Sue Cleaver will take a break from her role as Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street next year, it has been confirmed.
The actress has been on the cobbles for the last 23 years but will depart for at least several months at the start of 2024 to take on the role of Mother Superior in a UK and Ireland tour of the Sister Act musical.
The tour gets underway at the end of January but Cleaver will not take on the part until it reaches Brighton on March 11, thereafter taking in dates in Manchester, Cork, Belfast, Glasgow, York and Birmingham.
"I'm thrilled to be stepping into the habit and joining the incredible company of Sister Act on tour," she said.
"It's been over 30 years since I've been on stage, but theatre has always been my first love. A chance to take on a role like this feels like heaven."
The news means that Eileen is likely to leave Weatherfield in the spring, returning at some point in the late summer.
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