A Coronation Street legend’s time on the ITV soap came to an end recently, but her story could have had a very different outcome.
Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) jetted off to Thailand with son Jason last month after losing sister Julie Carp, who had been battling terminal cancer.
It was a devastating time for Eileen, who was under suspicion for helping Julie take her own life, despite the fact that she was innocent.
Thankfully, the charges against her were dropped, but the situation caused tension between her and boyfriend George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley).
After being invited to invest in Jason’s bar across the globe, Eileen decided to end things with George and start a new life.
However, things could have been very different, as the producers had originally considered killing Eileen off, as actress Sue Cleaver revealed.
‘[The producers] said, “What kind of exit would you like? Dramatic? Do you want a final death?” And I said I didn’t,’ she told OK! Magazine.
‘I said I really wanted Eileen’s son, Jason, to come back, and for it to mirror what I’m doing in my own life. For Eileen to get out there, live fearlessly, live bravely.’
Sue announced her exit at the beginning of the year, explaining that she wanted to try new things.
‘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,’ Sue said.
Since leaving the soap, Sue has already revealed her next project.
The actress has joined the cast of Snake in the Grass at the Theatr Clwyd and Octagon Theatre Bolton, alongside Nicola Stephenson and Lisa Zahra.
Sue spent 25 years on Coronation Street, and previously revealed that she was ‘privileged’ to have done so.
