EMOTIONAL – Behind-The-Scenes Moments revealed from GMA’s Final Broadcast at the Times Square studio with main hosts Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Ginger Zee, and Lara Spencer after 26 years together!

GOOD Morning America has broadcast its final weekday episode from its beloved New York City studio of over 25 years.

Viewers bid farewell to the show’s iconic Times Square studio on June 13 amid a big shake-up for the long-running show and ABC.

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Good Morning America hosts Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, and George StephanopoulosCredit: Getty

Why is Good Morning America moving from Times Square?

The studio change comes just under 26 years after the first ever broadcast of Good Morning America from Times Square.

GMA is now broadcasting from the brand new ABC/Disney Studios in Hudson Square in lower Manhattan.

The new set is located in the Robert A. Iger building, named after the current CEO of Disney.

“Moving all ABC News teams to our new state-of-the-art building was a strategic decision that will allow for more collaboration and innovation,” an ABC spokesperson told USA Today.

Michael Strahan, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, Ginger Zee, and Lara Spencer will all be continuing as co-anchors from the new studio, 55 blocks downtown from Times Square.

It was a quick turnaround for the presenters who began hosting from their new digs on June 16 and took viewers on a tour of the pristine set.

GMA has now joined Live with Kelly and Mark and The View in the building, with both shows already broadcasting from there.

The move will also relocate all of ABC and Disney’s New York City shows under one roof, including ESPN shows.

According to a December 2024 news release, the building is “a collaborative town square in the bustling city” that will be “home to news, editorial, live productions, streaming, technology, advertising, corporate, business support functions, and more.”

How long has GMA been filmed in Times Square?

It has been 26 years since GMA first broadcast in Times Square.

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The View has already started broadcasting from the new studioCredit: Getty
Long-time viewers may remember that Serena Williams was the first guest to be welcomed into the famous studio on September 13, 1999.

Ever since, the world’s most famous and interesting guests have taken their turn to be interviewed by the GMA team.

The show achieved a bookend moment as Serena’s successor, young tennis star Coco Gauff, visited the studio at the start of the final week to talk about her French Open title.

On Friday, the studio hosted its last guest, with Alicia Keys making her final appearance in the venue, helping the GMA presenters bid farewell.

At the top of the show, Robin Roberts said, “It’s a big morning for us here at GMA as we say goodbye to our Times Square Studio.”

She added, “Alicia Keys is going to help us do that. She has been such a great friend through the years.”

To the GMA family, the 17-time Grammy winner said, “I’ve always felt welcomed and loved.”

How did the GMA hosts say goodbye to Times Square?

The final show on June 13 was a trip down memory lane as the co-anchors all reminisced about their time in the studio.

Robin, who joined as a co-anchor in 2005, said,  “I just remember thinking, ‘I’m a little girl from Mississippi and I’m working in Times Square.’ It’s just so majestic.”

ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee said, “I mean truly, I pulled up and the stop light on 44th, I just remember looking up and thinking, ‘This cannot be my life.”

BREAKING NEWS: The truth behind rumors of GMA Host Michael Strahan’s RETURN to the NFL that have stirred fans for days!

MICHAEL STRAHAN has been a part of a major shake-up.

The Fox NFL Sunday star has been joined by two new co-stars on Good Morning America.

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Michael Strahan has been a part of the Good Morning America team for yearsCredit: Getty

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Strahan also works on Fox NFL Sunday along with the $100,00 PyramidCredit: Getty
It comes after the ABC weekday morning show moved studios.

The New York Giants legend is usually joined by George Stephanopoulos and Robin Robert on GMA.

However, last Friday the program looked completely different.

He was sat alongside Whit Johnson and Rebecca Jarvis.

The duo were filling in for his usual co-stars, in a surprise move to viewers.

Super Bowl-winner Strahan – who has been on GMA since 2016 – is no stranger to change.

Johnson and Jarvis have come in as subs in the past.

It has been a busy time on Good Morning America after their recent set change.

They left their iconic Times Square studio in the heart of New York City.

It had been situated there since 1999.

Michael Strahan goes on his ‘final walk’ as Fox NFL Sunday legend waves goodbye to longtime running show set
The show is now filmed out of Hudson Square, along with the rest of the ABC network.

Their first day at the newly-built studios was on June 16.

It is situated in the 22-story Robert A. Iger building, which started to be constructed in 2019.

The View and LIVE with Kelly and Mark have also moved in.

Michael Strahan is one of the most recognizable faces on television.

But he came into his media career with Fox off the back of a hugely successful stint in the NFL.

Strahan spent 14 years all with the New York Giants from 1993 to 2007.

He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and helped them win the Super Bowl in 2007 – ending the New England Patriots’ hopes of a perfect season.

Strahan was also a two-time NFL sacks leader and also won Defensive Player of the Year.

The ex-Giants star set the single-season sack record with 22.5 in 2001 – a feat which was matched by J.J. Watt exactly 20 years later.

He is one of the best defensive stars to have ever played the game – finishing with 141.5 career sacks and 854 tackles.

The 7 Hudson Square studios has more than 5,000 Disney and ABC staff working inside.

It includes outdoor terraces, wellness centers and even its own nursing station.

$100,000 Pyramid presenter Strahan is a busy man, with a number of projects underway since retiring from the NFL in 2007.

They include a regular weekly stint on Fox NFL Sunday, the iconic American football show.

It is understood he will be back on the program from September, when the 2025 season begins.

However, he won’t be joined by Jimmy Johnson, who retired after the Super Bowl in February.

Meanwhile, Terry Bradshaw’s future is up in the air, with fans urging him to step away.

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” – Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum fiercely HITS BACK at criticism targeting Female Fox hosts, shaking up US media!

Fox News host Martha MacCallum defended female hosts on the network Wednesday, saying they are “serious women with outstanding resumes” and aren’t “bl0nde Barbies.”

In a piece for Time magazine’s opinion section, “Motto,” MacCallum took exception to the Los Angeles Times’s David Horsey not directly apologizing to her or other current Fox anchors after he characterized network employees as “bl0nd Bɑrbie d0lls in short, tight skirts” in a Nov. 1 column.

The columnist initially made the remark while taking a shot at White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, arguing she isn’t the type of woman President Tr::ump wouldn’t normally call upon to “represent his interests.”

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MacCallum noted in the op-ed Wednesday that the columnist had expressed remorse about the “Barbie” comments when pressed by former network host Megyn Kelly on her NBC morning program last week, but only did so in general terms.

“The women of Fox News — commodified as ‘Bl0nde Bɑrbie D0lls’ — also deserve a public apology,” MacCallum wrote.

“Our success is not about hair color or skirts. It’s about elbow grease, dedication and sacrificing time with our families and friends. We are fine with that, it goes with the territory,” she said.

Horsey initially commented on Fox News anchors when writing about Tr::ump’s top spokeswoman.

“Much like [former Fox News Chairman and CEO] Roger Ailes when he was stocking the Fox News lineup with bl0nd Bɑrbie d0lls in short, tight skirts, the president has generally exhibited a preference for sleek beauties with l0ng legs and stiletto heels to represent his interests and act as his ɑrm cɑndy,” wrote Horsey, who also described Sanders as looking “more like a slightly ch::nky soccer mom.”

After considerable blowback, Horsey apologized for the remark about Sanders.

“I want to apologize to Times readers — and to Sarah Huckabee Sanders — for a description that was insensitive and failed to meet the standards of our newspaper. It also failed to meet the expectations I have for myself,” Horsey wrote at the top of the controversial column.

“It surely won’t be my last mistake, but this particular error will be scrupulously avoided in my future commentaries. I’ve removed the offending description,” he wrote.

MacCallum, a former CNBC host and Wall Street Journal television reporter, pivoted in her op-ed to also discussing s3xual hɑr@ssment issues at Fox News that dominated headlines after numerous allegations led to the dismissal of Ailes, Bill O’Reilly and Eric Bolling within the span of 13 months.“At Fox News, we faced our own realities about s3xual hɑr@ssment. For many, the stories we saw written about our workplace felt alien to us,” she wrote.

“The Fox News that I know and work in is a team of producers, technicians, photographers, truck operators and production managers who barely have time to eat lunch, much less engage in bad behavior,” she wrote.

“Obviously, there are well-documented exceptions. Still, as I watch these stories explode across Hollywood and Capitol Hill, I believe we are at a watershed moment in the conversation,” she concluded.

MacCallum was awarded her own 7 p.m. ET program, “The Story,” in May.

AT 16 – Dropped Out, Quit Basketball – Fox News Host Lawrence Jones’ Mother moved everyone to Tears with her Emotional Story amid America’s Heated Debate!

At just 16 years old, while still a passionate basketball player, the mother of Fox News host Lawrence Jones had to make the most important decision of her life: to keep her baby and embrace single motherhood, despite countless challenges and society’s judgment.

Tameria, Lawrence’s mother, was once a talented high school basketball player. But when she discovered she was expecting, she faced a crossroads: continue pursuing her athletic dream, or set it aside to become a mother. During a heartfelt live interview on Fox News, Lawrence asked his mother the question that moved many viewers: “Why did you decide to have me?”

Tameria shared that she had been taught about relationships and the possible consequences of unprotected choices. But when it happened, she immediately knew it was her responsibility—not her mother’s, not Lawrence’s grandparents’, but her own.

“It was my responsibility,” she explained. “No one else but me had to face this choice. And I accepted giving up basketball, stepping away from friends, to become a mom.”

Though the journey of being a young single mother was never easy, Tameria never regretted her decision. What gave her strength, she said, was her faith in God. “The more I prayed, the more I spoke honestly about my struggles, the more support I received from those around me,” she shared.

This story felt even more powerful against the backdrop of America’s intense debate about personal choices and women’s rights. Many, both well-known figures and everyday people, have voiced their perspectives. By inviting his mother to speak on-air, Lawrence created a deeply moving television moment, encouraging viewers to reflect on love, sacrifice, and courage.

At the end of their conversation, Lawrence thanked his mom for choosing to have him. “I’m so grateful you made that decision,” he told her. To which she gently replied, “I love you, son.”

That moment didn’t just bring tears to the audience but also delivered a meaningful message about love and responsibility. Choosing to keep her baby at 16 completely changed Tameria’s life, turning her from a sports-loving teenager into a strong, resilient mother. The story shows that, despite the many challenges young mothers face, love and faith can help overcome them all.

Looking back now, Lawrence Jones—now a recognized Fox News host—is living proof of his mother’s brave choice years ago. This story touched countless hearts, leaving behind a message of sacrifice, responsibility, and hope.

UK MEDIA SH0CKWAVE: GB NEWS unexpectedly Cuts broadcast for live ‘BREAKING NEWS’ from Dover leaving UK PM stunned – Massive Public BACKLASH erupts!

GB News halts for major breaking news – and it is hum1l1ating for Starmer

GB News was interrupted for “breaking news” announcement about a channel crossing live from Dover.

Keir Starmer was left humiliated by the latest breaking news (Image: Getty)

Prime minister Keir Starmer was dealt a crsh1ng blow as GB News went live to Dover with “breaking news” about a m1grant channel crossing causing “disorder at the border”. During the programme, Good Afternoon Britain, presenters Tom Harwood and Miriam Cates interrupted the programme to announce: “We’re going to head straight to Dover because as we speak, Border Force are bringing in a m1grant boat.

“It comes as a warning that over 200 m1grants have illegally arrived in the UK so far today.” As a live feed of the boat appeared on screens, Miriam introduced GB News’ Home and Security Editor Mark White, who claimed: “They will, as the vast majority do, claim asyl::m and enter the asyl::m system.” This comes after the government’s pledge to control ill3gal 3ntries into the UK, ramping up political pressure on Starmer.

 

200 people have crossed the English channel today (Image: Getty)

Speaking to the broadcasters, Mark stated: “It is another busy day, this is what they call a red day in the English Channel, and they expect that the people smugglers will push out the m1grants’ boats and true to form, that’s exactly what they’ve done.

“Yesterday (June 29), I should say, we had almost 600 small boat m1grants who crossed the channel, today it’s looking very busy again. At least six, maybe seven small boats are being dealt with out in the channel as we speak.”

As the live feed continued to show on screens, Mark continued: “What you’re looking at is the border force catamaran, Typhoon, just entering Dover harbour with another boat load of m1grants, they picked up in the English Channel.

Most Popular Comments

1st Most liked comment • 11 hours ago31
“Thanks to all those that voted for starmer and his clueless bunch. They couldn’t run a bath let alone a country. “
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2nd Most liked comment • 11 hours ago26
“Claiming asyl::m? All we have to say no ID, no asyl::m. END”
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3rd Most liked comment • 11 hours ago23
“the biggest laugh, at our expense is this… the french have notified the …”
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“We don’t know how many m1grants are onboard this vessel … what is now a familiar sight here with these small boat arrivals is it will slow down a bit and it’s heading to an area of the Dover Harbour called the Western jet foil, its there that Border Force have built their processing centre to deal with those small boat m1grants.”

 

Detailing the process, the editor said: “That boat will dock, and then those on board will get checked, and then the life jackets that they’ve been wearing will be taken off them and then they’re taken into the actual processing center, they’re questioned of course and then arrested on immigration offences.”

It comes as the government vowed to crack down on people-smuggling gangs across the Channel. Crossings are at a record high for this point in the year, totalling 18,518.

According to The Times, the UK and France are expected to announce a one-in, one-out m1grant returns deal to crack down on English Channel crossings. Plans for a pilot could be revealed this week, marking one year since Sir Keir’s Government came to power.

The deal could see m1grants who arrive in the UK by crossing the English Channel in small boats returned to France, while the UK would accept those with legitimate claims to join family already in the country.

CAN’T GET ANY BETTER – One-Of-A-Kind REALITY SHOW brings Together Big Stars from Coronation Street, I’m A Celebrity, The Chase, Loose Women,… – ITV officially confirms and reveals details of this Special Plan, sending fans into a frenzy!

The Chase star Shaun Wallace flooded with support in surprise move away from ITV show

The Chase quizmaster Shaun Wallace was inundated with messages of support as he made a surprise announcement.

Shaun Wallace shared his excitement about taking part in a new ITV show (Image: ITV)

Shaun Wallace, otherwise known as The Dark Destroyer, surprised his followers as he announced a new move away from The Chase. The barrister has been a regular face on the ITV quiz programme for the past 15 years having made his debut in 2009. The 65-year-old was flooded with messages of support on Monday when he made a candid announcement. The quizzer revealed he will be starring in a brand new show called The Great Escapers.

The Great Escapers is a new ITV show where celebrities from shows like Coronation Street, I’m a Celebrity, The Chase and Loose Women go on holiday together, competing to plan the best day out. He will also be joined by two other fan favourites including Chasers Mark Labbett, who is best known as The Beast and Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan. While the trio have no plans to leave The Chase it is not uncommon for the quizzers to take part in other projects.

 

In view of his 89,800 followers on X, Shaun penned: “Very excited to be filming in Rhodes for a new show called ‘The Great Escapers’ with Mark @MarkLabbett and Jenny @jenlion. Looking forward to having a lot of fun with those two [thumbs up emoji]. Doing a spot of fitness in the sunshine, before we get going.”

He accompanied the post with a candid clip as he gave fans a glimpse of his surroundings.

The ITV favourite said: “Well here I am back in one of my favourite islands in the world. The island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese.

“I’m about to take part in a wonderful exciting holiday adventure called The Great Escapers.”

One fan gushed: “Have a swell time,” while another commented: “Hope you win your episode, Shaun!”

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment & Daytime ITV said: “We’ve got some of ITV’s best-known faces flying out to the most gorgeous destinations in this brand-new series. We can’t wait to see the cast of Corrie, I’m A Celeb…, The Chase and Loose Women in all of their holiday glory!”

The Great Escapers is in partnership with Jet2, one of the UK’s largest tour operators.

The series will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player later this year.

MIND-TWISTING DEBATE: Cake? or Biscuit? UK fans erupt in heated clash – Even Jojo Siwa & Chris Hughes face off in rival slogan tees!

Jojo Siwa and Chris Hughes join the great Jaffa Cake debate in slogan T-shirts

Jojo Siwa and Chris Hughes join the great Jaffa Cake debate in slogan T-shirts at BST Hyde Park (Image: John Rainford/Cover Images)

The UK’s most hotly contested debate is back on the table – and Chris Hughes and Jojo Siwa are the latest celebs ready to tuck in. The Celebrity Big Brother stars, who recently confirmed they are dating, were spotted looking loved up as they appeared outside BST Hyde Park today. But it wasn’t just their chemistry that was turning heads.

The duo weighed in on an age-old British debate, dressed in T-Shirts declaring their allegiance in the ‘is it a biscuit or a cake’ debate. Chris, 32, was spotted in a tee proclaiming ‘Cake? Behave it’s a Biscuit’ while 22-year-old Jojo sported one of her trademark rhinestone tees, this time quoting an updated version of one of her iconic song lyrics: ‘I Don’t Really Care Bout’ What They Say Jaffa Cakes Are Biscuits’.

Jojo and Chris met on Celebrity Big Brother in April this year and initially insisted they were just good friends. But their relationship blossomed and in the last few weeks they’ve been spotted on a glamorous trip to Mexico and a romantic retreat in the Cotswolds. Jojo, who found fame as a child star on Dance Moms, described herself as “absolutely head over heels for him.” She has already met his parents and says she hates being apart from him.

The Jaffa Cake argument has been raging for decades with millions of Brits, including celebrities, taking sides.

BREAKING SH0CK NEWS: Overnight, Emmerdale rocked by cr@sh with tragic consequences leaving viewers stunned!

Emmerdale Joe Tate blackmailer ‘sealed’ as unexpected villager ‘They have it in for him’

Joe Tate is being blackmailed on Emmerdale and actor Ned Porteous has teased who the culprit could be.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO – No Use Before Tuesday 20th May 2025 Emmerdale – Ep 1030506 Thursday 29t (Image: ITV)

Ned Porteous has teased the identity of Joe Tate’s blackmailer in Emmerdale. Joe returned to the village in December 2024 after a six-year hiatus and has wasted no time in stirring up trouble amongst his neighbours.

Not only did he embark on an affair with Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), but also resorted to desperate measures while grappling with chronic kidney disease. Knowing he would di3 without a transplant, Joe drugged his half-brother Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) to find out if he was a match.

However, this led to a disorientated Noah wandering into the middle of the road, causing a limo crsh that led to the d3aths of Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), and Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson).

Despite the casualties in his schemes, Joe targeted Caleb Milligan (Will Ash) and stole his kidney with the assistance of Dr Crowley (James Hillier). Joe has since been targeted by someone in the village, and next week, the harassment campaign against him takes a turn. He finds an envelope containing a blackmail demand for £100,000 in the kitchen at Home Farm.

 

Joe has been targeted in recent weeks (Image: ITV)

Discussing which character could be tormenting Joe, Ned exclusively told Express.co.uk and other press: “It could be anyone by this point. There’s enough people in the village who have it in for Joe who could demand or warrant a reason to be blackmailing him.”

Agreeing that it could be Billy, Ned added: “It could be anyone. It could be Kim at this point, we don’t know. It could be Dawn’s kids.”

Ned explained how a vulnerable Joe is left in fear of his blackmailer, worried that something could happen to Dawn and her children knowing the culprit was able to walk freely into Home Farm.

The soap star said: “It’s less the money but more the idea that someone has got into the house. It’s the feeling of you’ve lost your safe bubble when someone’s broken into your kitchen and left a note. He’s less scared and worried about the bribe as such, he’s more worried about the fact that his girl and her kids are going to be in danger.”

Used to playing a ruthless businessman, Ned admitted he has enjoyed portraying a lesser known side of his character.

He declared: “It’s brilliant. Every actor should try and find vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses in their character because it helps them feel more real.

“It helps you build a more real person. Not everyone can be a complete superhero and super tough and rich. You’ve got to have things about your character that brings you back to reality and Joe’s definite vulnerabilities are those he lets into his life, people he cares about.”

He concluded: “It’s been more fun playing a real Joe than just this stone cold meany.”

HEARTBREAKING: Coronation Street veteran actress Sue Cleaver (61) reveals her Health Condition – Doctor’s announcement leaves fans stunned!

Sue Cleaver – the veteran actress from Coronation Street, who has been closely associated with the role of Eileen Grimshaw for many years – has officially said goodbye to this iconic series to embark on a new chapter in her life. In an interview with Love Sunday magazine, Sue candidly shared that at the age of 61, she wants to “embrace change and live fearlessly,” while also revealing some behind-the-scenes stories few people know.

Beyond Coronation Street, Sue is also a familiar face on ITV’s talk show Loose Women, where she often appears alongside longtime colleagues like Denise Welch, Linda Robson and others. Although the media has repeatedly reported on “backstage rows” among the female presenters, Sue firmly clarified that the reality is very different: “They always call it a ‘catfight’, but they only use that term when it’s women. If it were men presenting, nobody would dream of saying that. In reality, we’re very close. Denise and I have known each other for 25 years; we have a sort of shorthand in how we talk, like close friends. The press spins it into a ‘massive fallout’ but I’ve never once had an argument with Denise.”

Sue also shared that she truly loves the show and hopes to appear on it even more, especially now that her schedule has become lighter after leaving Coronation Street. She reflected: “I’m not the type who dwells on the past. Thoughts of the past just weigh you down; I try to live fully in the present and enjoy every single moment.”

Beyond work, Sue has also been quietly fighting a personal battle for nearly three decades – Type 2 diabetes. She described managing the illness as “running a marathon in your mind, every single day.” However, over the past few years, thanks to the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor, she has relieved some of the burden since she no longer needs to prick her fingers for manual readings.

Returning to her decision to leave Coronation Street – the series that has been part of most of her career – Sue revealed she didn’t want a dramatic or tragic ending. “They asked if I wanted a shocking exit, like a final d3ath scene. But I didn’t want that. I just wanted Eileen’s son Jason to come back, and for her to leave so she could ‘live bravely’, just like I’m doing in my real life.”

After filming her final scenes at the end of May, Sue had a farewell meal with colleagues, and the next day, she headed to London to begin her new chapter. Although she’s left the show, her husband Brian still works behind the scenes on Coronation Street, so the bond with the team remains.

Sue emphasized: “Coronation Street has always been about the people, the sense of family and community. I don’t feel like I’ve lost that. I had absolutely no doubt I was making the right decision, and I’m genuinely excited to see what comes next.”

At the end of the interview, Sue left an inspiring message: “Don’t keep living in what’s already passed. Live in the present and savour every moment.”

“That’s NOT the way I wanted to LEAVE” – Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver breaks silence, reveals sh0cking real Reason she QUIT the show!

Loose Women star opens up on off-screen ‘row’ with Denise Welch in candid admission

Sue Cleaver is best known for her role on Coronation Street but has also been a regular on the daytime show Loose Women.

Sue Cleaver is best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street (Image: ITV)

Sue Cleaver has spoken candidly about her relationship with fellow Loose Women panellist Denise Welch. The Coronation Street veteran has bid a fond farewell to her iconic role as Eileen Grimshaw, exiting the cobbles behind for new adventures now that her last appearance aired on 6 June. Speaking candidly with Love Sunday, the Hertfordshire-born star is all about “embracing change and living fearlessly” at the age of 61. The seasoned actress is a familiar face on Loose Women as well, which is set for some notable shake-ups including bidding farewell to the studio audience this January due to widespread ITV cost reductions. The on-screen star admitted the panel often make headlines for rumoured “catfights” but confirmed there are no backstage spats, even when the panel are in disagreement.

“I love that show. It’s brilliant. I’ve known all the girls for years, so, yeah,” she remarks when probed about her desire for more panel slots now that she has a lighter schedule. And what does she make of the rumours of backstage spats? “They always like to say ‘catfights’, but they only say that about women, don’t they? They wouldn’t dream of saying that when it’s blokes presenting something. Actually we’re very tight. But it happens a lot when Denise [Welch] and I are on together.”

 

Sue Cleaver has also been a regular on ITV’s Loose Women (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

She continued: “We’ve known each other for 25 years – we’re close friends and have a sort of shorthand in the way we communicate. The media will spin it as ‘massive fallout’, but I’ve never had a quarrel with Denise in my entire life! It’s really sad that things are still spun this way; it’s disheartening we’ve yet to move past this narrative.”

Privately, Sue has been dealing with a personal health struggle. Having managed Type 2 diabetes for nearly three decades, she likens its impact on her life to enduring “a mental marathon, every single day”.

Over the past three years, she’s managed to alleviate some of her mental burden by using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor, which delivers automatic glucose readings without the need for finger-pricking.

Sue Cleaver joined by panellists Denise Welch and Linda Robson (Image: ITV)

In a testament to her enduring legacy on Coronation Street, Sue was uniquely invited to participate in the discussions about Eileen’s storyline, which led to her departure. One option presented to her was a dramatic exit, but she had other ideas.

“They said, ‘What kind of exit would you like? Dramatic? Do you want a final d3ath?’ And I said I didn’t. 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.”

After wrapping up her final scenes in late May, she shared a farewell meal with her colleagues and headed to London the following day, marking a new chapter in her journey. With her husband Brian still working behind the scenes on Coronation Street, it’s clear that her connection to the show remains strong.

“That show’s always been about the people, the sense of family and community, and I don’t feel I’ve lost that. I had absolutely no doubt I was doing the right thing, and I’m not somebody who dwells on the past. Past thoughts are d3ad thoughts, I try to live in the present and enjoy every single moment.”