SAD NEWS: Heart-wrenching exit as show icon quits Coronation Street after split in blow to fans
Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver has revealed that she’s trying to be ‘brave’ after deciding to leave the ITV soap.
The Loose Women panellist, 61, has played the outspoken Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, but will depart in the coming months.
The character was soon employed by Vikram Desai (Chris Bisson) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) to work at taxi firm StreetCars, a means to provide for her her two teenage children, Jason (Ryan Thomas) and Todd (then Bruno Langley).
Eileen went on to feature in some of the show’s most famous storylines, including Todd coming out as Corrie’s first-ever gay character.
In 2017, she unknowingly married serial killer Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre). During a dramatic confrontation on a cliffside in Whitehaven, he fell into the water and was presumed dead.
She is also best known for her long-running feud with Gail Platt (Helen Worth), who departed at Christmas after 50 years.
Speaking about her time on the cobbles, Sue said: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly,’ she added.
‘I hear empty nesters say: “That’s it, my work is done now,” but you can recreate yourself, and be brave.’
She’s also urged others in the same situation as her to ‘exercise their courage’ in life, and to find ‘joy’.
‘People don’t have courage – it’s a muscle and, like everything else, you exercise it. Stop giving yourself a hard time, because you are unique and fantastic,’ she said.
‘Use the internet to research what it is you want to do, or make a phone call to find out more.
‘You don’t have to do big challenges, or write books, but I think the biggest thing is to do things that bring you joy.’
Away from the cobbles, she recently appeared as Mother Superior in the UK tour of Sister Act, and also enjoyed time Down Under in the I’m a Celebrity… Get me Out of Here! jungle.
Speaking of her Corrie exit, the show’s producer Kate Brooks said: ‘We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver.
Coronation Street cast exits – who is going?
Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster
Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie’s upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.
A source told Metro: ‘It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.
‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’
Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw
Loose Women and I’m A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.
She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.’
Colson Smith as Craig Tinker
After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.
He said: ‘I’ve loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street.
‘I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning.
‘I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!’
Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley
After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.
She said in a statement: ‘My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish.
‘After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.
‘It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.’
Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe
After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles – and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.
Metro understands that she won’t be killed off.
A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Paddy Bever as Max Turner
With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.
Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
‘Over the past 25 years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her onscreen rivalry with Gail Platt will undoubtedly go down in Corrie folklore.
‘There’s certainly no one quite like Eileen, and her character will be hugely missed on the cobbles. We wish Sue all the very best as she embarks on her next exciting chapter.’
In upcoming scenes, Katy Cavanagh will reprise her much-loved role of Julie Carp to coincide with Sue’s final plotline.
Her character bumps into Todd (Gareth Pierce) at the Chariot Square Hotel, and is thrilled to reunite with her nephew.
It soon becomes clear that she’s not being entirely honest about something, with the exact circumstances for her return being kept under wraps.
