Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver is lining up a cobbles return – as she joins her co-stars on stage in a new show in the wake of her Eileen Grimshaw exit.
The Loose Women panellist, 61, has played the outspoken Eileen since 2000, but will depart in the coming months.
The character was soon employed by Vikram Desai (Chris Bisson) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) to work at taxi firm StreetCars, a means to provide for her her two teenage children, Jason (Ryan Thomas) and Todd (then Bruno Langley).
Eileen went on to feature in some of the show’s most famous storylines, including Todd coming out as Corrie’s first-ever gay character.
In 2017, she unknowingly married serial killer Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre). During a dramatic confrontation on a cliffside in Whitehaven, he fell into the water and was presumed dead.
She is also best known for her long-running feud with Gail Platt (Helen Worth), who departed at Christmas after 50 years.
Speaking about her time on the cobbles, Sue said: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly,’ she added.
Her exit story kickstarted last month with the return of Eileen’s sister Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh-Jupe). Tragically, the much-loved character has arrived back in Weatherfield battling a secret terminal cancer diagnosis.
Actor Ryan Thomas has also revealed that he will stage a brief comeback after 9 years as part of Sue’s last plotline.
After her departure, she will then take to the stage as part of the line-up of four date An Audience with Coronation Street tour.
The show, hosted by This Morning’s soap correspondent Sharon Marshall, will see a selection of actors including Andrew Whyment, Simon Gregson, Samia Longchambon, Jodie Prenger, Jimmi Harkishin, Patti Clare, Jack P. Shepherd and Rob Mallard discuss their time on the world’s most famous street.
An unannounced ‘surprise legend’ will also appear.
Today it has been confirmed that Sue is yet another name to join the line-up, alongside actresses Jane Danson, Julia Goulding and Vicki Myers who have also signed on the dotted line.
Speaking about the events, ITV said: ‘In the first half, the audience will be treated to an intimate and lively interview session with some of Corrie’s most beloved cast members. Ever wondered what goes on between takes?
‘Curious about those off-screen friendships and real-life dramas? This is your chance to hear all the gossip straight from the source.
‘You’ll also get to know the actors behind the characters like never before, their journeys, their funniest on-set moments, and the real-life bonds that make Weatherfield feel like home.’
They continued: ‘Just when you think the night couldn’t get any better, the second act brings a showstopping twist!
‘A very special guest; a bona fide Coronation Street legend will take to the stage. But who will it be? We’re keeping it a cliffhanger, Corrie-style!’
The tour kicks off in London on 14th September, appearing at Sheffield City Hall the following Friday 19th, at Lowry in Salford on 20th September and then concluding at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on 24th.
