Prepare for a bittersweet farewell on the cobbles of Coronation Street as a true legend, a character who has become synonymous with the very fabric of Weatherfield, is set to depart after a remarkable 25-year tenure. Fans of the ITV soap will undoubtedly feel a pang of sadness as Eileen Grimshaw, portrayed with such warmth and wit by the wonderful Sue Clever since her arrival in May 2000, bids adieu to the street cars and the familiar surroundings that have been her home for a quarter of a century.

Eileen quickly cemented her status as one of Coronation Street’s most iconic figures, a character whose down-to-earth charm and unwavering loyalty have endeared her to millions. Over the years, she has been at the heart of some of the soap’s most memorable and dramatic storylines, from her hilariously enduring feud with the formidable Gail Platt to her ill-fated and terrifying relationship with the murderous Pat Phelan. Eileen’s presence has been a constant, a comforting and often comedic anchor in the ever-evolving world of Weatherfield.

Earlier this year, the news broke that Sue Clever would be hanging up Eileen’s metaphorical street cars radio, signaling the end of an era for the Grimshaw family and the street itself. This departure comes in the wake of a significant and emotionally charged storyline – the untimely death of Eileen’s sister, Julie Karp. Julie’s recent demise has understandably left Eileen questioning her place and her future in Weatherfield, prompting a period of reflection and ultimately leading to her decision to seek a new chapter in her life.

However, in a welcome piece of news that will surely bring a measure of comfort to loyal viewers, Sue Clever has confirmed that Eileen’s exit will not be marked by tragedy. Unlike her recently departed sister, Eileen will be leaving under happier circumstances and will not befall a fatal end. In a recent interview, Sue herself weighed in on her character’s departure, offering reassuring details about Eileen’s final storyline.

Sue revealed that the Coronation Street team were incredibly supportive of her decision to leave and were keen to give Eileen, a character so integral to the show’s history, a fitting and positive send-off. “There was always the risk that they might have killed me off, but they were supportive and said Eileen’s a big part of the show,” Sue shared, highlighting the respect and affection the production team holds for her character.

Crucially, Sue was also given the opportunity to shape Eileen’s exit, ensuring it aligned with her own feelings about leaving the show. “They asked what kind of ending I wanted, and I said I didn’t want to call it a day because I love the place. I said I wanted a happy ending,” Sue explained, her words reflecting her deep connection to Coronation Street and the character she has embodied for so long.

In a poignant parallel between fiction and reality, Sue revealed that Eileen’s departure journey mirrors her own desire for a new path. “Basically, the journey Eileen is taking is pretty much what I’m choosing to do,” she stated, drawing a clear line between her personal decision and her character’s on-screen narrative.

A key element of Eileen’s happy ending involves a long-awaited and undoubtedly emotional reunion with her on-screen son, Jason Grimshaw, played by the popular Ryan Thomas. Sue revealed the heartwarming story behind Jason’s return, a testament to the strong bond she shares with her former co-star. “For 16 years, I asked Ryan to come back over a year ago,” Sue shared, indicating her long-held hope for his return. Initially, Ryan had no plans to reprise his role in Coronation Street. However, Sue’s personal request proved irresistible. “But last April, I said, ‘Look, Ryan, I need you to do me a favor. I’ve not told work yet, but I’m going to leave and I’d really like you to come back and take me out.’ And bless him, he said, ‘Well, I can’t refuse that, can I?'”

Sue described Ryan’s return for her final scenes as “really special and lovely,” emphasizing the support she felt having him by her side on her last day of filming. Despite their busy lives, Sue and Ryan have maintained a close relationship over the years, and his presence for Eileen’s exit undoubtedly added an extra layer of emotional resonance to the scenes.

Jason’s return to Weatherfield is initially prompted by the sad occasion of Aunt Julie’s funeral, where he reunites with his mother Eileen and brother Todd. However, it is believed that this reunion will pave the way for Eileen’s decision to embark on a new adventure, joining Jason in Thailand, where he has been living since 2016. This move signifies a fresh start for Eileen, a chance to embrace a different pace of life and reconnect with her son in a new and exciting environment.

Sue also shared her personal reasons for deciding to leave Coronation Street after such a significant period. “I’m at a stage where I thought it was important to forge a new path for myself. My responsibilities as a parent had ended and it was the right time for a change,” she explained, highlighting a personal milestone that contributed to her decision. Sue also revealed that the thought of leaving had been in her mind for several years, indicating a period of careful consideration and planning. “It had been in my mind for the last four years to leave. So, there’s been a lot of preparation and planning and thinking about it and making sure, but it definitely feels right. It’s exciting times. I’m not scared about the future. The only scary thing was making the decision that it was time. But once I’d made the decision, I knew it was the right thing for me.”

Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks paid heartfelt tribute to Sue Clever and the iconic character of Eileen Grimshaw. “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Clever over the past 25 years. Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her on-screen 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.”

Sue has already filmed her final scenes, and her screen partner, Tony Maudsley, who plays George Shuttleworth, shared a touching image of himself, Sue, and Ryan in the iconic Grimshaw family home, captioning it with a simple but heartfelt “Farewell eyelash.”

While the departure of such a beloved character after 25 years will undoubtedly leave a void on Coronation Street, the knowledge that Eileen will be leaving for a happy new chapter, reunited with her son, will surely provide a measure of comfort to fans. This is not a tragic end, but rather a new beginning for a character who has brought so much joy, laughter, and drama to the cobbles for a generation. As Eileen embarks on her Thai adventure, viewers will undoubtedly wish Sue Clever all the very best in her own exciting new chapter, forever cherishing the memories of the wonderful Eileen Grimshaw.