HEARTBREAKING: Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver has opened up on her health battles following her decision to quit the ITV soap after 25 years as Eileen Grimshaw

Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver has candidly addressed her health trials following her emotional departure as Eileen Grimshaw recently. After a monumental 25 years on the TV street, ITV announced in January that Sue would be bidding farewell to Weatherfield’s beloved cobbles.

Debuting on the soap in 2000, her character has taken a dramatic turn, exiting to Thailand in pursuit of family ties with her son Jason. In tandem with Sue’s exit, Weatherfield welcomed back Katy Cavanagh, who marked a triumphant return as the endearing Julie Carp after a nine-year absence, triggering the poignant setup for Eileen’s sad departure.

Actor Ryan Thomas (portrayed by Jason Grimshaw) also made a comeback to bid adieu to his on-screen mother. He quipped jovially: “Sue rang me and said, ‘Can you come back for my exit storyline?’ and when mother says you’ve got to do something, you do it!”

Now part of the Loose Women ensemble, Sue opened up about seeking new challenges during an episode of the ‘Off-Script’ podcast, reports Liverpool Echo.

Sue left the cobbles to pursue new challenges (Image: ITV)

She divulged: “I’d been thinking about it for quite a long time. I did the jungle and I did the jungle on purpose just to step out of my comfort zone.”

Sue, 61, reflected on reigniting her passion, stating: “Then I went and did Sister Act the Musical. That was my first love and I hadn’t been on stage for nearly 30 years. So when they asked me to do that, I could either go, oh I can’t do that, or you just go and do it, which I did.”

Sue has shared her desire to explore new horizons and embrace novel experiences as she journeys through her 60s, commenting: “I’ve written a book about living fearlessly.

“I really believe that you have to step outside of your comfort zone for things to happen. I feel as a woman of a certain age, I’m 61 now, we’re at the point where society would like us all just to shuffle off quietly and I refuse to go.”

She added: “I really think that you are never too old to start with new challenges. You have so much to give at our age. I just thought I want to reinvent myself, and I want to go out and make my mark on the world in a different way. So that’s why I just wrote the book and I’m sort of just following my own example and that’s what I’m doing.”

Sue spoke about her health battle with type 2 diabetes (Image: ITV)

In response to queries about looking for fresh undertakings post-Coronation Street, she affirmed “absolutely”. Her forthcoming role includes joining the ensemble of Snake in the Grass set to play at Theatr Clwyd and Octagon Theatre Bolton this autumn.

Beyond the bustling life she leads away from the Weatherfield scene, Sue opened up last month regarding her wellbeing, disclosing: “Life with Type 2 diabetes comes with constant decisions, mental load, and emotional noise. The effort and stress that used to go into meal planning and other daily activities was overwhelming.”

The actress continued: “But since using my @dexcomuk CGM, that noise has quietened down. The automatic glucose readings help me see the impact of food and drink, exercise and other activities I love, which takes a weight off my mind and helps me enjoy life beyond diabetes. And for Diabetes Awareness Week, I’m partnering with Dexcom to help #DialDowntheNoise.”

The star has been living with type 2 diabetes for 29 years, and she firmly believes that “diabetes lives with her, she doesn’t live with it.”

This attitude has allowed her to pursue her passions, unencumbered.

Recently, the soap star posted a thrilling video of herself parasailing on a jet ski during a sun-kissed getaway. Her message?

“Feeling scared is human. But facing your fear? That’s where the real rewards begin!”