Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has been declared love by one over her former castmates as she shared a ‘special’ update while preparing for her next role following her show exit.
The actress is best known for having played Eileen Grimshaw in the ITV soap for 25 years. She made her debut in the role in May 2000, with her first scenes alongside now-Emmerdale star Chris Bisson, who played Vikram Desai.
However, it wasn’t her first role in the ITV soap as five years before she had played a hospital nurse who was present when Daniel Osbourne was born.
But after a quarter-of-a-century on the famous cobbles, the soap stars decided it’s time for pastures new and in June, Corrie fans saw Eileen departing Weatherfield, after her son, Jason,was seen making her an offer to join him in Thailand.
With months now having passed since she last appeared on the iconic Street, Sue has been seen celebrating a personal milestone as she prepares for her next role.
After her soap exit, Sue explained that she was excited to get back into theatre again and is set to appear in Alan Ayckbourn’s Snakes in the Grass in the autumn.
She previo0usly confirmed on Good Morning Britain: “One of the reasons I left was because I really wanted to go back to theatre. I’ve got a theatre job that starts in August which I’m very excited about. It’s completely different. I’m doing Alan Ayckbourn’s Snakes in the Grass, which is a three-hander of women of a certain age…”
Sue said there may be a few “jump scares” in the play and said she is “so excited” about getting back on stage after more than two decades in TV.
It was during rehearsals that Sue was celebrated by her fellow cast, including actress Nicola Stephenson, and crew as she marked her her 63rd birthday. In a post on Instagram, the former soap star shared a photo of herself in the rehearsal room holding a bouquet of flowers.
She also shared pictures of rehearsals in action, which stopped as they sang her ‘happy birthday’ with a chocolate cake. Sue captioned the post: “Although I may be away from home this birthday, I feel so special thanks to the lovely cast & crew at Theatre Clwyd. Grateful to be spending the day rehearsing for Snake in the Grass!”
Former co-star Catherine Tyldesley, who is set to return to Corrie in the coming weeks as Eva Price, was among the first to respond, as she commented: “Happy birthday babe! Love you. Can’t wait to come see you shine xxxx.” Debbie Webster actress Sue Devaney also replied: “Happy birthday darling.”
And Sue’s fans and followers were also keen to share with her birthday wishes. @leannep.72 said: “Happy Birthday Sue. Hope you have a great day.” @gavverz87 wrote: “Happy birthday eyelash hope you’ve had a great day @officialsuecleaver.” @fayeewallace added: “Happy birthday Sue.”
It comes after, on the cobbles, Eileen hinted she has no plans to return as she got in touch with her former flame, George Shuttleworth. During Monday’s (September 1) episode of Corrie, George was heard sharing how he hadn’t heard from Eileen since she left back in June.
But, he was then surprised to receive a text from Eileen which stated: “Sorry I’ve not been in touch, it’s been full on here. Hope you are ok? Love Eyelash x.”
