Coronation Street's Sue Cleaver has shared the true motivation behind her decision to leave the soap after a 25-year run.
Earlier this year, Sue, who has been a fixture in Weatherfield for over two decades, announced her departure from the show as she seeks new opportunities.
Many fans will remember her character's notorious clashes with Gail Platt, portrayed by Helen Worth, and her near-death experience at the hands of her evil ex, Pat Phelan, played by Connor McIntyre.
In a recent episode of the Three People with Rebecca Front podcast, the soap star discussed her shift in outlook, stating: "It's allowed me to make massive changes in my life, in all areas. Down to my decision to leave Corrie, I was there for, I think, over 25 years. I only said I'd go for a year."
She reflected on how Coronation Street offered her the chance to work closer to home during her early years as a mother, allowing her to spend more time with her four-year-old son: "I had a four-year-old. So when Corrie came up, I went, oh, that's great. I can be at home for a year."
Despite initially planning to stay on the show for just one year, her affection for the programme and the convenience of working locally kept her there: "And then after that year, I went, 'I don't want to not be here'. And this, you know, I get to do what I love. It is a real family environment there."
Reflecting on her time in Coronation Street, she acknowledged that the show allowed her to be present for many of her son's "firsts", but it also meant putting her own life on the "back-burner, like a lot of women".
Fast forward 24 years, with her son having moved out, she realised he "didn't need me" anymore. This led her to consider prioritising herself for the first time and accepting an offer to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! after previously declining.
The details of Sue's final scenes are yet to be confirmed, but recent episodes have seen her younger sister, Julie Carp, played by Katy Cavanagh, make a surprise return to the cobbles.
However, Julie's joyous comeback was short-lived as she revealed she was battling terminal cancer. In forthcoming episodes, viewers will witness Julie's heart-wrenching final moments on the street as she spends time with Eileen before her passing.
On a brighter note, it has been announced that Eileen's son, Jason Grimshaw, portrayed by Ryan Thomas, is set to return to the show, although the duration of his stay is still under wraps.
Speaking to Inside Soap about his return, Ryan expressed: "I'm super-excited to go back."
He further added: "It was Sue that made the phone call to me and said: 'Would you come back for my exit storyline?' And I was like, 'When my mother says you have to go back, you have to go back!'".
Sue is scheduled to feature on Celebrity Catchphrase on Sunday (May 4) at 7pm on ITV.
