If you thought Eileen Grimshaw’s goodbye on Coronation Street felt a bit too calm for a character who’s been through it all, you’re not alone. Turns out, it wasn’t the only ending being considered. Sue Cleaver has just shared that things could’ve taken a completely different turn.
Eileen’s Exit Felt Quiet, Almost Too Quiet
When Eileen left the Street earlier this year, it wasn’t in the middle of some big disaster or row. She quietly packed up, rented out Number 11, and headed off to Thailand. She’d come into some money after her sister Julie died, and with that plus the rent, she had the chance to start over.
George was sad, of course. The two of them had finally been getting closer, and then she was gone. It felt like a very gentle ending for someone who’s seen so much chaos over the years. Still, some fans felt it was a nice change, no car crashes, no heartbreak, just someone choosing a fresh start. But behind the scenes, it could’ve gone in a completely different direction.
Sue Had a Say in How It All Ended in Coronation Street
In an interview with OK! Magazine, Sue Cleaver said that when she told the Corrie team she was leaving, they asked what kind of exit she wanted. They even offered her a big dramatic send-off, including the option to kill Eileen off completely.
Sue said no to all that. She didn’t want a sad or over-the-top ending. Instead, she asked if they could do something that reflected her own life, a fresh start, something brave. She even said she’d have loved for Eileen’s son Jason to come back, just to round it off nicely. In the end, she got what she wanted, a quiet exit that felt right to her, and kept the door open if she ever fancies coming back.
She’s Moved On and Already Has a New Role
Now that she’s stepped away from Corrie, Sue says she’s happy with the decision. She mentioned that the show has always been about people and community, and even though she’s not filming anymore, she doesn’t feel like she’s lost any of that. She also said she tries not to dwell too much on the past. In her words, “Past thoughts are dead thoughts.” Right now, she’s just focusing on enjoying what’s next.
And speaking of what’s next, she’s already got a new role lined up. She’ll be in a play called Snake in the Grass by Alan Ayckbourn, acting alongside Nicola Stephenson (you might remember her from Holby City) and stage actress Lisa Zahra.
So Eileen didn’t go out with a bang, but that’s exactly how Sue wanted it. And since she wasn’t killed off, maybe one day we’ll see her back on the cobbles. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more behind-the-scenes stories and all the latest from Coronation Street.
