The cobbled streets of Weatherfield, the fictional Manchester setting of ITV’s Coronation Street, have seen countless dramas unfold since the soap opera debuted in 1960. But few storylines have hit fans as hard as the recent announcement of a beloved star’s departure after a quarter-century on the show, prompted by a harrowing near-death experience. Sue Cleaver, who has portrayed the no-nonsense Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, is set to leave the iconic series following a terrifying battle with sepsis that nearly cost her life. The news, amplified by reports from Express and posts on X, has left viewers reeling, with many mourning the loss of a character who’s been a cornerstone of the show’s gritty, relatable storytelling. What happened during Cleaver’s hospital horror, and how has it shaped her dramatic exit? Let’s delve into the emotional journey of this Coronation Street legend and the legacy she leaves behind.

Sue Cleaver, 61, has been a fixture on Coronation Street for 25 years, bringing depth and authenticity to Eileen Grimshaw, a taxi switchboard operator known for her sharp tongue and fierce loyalty to her family. Eileen’s life on the cobbles has been a rollercoaster of heartbreak, from turbulent relationships to raising troubled sons Todd and Jason. Cleaver’s ability to balance Eileen’s tough exterior with vulnerability made her a fan favorite, with storylines tackling issues like domestic abuse, financial struggles, and the complexities of motherhood. Her chemistry with co-stars, including Gareth Pierce (Todd) and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster), anchored some of the show’s most memorable moments. But in 2019, Cleaver faced a real-life crisis that would later influence her decision to step away from the soap.

The terrifying ordeal began on the Coronation Street set, as detailed in a 2019 This Morning interview with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford. Cleaver, who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), initially mistook her symptoms for a flare-up while filming. “I was shaking, and my temperature was 39.9,” she recounted, describing how a colleague noticed her distress and alerted her daughter, a paramedic, who urged immediate hospitalization. At the hospital, Cleaver was diagnosed with sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection. “I didn’t know I had sepsis till the next day,” she said, noting that fluids and antibiotics were administered just in time. “There was an hour window of opportunity.” The near-death experience, which landed her in intensive care, was a wake-up call, exposing the fragility of life and prompting her to reassess her priorities.

Cleaver’s health struggles didn’t end there. In 2023, she underwent a hysterectomy, forcing another break from filming, as reported by Express. She described the period as a “rubbish year” on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, citing both physical and emotional challenges. Despite these setbacks, Cleaver returned to Coronation Street, with ITV supporting her recovery. However, the cumulative impact of her health battles, particularly the sepsis scare, appears to have played a significant role in her decision to leave. In a statement shared with Lorraine in March 2024, Cleaver confirmed her exit but reassured fans she’d return after a temporary hiatus to star in Sister Act: The Musical. “I have a few months grace to do this job and then I will be back in there as soon as I finish,” she said, suggesting Eileen’s departure would be temporary. Yet, posts on X and reports from Mirror in May 2025 suggest a more permanent exit, tied to a tragic storyline involving Eileen’s sister, Julie Carp.

The storyline, detailed by Metro and Mirror, centers on Julie Carp’s (played by Katy Cavanagh) terminal cancer diagnosis, revealed in early 2025. Eileen, devastated by the news, confides in nephew Todd Grimshaw before opening up to her sister, leading to emotional scenes that culminated in Julie’s funeral. A Metro source described the filming as a tearful affair, with the cast feeling “the start of an end of an era.” Cleaver’s decision to leave was reportedly driven by a desire to “live fearlessly,” as she told Loose Women. “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street,” she said, hinting that Julie’s death prompts Eileen to contemplate her own future in Weatherfield. Fans on X expressed heartbreak, with one writing, “Eileen Grimshaw’s exit after Julie’s death is gutting—Sue Cleaver deserves all the love,” while another lamented, “25 years and now she’s gone? Corrie won’t be the same.”

Eileen’s exit aligns with a wave of departures from Coronation Street, as new show boss Kate Brooks shakes up the series with major storylines. Metro reported in March 2025 that characters like Mick and Lou Michaelis (Joe Layton and Farrel Heggarty) and Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) are also leaving, with Craig’s “shock” death tied to a returning character, PC Jess Haywood. Meanwhile, a January 2025 explosion at the Platt house and Gail Platt’s (Helen Worth) near-fatal heart attack in October 2024 underscored the show’s penchant for high-stakes drama. Cleaver’s departure, however, hits hardest due to Eileen’s longevity and Cleaver’s personal connection to the role. Her health struggles, particularly the sepsis scare, add a poignant layer to her exit, as fans reflect on the parallels between her real-life resilience and Eileen’s grit.

The sepsis ordeal, detailed in Express, highlights a broader issue: the condition’s devastating impact. In the UK, sepsis affects around 250,000 people annually, with nearly 50,000 deaths, according to health data. Cleaver’s story has raised awareness, with fans on X praising her for speaking out. “Sue Cleaver’s sepsis story is a reminder to take symptoms seriously,” one user wrote, echoing calls for better public education. Her openness about other health challenges, including a three-stone weight loss attributed to lifestyle changes, has further endeared her to viewers, who see her as a relatable figure navigating life’s ups and downs.

Cleaver’s exit also reflects the evolving nature of soap operas, where long-serving actors often seek new challenges. Her role as Mother Superior in Sister Act: The Musical, touring the UK in 2024, showcases her versatility, with critics praising her comedic timing. Express noted that she’s “unrecognizable” in the role, a testament to her ability to reinvent herself. Yet, her assurance of a Coronation Street return leaves the door open for Eileen’s comeback, perhaps after a period of soul-searching. Soap operas frequently allow characters to return, as seen with Matt Milburn’s reprisal of Tommy Orpington in January 2025, and fans are hopeful Cleaver will reappear.

The emotional weight of Eileen’s exit is amplified by the show’s history of impactful departures. Coronation Street has a legacy of killing off beloved characters, like Hilda Ogden in 1987, whose exit drew 26.65 million viewers, or staging dramatic farewells, like Gail Platt’s recent hospitalization. Eileen’s storyline, tied to Julie’s death, promises to be equally memorable, with Metro predicting “some of the most emotional scenes” in the show’s history. Cleaver’s performance is expected to be a career-defining moment, showcasing the strength that carried Eileen through decades of turmoil.

For fans, the loss of Eileen Grimshaw is a blow to Coronation Street’s heart. The character’s absence will leave a void in storylines involving the Grimshaw family, particularly Todd, who’s navigating a new romance amidst the tragedy. Cleaver’s real-life health scare, particularly the sepsis that nearly claimed her, adds a layer of authenticity to Eileen’s departure, reminding viewers of the fragility behind the drama. As Cleaver steps into new ventures, her legacy as Eileen endures, a testament to her talent and the show’s ability to resonate across generations. Whether this is truly goodbye or a pause, one thing is certain: Sue Cleaver’s Coronation Street chapter will be remembered as a masterclass in storytelling and survival.