Former Coronation Street actress Sue Cleaver, 63, looks completely different following an unexpected makeover for her new stage role. The soap legend, known for playing Eileen Grimshaw, has been transformed for the touring production of Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies, and fans say she looks unrecognisable.
Cleaver left Coronation Street in 2025 after more than two decades on the cobbles. It has now been confirmed she has landed a new part in the theatre, and a clip posted by dinnerladies the play shows her in full costume alongside the rest of the cast.
Fans react to Sue Cleaver's transformation
The clip, captioned "Meet the cast of dinnerladies! Get to know the faces behind Victoria Wood's iconic characters, coming together on stage for this much-loved classic," has prompted a wave of social media reactions. Many viewers say they did not recognise the actress.
One person wrote: "Noooo wayyyyyyyyyy. I had to look at this twice hahaha awesome! Should be good!" Another commented: "I thought Sue Cleaver was Madge from Neighbours for a second there! Great cast but still sad that Victoria is gone."
A third said: "I didn't recognise Sue Cleaver," while a fourth added: "Woop woop." One more observed: "Also... the fact you was actually in the show makes this even more iconic. Well done Sue."
New role in Dinnerladies tour
In the footage, Cleaver appears with longer hair, a striking uniform and a very different look from her character Eileen. She will star alongside longtime friend Les Dennis in the touring version of Dinnerladies, taking on the part of cantankerous Jean, previously played by actress Anne Reid.
Speaking previously to the Mirror, Cleaver said: "When they asked me, I just thought, 'I can't not do this'." She added: "I love Anne, and I've always loved the character of Jean. It felt a very natural fit for me - I'm really looking forward to it, 'cause she's got some of the best, most deadpan lines, hasn't she? As an aggressive depressive who knows it all."
Cleaver previously appeared in the original television programme as bread delivery woman Glenda. She is the only performer in the new production who featured in the series, which aired from 1998 to 2000 on BBC1. The Dinnerladies UK tour starts in January, with tickets available now at dinnerladiestheplay.co.uk.
