coronation Street has delivered in years. With Julie Carp’s return already tugging at viewers’ heartstrings, another blast from the past is about to walk back into Weatherfield—and this one was personally orchestrated by the woman at the centre of it all.
A Family Reunion Starts with Julie—But There’s More to Come
Earlier this year, veteran Corrie actress Sue Cleaver revealed she would be departing the soap after 25-year stint. She announced that she was ready to “embrace change” and move on to something new, leading the writers to create a suitable exit.
The emotional exit storyline began with the return of Katy Cavanagh as Julie Carp, Eileen’s sister, who hadn’t been seen since 2015. Her return brought closure and reconnection, but it also paved the way for another key Grimshaw to come home. Now, a second familiar face is joining the farewell: Eileen’s son, Jason Grimshaw—played by Ryan Thomas—will return to the street after nearly a decade away.
Sue Called Ryan Personally in Coronation Street
On a recent visit to ITV’s Off Script podcast, where she was hosted by Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, Sue described how Ryan came back. She revealed that she had called him personally, prior to informing the producers of the show. Sue called him to inform him that she was leaving. She asked whether he would come back to assist with wrapping up her character’s storyline and said she would be delighted if he would “take her out” of the show.
As per Sue, Ryan replied that even though he hadn’t intended to go back, he couldn’t refuse that. She further mentioned that it simply felt right for him to be included in her goodbye. Kelvin Fletcher further mentioned that Ryan told him how privileged and honored he was to be included in the plot. Sue concurred, mentioning that it was wonderful to see him again and that he had not changed one bit.
A Perfect Ending, on Her Terms
Sue also discussed what drove her to resign. She told that she had been contemplating it for a very long time. She felt that people must venture out of their comfort zones. Eileen was 61 years old and her son had grown up by then, and she stated she was free from responsibilities and needed to challenge herself again. She felt it was time to give herself some attention and live another chapter of life.
Talking about her last scenes, Sue said that they were both gorgeous and tear-jerky. Although she avoided spoilers, she stated that the plot was “absolutely fabulous” and the writers had made her proud. Reading her final script was very emotional for her, she acknowledged. And the ending had come out the way she hoped—”the perfect ending.”
Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for further details on Eileen’s departure and Jason’s comeback. We will keep you posted on all the emotional turns as Coronation Street.
