Sue Cleaver, known for playing Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street, looks unrecognisable in her new stage role after leaving the soap in 2025. The 63-year-old actress has joined the cast of the touring production of Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies, and fans have been left floored by her transformation.
Cleaver had been a regular on the Cobbles for more than 20 years before moving on to her next chapter. After footage emerged showing her stepping into the shoes of a new character, viewers have been taken aback by her new look.
Fans react to Sue Cleaver's transformation
A video shared by dinnerladies the play read: "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." Social media posts followed, with many people saying the same thing - they think Sue looks unrecognisable.
One said: "Noooo wayyyyyyyyyy. I had to look at this twice hahaha awesome! Should be good!" Another added: "I thought Sue Cleaver was Madge from Neighbours for a second there! Great cast but still sad that Victoria is gone."
A third noted: "I didn't recognise Sue Cleaver." Meanwhile, a fourth commented: "Woop woop." One more noted: "Also… the fact you was actually in the show makes this even more iconic. Well done Sue."
New role in Dinnerladies tour
In the clip, Cleaver and the cast appear in costume, and she looks very different - with longer hair, a bold uniform and a totally contrasting image, she looks worlds away from the character of Eileen. The actress will appear alongside old pal Les Dennis in the touring production.
Cleaver takes on the role of grumpy Jean, formerly played by actress Anne Reid. In a previous interview, she 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 played bread delivery woman Glenda in the original TV show, which ran from 1998 to 2000 on BBC1. She is the only actor in the new production who actually starred in the series. The dinnerladies UK tour starts in January with tickets available now at dinnerladiestheplay.co.uk.
