Sue Cleaver, best known for playing Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street for 25 years, has announced her return to television. The actress will appear as a contestant on the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef, just over a year after her final scenes aired on the ITV soap.
Coronation Street Exit
Cleaver left Coronation Street in January 2025, with her final episode airing on June 6, 2025. In the storyline, Eileen Grimshaw left Weatherfield for Thailand after being offered a chance to invest in a bar with her son Jason. The actress had previously stated that she left the show on her own terms, having made the decision years earlier.
Celebrity MasterChef Return
On July 30, 2026, Cleaver shared a promotional photo on Instagram wearing a MasterChef apron with the caption: "Coming soon to BBC." The post drew excited responses from friends and fans, including Emmerdale star Lisa Riley who commented: "Yes Sue. This is ace." BBC Radio 1's Melvin Odoom replied: "Looking good Sue," and former MasterChef winner Simon Wood wrote: "YEAAASSSS Sue!!!!!"
Contestants Lineup
Celebrity MasterChef returns for its 21st series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, though a premiere date has not yet been confirmed. Cleaver will compete in week three alongside DJ Melvin Odoom, Paralympic athlete Lauren Steadman, YouTuber and comedian Max Fosh, and singer Una Healy. Other confirmed contestants include Love Island’s Shakira Khan, comedian Joe Pasquale, The Wanted star Jay McGuinness, actress Donna Preston, Gladiator 'Dynamite' Emily Steel, former EastEnders actor Nitin Ganatra, and content creator Tom Simons.
