Sue Cleaver has explained that a desire to "live fearlessly" led to her decision to quit her role as Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street after 25 years.
First appearing in May 2000, cab radio operator Eileen soon became a fan favourite and set down roots on the street with her sons Jason (Ryan Thomas) and Todd (Bruno Langley, now Gareth Pierce).
During her time on the street, Eileen has had notable friendships with Steve (Simon Gregson) and Sean (Antony Cotton) as well as a famous rivalry with Gail Platt (Helen Worth) - and a disastrous marriage to serial killer Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre).
For the last few years Eileen has been in a relationship with undertaker George (Tony Maudsley) but that looks set to be coming to an end soon following Cleaver's decision to quit.
"I've had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street," she said, having reportedly made the decision after taking a sabbatical to do Sister Act last year.
"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."
Corrie producer Kate Brooks said: "We're sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver.
"Over the past 25 years, Eileen Grimshaw has been at the heart of some of the most memorable and iconic Corrie storylines, and her onscreen rivalry with Gail Platt will undoubtedly go down in Corrie folklore.
"There's certainly no one quite like Eileen, and her character will be hugely missed on the cobbles. We wish Sue all the very best as she embarks on her next exciting chapter."
Eileen is expected to depart on-screen later this spring.
Neil Wilkes
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