Sue Cleaver’s weight loss is the result of a comprehensive lifestyle overhaul involving the elimination of alcohol, the adoption of a Mediterranean-style diet, and a commitment to managing her Type 2 diabetes with advanced glucose monitoring technology. The Coronation Street icon, who famously portrayed Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years, has lost over three stone (42 lbs) since 2022, dropping from a dress size 16 to a size 12. While her stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in late 2022 contributed to her initial slimming, Sue has been firm in 2026 that her more recent “dramatic” weight loss was actually due to significant health challenges, including a hysterectomy and a subsequent stint in intensive care. She has spent much of early 2026 debunking “get rich quick” scams and weight loss gummy advertisements that falsely use her image, instead advocating for “living fearlessly” and prioritizing mental well-being over dress size.
The Core Pillars of Sue’s Transformation
Sue Cleaver’s journey is rooted in sustainable lifestyle shifts rather than restrictive dieting or “miracle” supplements.
Ditching the “Lockdown Wine”
One of the most significant factors in Sue’s weight loss was her decision to almost entirely eliminate alcohol. She revealed that during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she found herself drinking “lots of red wine” while cooking, which contributed to weight gain and a “mental fog.” After completing a “Dry January,” she realized that her life was “absolutely great” without the hangovers, eventually leading to a two-year period of sobriety that she credits for much of her three-stone loss.
The Mediterranean Approach
Sue adopts a Mediterranean-style diet, which is widely regarded as one of the healthiest eating patterns for heart health and blood sugar management.
Key Foods: A focus on fresh vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fish.
Unsaturated Fats: Using olive oil as a primary fat source rather than butter or lard.
Low Sugar: As a Type 2 diabetic, Sue strictly limits high-sugar snacks, swapping them for nutrient-dense alternatives.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes in 2026
Sue has become a prominent advocate for diabetes awareness, using her platform to “dial down the noise” surrounding the condition.
Modern Technology and Monitoring
In 2025 and 2026, Sue partnered with Dexcom to highlight the benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). She describes the mental fatigue of diabetes as an “app running in the background,” constantly worrying about blood sugar spikes or hypoglycemic events while performing live. By using a CGM sensor, she can check her levels on her phone, which she says has been “life-changing” for her career in theatre and on Loose Women.
The Impact of Stress
Sue has openly discussed how adrenaline and stress from her professional life—such as being on the set of Coronation Street or performing in Sister Act The Musical—can cause her blood sugar to “skyrocket.” Managing this requires a delicate balance of medication and timing her meals to ensure she has enough energy for a two-hour show without risking a “hypo.”
2023 Health Crisis and Weight Loss
It is crucial to distinguish between Sue’s intentional weight loss and the weight she lost due to illness.
Hysterectomy and Intensive Care
In early 2023, Sue underwent a hysterectomy, which was followed by a series of complications that landed her in A&E and eventually intensive care. During this “scary time,” she lost a significant amount of weight—what she described as “too much weight”—leaving her feeling “shocking” at the time. She has been adamant that this specific drop in size was not the result of a diet but a side effect of serious surgery and recovery.
Debunking the Gummy Scams
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Sue has been “incensed” by companies using her name to sell “Keto Gummies.” She has repeatedly issued social media warnings to her fans, stating that she has never used these products and would never advocate for “quick fix” diet supplements. Her message remains consistent: her weight loss came from “the jungle, the booze, and health issues,” not a pill.
Life After Coronation Street: The 2026 “Reinvention”
As of March 2026, Sue Cleaver has moved into a new era of her life, focusing on personal discovery and theatrical roles.
Her 2025 Soap Exit
After 25 years, Sue’s character Eileen Grimshaw left Weatherfield for a new life in Thailand. Sue requested a “happy ending” to mirror her own desire for freedom and adventure as she entered her 60s. She recently stated, “This decade is for me,” emphasizing that she is no longer putting herself second after years of prioritizing her family and mortgage.
Theatre and New Horizons
Sue’s recent work in Sister Act The Musical saw her returning to the stage for the first time in 30 years. The physical demands of rehearsals at Pineapple Studios—which she jokingly noted made her “creak everywhere”—have become her new form of exercise. She now views the gym and physical activity not as a way to “be thin,” but as a tool for maintaining the energy required for her “fearless” new lifestyle.
Practical Information and Health Tips
For those looking to follow a similar path to wellness, here is the factual breakdown of Sue’s routine.
The “Decade of Me” Checklist
Alcohol Intake: Minimal to zero. Sue views social drinking as a choice rather than a dependency.
Exercise Regime: Attempting to visit the gym every day during the week, focusing on mobility and strength.
Glucose Tracking: Utilizing CGM technology for real-time blood sugar data.
Mental Health: Prioritizing “living fearlessly” and refusing to let society’s “obsession” with age or size dictate her happiness.
Tips for Managing Body Image
Sue encourages women to compliment others on their “smile or outfit” rather than their weight. She believes that the constant focus on body size is “painful” and “fatphobic,” and she advocates for a culture that supports individuals rather than shaming them for their health choices.
FAQs
Did Sue Cleaver use weight loss injections?
No. Sue has consistently refuted suggestions that she used weight loss jabs (like Ozempic), attributing her transformation to giving up alcohol, her time in the jungle, and health issues.
How much weight did Sue Cleaver lose?
Sue is widely reported to have lost three stone (42 lbs), moving from a size 16 to a size 12.
What is the “Mediterranean diet” Sue follows?
It is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish, with very little red meat, sugar, or processed foods.
Why was Sue Cleaver in intensive care?
Following a hysterectomy in March 2023, Sue suffered complications that required emergency surgery and a stay in the ICU.
Does Sue Cleaver have diabetes?
Yes, Sue was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2011 after collapsing on the set of Coronation Street.
What are the “Keto Gummies” Sue mentioned?
These are part of a widespread online scam using Sue’s image without permission. She has stated she has never used them and they are “crap.”
Is Sue Cleaver still in Coronation Street?
No, she exited the soap in June 2025 after 25 years. Her character, Eileen, moved to Thailand.
What is Sue Cleaver’s age in 2026?
Sue Cleaver is 62 years old, having celebrated her 60th birthday in 2023.
How did I’m A Celebrity affect her weight?
The “jungle diet” of rice and beans (roughly 700 calories a day) led to an initial significant weight drop during her three-week stay in 2022.
What does Sue Cleaver say about HRT?
Sue started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) around 2021/2022 and says it gave her a massive boost of energy, making her feel like a “different human being.”
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