Sue Cleaver quits Coronation Street after 25 years - and is already filming exit

Sue Cleaver has quit Coronation Street after 25 years. (Image: ITV)

Coronation Street legend Sue Cleaver has announced she is quitting the ITV soap after 25 years. The actress, who has portrayed the straight-talking Eileen Grimshaw for a quarter of a century, revealed her decision to leave just days into the New Year.

Over the years, Sue's character has been embroiled in some of the show's most dramatic plots, including her son Todd fathering a child with Sarah Louise Platt during his teenage years.

However, it seems that the 61-year-old actress is keen to explore new ventures, although she will remain on our screens until late spring.

Fans of the Weatherfield-based drama can breathe a sigh of relief, as Eileen won't be written out permanently, leaving the door open for potential future mischief on the cobbles.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Sue told The Sun on Sunday: "I've had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.

READ MORE: Coronation Street star quietly gives birth to second child as fans go wild

Sue Cleaver has played Eileen Grimshaw for a quarter of a century. (Image: Getty)

"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."

An insider also shared with the publication that while Sue has "adored" her time on the show, she feels it's time to embark on fresh projects.

Speculation about her exit began last summer when she took an extended break from the soap to star in the theatre production of Sister Act.

The source added that these early discussions "gave writers plenty of time to create a strong exit storyline for her, which viewers will love".

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Sue's exit comes after Helen Worth left the soap. (Image: Getty)

Coronation Street fans bid farewell to yet another Weatherfield icon as Helen Worth, who played Gail Platt, exited the cobbles following an impressive half-century run that culminated on Christmas Day.

On Loose Women, her co-star Sue delivered an emotional tribute: "Helen leaving, I can't tell you it's really awful, it's really sad. We are all devastated. I mean she has deserved it, I mean 50 years is extraordinary isn't it."

In addition, Sue praised Helen's nature beyond their fictional spats by saying: "One thing I tell you is, she is the most generous, empathetic, humble human being you will ever meet, and everybody loves her," reports The Mirror.

She also reflected on how Helen has been a cornerstone of the show, noting: "If you speak to Jack Shepherd and Tina O'Brien who play her kids in the show, they will say she has been a mentor. She has taught them everything they know, from how you behave on the set to etiquette."

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Sue Cleaver quits Coronation Street after 25 years - and is already filming exit

Sue Cleaver quits Coronation Street after 25 years - and is already filming exit

Sue Cleaver quits Coronation Street after 25 years - and is already filming exit

Sue Cleaver quits Coronation Street after 25 years - and is already filming exit

Sue Cleaver quits Coronation Street after 25 years - and is already filming exit