Fans of the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street received bittersweet news at the beginning of 2025 when beloved cast member Sue Cleaver announced she would be leaving the show after an incredible 25 years. Cleaver, who has portrayed the outspoken and warm-hearted Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, revealed that she was ready to “embrace change” and explore new opportunities beyond the famous cobbles of Weatherfield.
For many viewers, Eileen has been one of the show’s most recognizable and relatable characters—known for her humor, resilience, and memorable storylines. Her departure marks the end of an era for both the actress and loyal fans who have followed her journey for decades.
Familiar Faces Return for the Farewell
As part of Eileen Grimshaw’s emotional exit storyline, Coronation Street writers have brought back several familiar characters connected to her life. The first surprise came with the return of Eileen’s sister, Julie Carp, played by Katy Cavanagh. Julie had not appeared on the show since 2015, making her return a welcome shock for longtime viewers.
But the surprises didn’t stop there. Fans will also see the return of Eileen’s son, Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas. Jason was last seen in 2016 when the character moved to Thailand to start a new life. His comeback promises to add emotional depth to Eileen’s final storyline as mother and son reunite on screen once again.
How Sue Cleaver Made It Happen
Interestingly, the idea of bringing Jason back for the farewell storyline came directly from Sue Cleaver herself. Speaking on ITV’s Off Script podcast, the actress revealed that she personally reached out to Ryan Thomas to ask if he would return for her final scenes.
Cleaver recalled the moment she called him and shared the news about her decision to leave the show.
🗣️ “I rang Ryan Thomas and said, ‘Ryan, I’ve not told work yet, but I’m going to leave. Would you come back? I’d really like you to take me out.’”
According to Cleaver, Thomas was surprised but immediately supportive. While he hadn’t originally planned to return to the series, the request from his former co-star was too meaningful to refuse.
🗣️ “He said, ‘I wasn’t planning to, but I can’t refuse that, can I?’ I said, ‘No, you can’t!’”
The actress explained that it simply felt right to have Jason present during Eileen’s final storyline, as their relationship has been a central part of the character’s journey over the years.
Podcast co-host Kelvin Fletcher also revealed that Ryan Thomas felt “honoured and privileged” to return and take part in such an important moment for his on-screen mother.
An Emotional Goodbye After 25 Years
Sue Cleaver admitted that the decision to leave Coronation Street was not made lightly. After spending a quarter of a century playing Eileen Grimshaw, stepping away from the role was both exciting and emotional.
She explained that the choice came from a personal desire to try new things and challenge herself professionally.
🗣️ “I believe you have to step outside of your comfort zone. You are never too old for new challenges.”
Cleaver also shared that filming her final scenes was an incredibly emotional experience. After so many years with the cast and crew, saying goodbye to the set felt like closing a major chapter of her life.
The Perfect Ending
Despite the sadness surrounding her departure, Cleaver revealed that she is very happy with how Eileen’s story concludes. The actress described the final scenes as both beautiful and deeply moving.
🗣️ “When I read it and saw it, I was really emotional. It’s the perfect ending.”
While details about the exact storyline remain under wraps, Cleaver hinted that the ending is “absolutely fabulous” and everything she hoped it would be for her character.
For fans who have watched Eileen Grimshaw for more than two decades, the upcoming episodes promise to be both nostalgic and heartfelt. With returning characters, emotional reunions, and a carefully crafted farewell, Sue Cleaver’s final appearance is set to become one of the most memorable exits in Coronation Street history.