I lost weight by QUITTING BOOZE!

Actor Sue Cleaver on life after 60, her three-stone weight-loss journey and her new role on daytime TV

- SUE CRAWFORD

She’s spent the past 24 years entertaining us as Coronation Street’s comically outspoken Eileen Grimshaw, but now Sue Cleaver is spreading her wings. As well as being offered a more regular role as a Loose Women panellist, she’s about to star as Mother Superior in an ongoing UK tour of the musical Sister Act.

Sue, 60, who has a 28-year-old son, Elliot, and four grandchildren, lives in Manchester with her husband, TV lighting technician Brian Owen.

She talks to us about giving up drink, losing weight in the I’m A Celebrity... jungle and camping with her Corrie castmates.

You’re soon to start touring with Sister Act, how long is it since you last appeared on stage?

My background was theatre and it was my first love, but it’s 20-odd years since I was last on stage. I’ve really missed it, so when the opportunity came up it was a no-brainer. It’s scary, but I’m hoping it’s going to be like riding a bike.

Why have you waited so long?