After 25 years as the no-nonsense Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street, Sue Cleaver’s decision to leave the iconic ITV soap in 2025 sent shockwaves through the Weatherfield fandom. Announced in January, her departure was not a sudden whim but the culmination of carefully dropped hints over nearly two years, as Cleaver, now 61, prepared to embrace new adventures. These subtle signals, ranging from her pursuit of diverse projects to candid reflections on aging and change, were woven into her public appearances and creative endeavors. Coupled with a poignant exit storyline involving the tragic death of her on-screen sister, Julie Carp, Cleaver’s farewell has sparked widespread conversation about legacy, reinvention, and the emotional weight of leaving a beloved role. Her journey offers a masterclass in navigating career transitions with grace, making her exit one of the most talked-about moments in soap history.

Cleaver’s first hint came in November 2022, when she stepped away from the cobbles to join the cast of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. This reality TV stint was more than a temporary break; it marked a bold step into uncharted territory for an actress long synonymous with Coronation Street. While many soap stars avoid external projects due to the show’s demanding schedule, Cleaver’s participation signaled a desire to explore new facets of her career. During her time in the jungle, she shared personal stories, including her reconnection with her birth mother, revealing a reflective side that hinted at a longing for growth beyond Eileen’s world. Fans on X noted her vibrancy on the show, with some speculating it was a sign she was testing the waters for life outside Weatherfield.

The second clue emerged in early 2023, when Cleaver took an extended leave to star as Mother Superior in the UK tour of Sister Act: The Musical. This theatrical role, which saw her swapping Eileen’s taxi office for a nun’s habit, was a significant departure from her soap roots. The production, which played at venues like the Manchester Palace Theatre, allowed Cleaver to reconnect with her stage training and showcase her versatility. Her Coronation Street co-stars, including Gareth Pierce and Tony Maudsley, attended performances, cheering her on, but behind the scenes, the experience reportedly solidified her desire to pursue new challenges. The commitment to a nationwide tour, requiring months away from filming, suggested that Cleaver was prioritizing passion projects over her long-standing role, a move that didn’t go unnoticed by observant viewers.

A third hint was Cleaver’s publication of her memoir, A Work in Progress, in 2024. The book, which delved into her struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and her journey toward empowerment, was a deeply personal endeavor that marked a shift in focus. While Coronation Street was part of her story, the memoir emphasized her life beyond the soap, from her training as a therapist to her reflections on aging fearlessly. By securing a significant deal to write the book, Cleaver signaled that her creative energies were expanding into new realms. Fans who followed her promotional interviews, particularly on shows like Lorraine, picked up on her enthusiasm for this project, noting that she spoke less about Eileen and more about her aspirations to inspire others, especially women in their 60s.

The fourth sign came through Cleaver’s increasing presence on Loose Women, where she became a regular panelist in recent years. Her candid discussions on the ITV daytime show, covering topics from health to personal growth, showcased a side of her that transcended her Coronation Street character. In a January 2025 appearance, she spoke passionately about wanting her 60s to be “about me,” emphasizing her desire to empower other women and reject societal expectations to “shuffle off quietly.” These conversations, coupled with anecdotes about nearly injuring co-stars Simon Gregson and Craig Charles in an early Coronation Street scene, revealed a woman reflecting on her past while looking eagerly to the future. Her comfort on the Loose Women panel suggested she was building a platform independent of the soap.

The fifth and perhaps most telling hint was Cleaver’s subtle withdrawal from Coronation Street’s central storylines in the year leading up to her exit announcement. While Eileen remained a fixture at StreetCars, her role became more peripheral, with fewer major plots compared to earlier years when she tackled dramatic arcs like her son Todd’s coming out or her marriage to serial killer Pat Phelan. Fans on X and in Coronation Street Facebook groups commented on this shift, with some lamenting that Eileen felt like a “background character.” This reduction in screen time, whether intentional or coincidental, aligned with Cleaver’s growing commitments elsewhere, from her memoir to theater work. It suggested that she was quietly preparing for a departure, allowing writers to ease Eileen out of the spotlight.

These hints converged in January 2025, when Cleaver confirmed her exit, revealing she had planned it for over two years, even confiding in I’m a Celebrity campmates like Charlene White in 2022. Her decision was driven by a desire to live “fearlessly” after reaching 61, a milestone that prompted her to prioritize personal fulfillment over the security of a long-term role. She emphasized that the door remained open for Eileen’s return, a reassurance for fans devastated by her departure. The announcement, shared with outlets like The Sun on Sunday, was met with an outpouring of support on X, where fans praised her courage and speculated about her next moves, from more theater to potential TV projects.

The exit storyline itself is a poignant send-off, centered on the return of Eileen’s sister, Julie Carp, played by Katy Cavanagh. In a heartbreaking twist, Julie arrives in Weatherfield with a terminal cancer diagnosis, a secret she keeps until her final moments. The storyline, which aired in early May 2025, culminates in Julie’s death during a day out at the lakes with Eileen. The sisters share a heartfelt conversation, unaware it’s their last, before Eileen discovers Julie’s body after fetching drinks from a refreshment van. A hidden message left by Julie prompts Eileen to reconsider her life, setting the stage for her departure. The plot, enriched by the return of Ryan Thomas as Jason Grimshaw, has been lauded for its emotional depth, with fans on X calling it a fitting tribute to Cleaver’s 25-year legacy.

Cleaver’s exit is part of a broader wave of Coronation Street departures in 2025, including Helen Worth’s exit as Gail Platt after 50 years and the killing off of Debbie Webster in a dementia storyline. These changes reflect the soap’s evolving narrative under new producer Kate Brooks, who has promised “bombshells” and fresh dynamics. Cleaver’s decision to leave, however, feels uniquely personal, rooted in her desire to redefine her 60s. Her reflections on Loose Women and This Morning reveal a woman liberated by the absence of familial responsibilities—her son is now 29—and eager to inspire others. Her memoir’s message of being a “work in progress” resonates with this transition, encouraging women to embrace change at any age.

The emotional weight of Cleaver’s departure is amplified by her impact on Coronation Street. Eileen Grimshaw, with her sharp wit and fierce loyalty, was a cornerstone of the show, navigating iconic storylines like her feud with Gail Platt and her marriage to Pat Phelan. Cleaver’s mentorship of younger co-stars, including Jack P. Shepherd and Tina O’Brien, has left a lasting mark, with her teaching them set etiquette and professionalism. Her tribute to Helen Worth on Loose Women, describing her as a “generous, empathetic” mentor, mirrors her own role in the cast. The decision to keep Eileen alive ensures her legacy endures, with fans speculating she might return to visit Jason in Thailand or stir up trouble in Weatherfield.

Cleaver’s hints were subtle but deliberate, reflecting a thoughtful approach to her career pivot. Her reality TV stint, theater work, memoir, Loose Women presence, and reduced Coronation Street role all pointed to a woman ready for change. The Julie Carp storyline adds a heartbreaking layer, making her exit not just a professional milestone but a deeply human moment. As Cleaver steps into new adventures—potentially more stage roles or TV projects—she leaves behind a legacy of resilience and authenticity. Her story, celebrated on X and beyond, is a reminder that even after 25 years, it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative and live fearlessly.