After 25 unforgettable years on the cobbles, Coronation Street icon Sue Cleaver has officially said goodbye to Weatherfield — and fans are still reeling from the news. Known and loved for her portrayal of the ever-stoic yet fiercely loyal Eileen Grimshaw, Sue’s departure marks the end of an era. But as it turns out, stepping away from the soap was about much more than just closing a chapter — it was about taking back control, embracing health, and chasing life’s next great adventure.

ITV confirmed Sue’s departure earlier this year, with her final scenes airing last month. On-screen, Eileen’s exit was written with poignancy and heart, as she fled to Thailand to reunite with her son Jason (played by returning star Ryan Thomas). But off-screen, the reasons for Sue’s decision run far deeper — rooted in both personal growth and health challenges.

The 61-year-old actress recently opened up in a candid interview on the Off Script podcast, revealing that she had been contemplating leaving the show for some time. “I did the jungle [I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!] on purpose, just to step out of my comfort zone,” she explained. That experience, combined with a return to her first love — the stage — reignited her sense of purpose. “I hadn’t been on stage for nearly 30 years, but I took on Sister Act: The Musical. I could’ve said no, but instead I said, ‘Go do it.’”

And that’s exactly the energy that now defines Sue Cleaver’s journey.

Her departure isn’t a quiet retreat — it’s a bold leap into the unknown. “I really believe you have to step outside of your comfort zone for things to happen,” she said. “I just thought, I want to reinvent myself, and I want to go out and make my mark on the world in a different way.”

That reinvention is already underway. Sue has penned a book about living fearlessly, and her next role will take her to the stage this autumn in Snake in the Grass, a psychological thriller at Theatr Clwyd and Octagon Theatre Bolton.

But behind this fearless reinvention lies a long-standing private battle: Sue has lived with Type 2 diabetes for nearly three decades. She’s now using her platform to speak openly about the emotional toll and mental load that comes with chronic illness. “Life with Type 2 diabetes comes with constant decisions, mental load, and emotional noise,” she shared. “But using my CGM [Continuous Glucose Monitor] has helped me dial down the noise and enjoy life again.”

Her message to fans is clear: this isn’t a farewell — it’s a rebirth.

Recently, Sue posted a video of herself parasailing on holiday, the wind in her hair and pure joy on her face. “Feeling scared is human. But facing your fear? That’s where the real rewards begin,” she captioned.

For a woman who once quietly held court on the cobbles, Sue Cleaver is now stepping boldly into the spotlight of her own story. And while Eileen Grimshaw may be gone from Coronation Street, Sue’s next act is just getting started — and it promises to be her most powerful yet.