Sue Cleaver opens up about 'massive fallout' with Denise Welch admitting she's a 'learner'
Sue Cleaver is currently looking forward to the summer and embarking on fresh ventures following her final bow from the cobbles. The actress who is known for her portrayal of Coronation Street 's Eileen Grimshaw, saw her last scenes broadcast earlier this month.
During an exclusive conversation with Love Sunday, she emphasises her passion for "embracing change and living fearlessly". At 61, having spent a quarter of a century in Corrie, the regular on Loose Women is pursuing a personal journey of self-discovery.
"I've made massive decisions to reinvent myself and embrace change. This is the time of life when society wants you to just go away quietly," Sue shares.
She elaborates further, stating, "But this is the period, for a lot of women who have put themselves second – because they've brought up families, had mortgages, etcetera – when we hit an age and think, 'What now? Who am I?'".
Her recent actions are geared towards personal evolution and exploration. 'Everything I've done in the last year has been about reinvention and discovery.
"I'd like to say I'm one of life's learners, and I never stop learning. I'm just getting really interested in me, and challenging all the beliefs I had about myself.".
Her forthcoming professional transformation will see her swap television drama for the theatre stage when she undertakes a role in Theatr Clwyd and Bolton Octagon's co-production of Snake In The Grass later in the summer. She finds this especially thrilling as it represents a significant "full circle" moment in her career.
"The Octagon Theatre in Bolton is where I got my first equity card. I must've been in eight or nine plays there. So to be going back there at this stage in my life feels sort of full circle, it's quite lovely."
Meanwhile, we occasionally glimpse the actress on Loose Women as a guest panellist. The talk show is gearing up for significant alterations come January, which includes bidding farewell to its live audience, as part of a series of ITV reductions.
"I love that show. It's brilliant. I've known all the girls for years, so, yeah," she commented when asked about her desire for more time on the show now that her schedule has freed up a bit. And regarding the rumours of behind-the-scenes disputes?
"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.
"We've known each other for 25 years – we're close friends and have a sort of shorthand in the way we communicate. The press will say 'massive fallout', but I've never fallen out with Denise in my life! It's quite awful, we've still got so far to go that it's depressing."
Away from the screen, Sue has been quietly managing a personal health struggle. Having endured Type 2 diabetes for nearly three decades, she likens the daily mental impact of the condition to running "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 offers glucose readings automatically without needing to prick her finger.
She described the relentless mental strain, saying, "I can't explain the mental fatigue you get, it's like an app running in the background of your brain, a constant noise of 'What's my sugar? Did I take my meds? What can I eat to avoid a spike?'"
"It's like constant brain drain from making decisions, and the stress affects people because, unlike a diet, diabetes management is lifelong and that decision fatigue manifests in skipped medications and poor food choices. It's not about being lazy, people get totally overwhelmed and I really relate to that."
Deciding to leave Coronation Street after dedicating 25 years to its allure was a significant move – one that she reflects on with contentment.
Quite uniquely, and perhaps befitting her iconic standing as a stalwart of Weatherfield, Sue received the rare opportunity to engage in the discussions about her character Eileen's departure, which commenced with the stark contemplation of Eileen's potential demise.
"They said, 'What kind of exit would you like? Dramatic? Do you want a final death?' 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."
Her last day of filming saw heartwarming scenes alongside her on-screen son Ryan Thomas. Following a celebratory meal with the cast and crew in high spirits, she bid adieu to the Manchester set on the succeeding day.
Instead of lingering farewells, an early train to London beckoned, allowing little time for gloom. Her husband, Brian Owen, who still has roles to play behind the scenes on the show, signifies that her detachment from the world of Corrie isn't absolute.
"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 dead thoughts, I try to live in the present and enjoy every single moment."
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
5 hours ago
- Scotsman
Who is in the cast of In Flight? Full cast explained
Katherine Kelly leads the cast of Channel 4's In Flight ✈ Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... In Flight will make its debut on Channel 4 tonight. Katherine Kelly leads the cast of the six-part thriller. But who else is in the show? A thrilling new series is set to take flight on Channel 4 this evening. Katherine Kelly is the star of In Flight which will make its debut today (August 12). The six-part series is about a flight attendant who is blackmailed into smuggling drugs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The one-time Corrie favourite is not the only familiar face in the cast for the show. Here's all you need to know: Who is in the cast of In Flight? Katherine Kelly in Channel 4's In Flight | Channel 4 Katherine Kelly (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, The Long Shadow, Happy Valley) stars as single mum and flight attendant, Jo Conran, alongside Stuart Martin (Rebel Moon, Miss Scarlet and The Duke) as Cormac, a leading member of the criminal gang who coerces Jo into using her job to smuggle drugs, and Ashley Thomas (Them, Top Boy) as Jo's ex, Customs Officer, Dom Delaney. As Jo becomes ensnared in the murky underworld of corruption and hired killers, she is forced to carry out their orders while desperately trying to find a way out. She turns to her ex, Dom, for help; however, no matter how far Jo finds herself from her old life, her mission remains the same, to keep her son alive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Joining the ensemble cast are Bronagh Waugh as Melanie, Harry Cadby as Sonny, Corinna Brown as Kayla and Ambreen Razia as Zara. Where do you know the cast from? For viewers familiar with British TV, Katherine Kelly will be a very familiar face. She famously played Becky McDonald on ITV's iconic soap Coronation Street from 2006 to 2012. After departing the cobbles of Weatherfield, she has had plenty of memorable roles. She was Lady Mae in Mr Selfridge and DI Jodie Shackleton in Happy Valley. Most recently, Katherine played DCI Hannah Wheatley in ITV's crime drama Protection. It reunited her with Happy Valley and Coronation Street co-star Siobhan Finneran. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She was also Angela van Den Bogerd in Mr Bates vs The Post Office. What time is In Flight on TV? The show will make its debut on live TV tonight (August 12). It will be on Channel 4 from 9pm with episodes lasting approximately an hour. New episodes of In Flight will be broadcast weekly on the broadcaster. For those who can't wait the full boxset is available on Channel 4's on demand platform. If you love TV, check out our Screen Babble podcast to get the latest in TV and film.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street recasts actor after just one year as replacement filming already
There is set to be a new face on Coronation Street in a few weeks as one character gets recast, with the fourth actor taking on the role in the ITV soap Coronation Street as recast a beloved character after just one year on screen, with the fourth star now taking on the role. The ITV soap has rejigged its cast as a new actor will appear on the Cobbles very soon. The character has been part of the ITV show for eight years, but will now be taken on by a new actor. Harry Platt, who is the son of Sarah Barlow, had been played by Carter J Murphy. He took on the part of actress Tina O'Brien's child, having filled in from twins Freddie and Isaac Rhodes. It comes as a former Coronation Street resident is sentenced to four years in prison offscreen. However, Carter's departure from the soap comes with a good reason. He has landed a huge role in Matilda the Musical and could no longer carry on with his commitments on Corrie. Carter has decided to step away from his role for a year, with a new actor called Josh filling in for him. He will make his debut on the Cobbles in the coming weeks, according to the Sun. Character Harry was born in 2016 following Sarah's fling with baddie Callum Logan, played by Sean Ward. Twins Freddie and Isaac played the role from 2017 to last year. It wasn't Carter's first taste of the big screen thanks to landing the role of a young Robbie Williams in his upcoming movie Better Man. Speaking to press about Carter joining the soap, Jack P Shepherd said: "They've just recast the lad who plays Harry. "Carter is very, very confident." He made his debut on screens in December last year. Just last month, Corrie saw a new actress step into a role following the recasting of a character. Grace Ashcroft-Gardiner stepped into the shoes of Lily Platt on the beloved ITV soap. The young actress couldn't contain her joy as she announced her new gig to her followers, taking over from Brooke Malonie who portrayed Lily since 2016. Grace said: "I am so excited to share my news that I have joined the cast of Coronation Street playing the role of Lily Platt." She went on to thank the Stagebox team for their pivotal role in her journey. The young star added: "It's been a brilliant few months since my first audition, which wouldn't have happened without the fantastic Stagebox team (who I can't thank enough! ). "The whole Corrie team, the cast and crew have been absolutely amazing, I couldn't have asked for any more support during my first few weeks filming on the cobbles." Sydney Martin, who plays Betsy Swain, commented: "Smashing it! ! I love the sass you give her." Jack P Shepherd, who plays her on-screen father David Platt, chimed in: "Yay! Great to have part of the family Grace." Grace became the sixth actress to step into the shoes of Lily since the character's introduction in 2013.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Coronation Street fans 'rumble' what Costello is hiding - and truth about Kit
Coronation Street spoilers have teased a secret involving DI Costello on the ITV soap and fans are convinced it's linked to Lisa Swain's late wife Becky Swain and a Kit Green plot Viewers of Coronation Street are convinced they have rumbled a major twist in an ongoing storyline with Lisa Swain. Perhaps we have all been looking in the wrong direction where corrupt officers may be concerned. Recently Lisa was shown fearing that her late wife Becky, who died years earlier after being hit by a car, may have been a corrupt police officer after comments made by the Radcliffe brothers. Then Kit Green, Lisa's colleague, proved himself to be a little bit dodgy, so when Lisa found out he was looking into Becky's files she confronted him. But now there's speculation Kit might not be the one to watch out for, and he might actually have uncovered something truly shocking. It comes as spoilers revealed DI Costello, Lisa's boss, would warn her to keep away from Kit, while also issuing an almost threat to Kit himself. READ MORE: Emmerdale Vinny star warns of 'shocking and emotional' scenes as new storyline revealed Next week there's an incident with Kit and newcomer Eli, a client who has a meeting at Carla Connor's factory. Later in the week after drama with Kit's partner Sarah Platt, Eli claims he was intimidated. He reports Kit at the station, and soon Costello is questioning him. Taking him into a room, the inspector puts Kit on desk duty for the foreseeable future. He then suggests that if anyone asks why, then to say it's because of his injuries to avoid a formal inquiry. Wanting no one to go digging it seems, this then happens again later on. After the drama with Kit, weeks on from him warning his colleague after he tried to access Becky's files, Costello is still seemingly against the detective. So when he pulls Lisa aside and advises her to stay away from Kit and to keep their relationship as professional, she's left concerned. Taken aback, she'll no doubt wonder what Kit's done, with Costello making a comment about him dragging Lisa down with him. It's clear Costello doesn't want the pair talking, and now fans think there is an ulterior motive. With Lisa having looked into Becky's files and been stopped and Kit facing the same thing, something is surely being covered up. So when Kit admits next week that he dug into things anyway, are we about to find out that Kit knows something, and could this be why Costello is getting him out of the way? According to spoilers Kit claims a case he was working on seemed to be linked to something Becky was working on before her death. Now fans are sure that this may have led to her death and it could see Kit unravel the truth about what happened, and perhaps Costello is the corrupt officer given his desperation to stop things being looked into. Taking to social media one fan theorised: "Costello is bent." Another viewer said: "Definitely thinking it's DI Costello who's corrupt and hiding secrets about Becky/the case? He's satisfied that Lisa is over asking questions but now that Kit is still asking questions he puts him on desk duty." A third fan posted: "For this theory, I have to put my exasperation with Kit as a character to one side. Costello trying to drive a wedge between Lisa and Kit will have the opposite effect. They'll both land on the same page and work together to uncover whatever it is Costello is hiding." One post said: "Does Kit discover something about Becky's death…is the case Tia Wardley's and does someone at the nick give Lisa the heads up about it?" A final tweet read: "My gut is telling me that Kit is actually the good guy, that he discovers a massive cover up involving Costello and it turns out he is the only one Lisa has actually been able to trust all along, my gut may be way wrong but just putting this out there." Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
