Behind the bright lights and beloved drama of Coronation Street, an unexpected storm has been brewing between two of its longest-serving stars — Sue Cleaver and Simon Gregson. Known to millions as Eileen Grimshaw and Steve McDonald, their on-screen chemistry has brought laughter and heart to Weatherfield for years. But now, shocking revelations from behind the scenes have fans reeling as Cleaver admits that her co-star once became “impossible” to work with after a chaotic on-set incident changed everything. The revelation, coming after her recent departure from the ITV soap, has peeled back the curtain on one of the most fascinating behind-the-scenes feuds in Coronation Street history — one filled with humor, tension, and deep affection that only decades of working together could create.

Sue Cleaver, who has portrayed the no-nonsense Eileen Grimshaw since 2000, shocked fans when she opened up about her working relationship with Simon Gregson, the actor who has played Steve McDonald since the early 1990s. In a candid interview, Cleaver revealed that while she and Gregson shared a deep respect and genuine fondness for one another, their on-set antics sometimes spiraled out of control. The actress laughed as she recalled moments where Simon’s mischievous behavior pushed her to her limits — so much so that filming certain scenes became nearly impossible. What began as harmless fun eventually turned into full-blown chaos on set, leaving both stars struggling to stay in character during emotional scenes.

According to Sue, Simon’s sense of humor was both his greatest strength and his biggest challenge as a co-star. She described him as “a child trapped in a man’s body” — endlessly entertaining, but utterly unpredictable. Their behind-the-scenes friendship was legendary among the cast, with the pair constantly trying to make each other laugh during filming. But one infamous incident, which has now become soap legend, reportedly left Sue struggling to work with him for days. During a particularly serious scene, Simon decided to lighten the mood by creating a ridiculous “Eileen Grimshaw diary” — complete with hand-drawn caricatures and crude jokes. As the cameras rolled, he slipped the diary under Sue’s script, and when she opened it, she burst into uncontrollable laughter, ruining the take entirely.

While the incident was harmless in intent, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The scene was meant to be deeply emotional, dealing with one of Eileen’s many heartbreaks, and the production team had been working under a tight schedule. Sue recalled that after the laughter subsided, she turned to Simon and jokingly told him she would “never forgive him” for ruining her dramatic moment. Though both actors laughed it off later, Sue admitted that for a short while after, she genuinely struggled to keep a straight face whenever she was on set with him. “I couldn’t look at him without cracking up,” she said. “It was ridiculous — he’d just raise an eyebrow, and I’d lose it completely.”

Simon Gregson, known for his cheeky charm and prankster reputation, has long been a favorite among his castmates for bringing levity to even the most stressful filming days. His playful relationship with co-stars like Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald) and Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow) has been the source of countless behind-the-scenes stories. However, this latest revelation shows how that same humor can sometimes create challenges for fellow actors trying to stay in character. Insiders say Simon’s spontaneous antics are part of what makes him such a beloved figure on the Coronation Street set — but they also acknowledge that his “wild energy” can make filming a rollercoaster.

Sue Cleaver’s confession has reignited interest in the unique dynamics that exist between soap stars who spend decades working side by side. For over 20 years, she and Simon have portrayed two of Weatherfield’s most grounded and relatable characters, often caught in the middle of family drama, heartbreak, and romantic misadventures. Off-screen, their friendship has mirrored that of siblings — full of teasing, banter, and the occasional clash. “We’ve been through everything together,” Cleaver explained. “There’s laughter, frustration, and absolute affection. It’s like family — sometimes you drive each other mad, but you wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Following Cleaver’s recent decision to step away from the show after 25 years, many fans have expressed sadness over the thought of Weatherfield without Eileen Grimshaw. Her departure marks the end of an era for Coronation Street, and her revelation about her working relationship with Gregson adds a bittersweet touch to her farewell. She emphasized that despite their occasional difficulties, she will always cherish their shared history. “Simon is one of a kind,” she said fondly. “He’s infuriating, hilarious, and utterly brilliant. I wouldn’t have survived the Street without him.”

Gregson himself has yet to publicly respond to Cleaver’s comments, but sources close to the actor insist that the two remain on excellent terms. One insider described their dynamic as “a love-hate friendship built on years of laughter and loyalty.” Another added, “Sue and Simon have this unspoken bond — they can bicker one minute and be in tears of laughter the next. That’s what makes their chemistry so special.”

The Coronation Street cast and crew have also weighed in, with several colleagues recalling the hilarious tension that occasionally filled the studio when Sue and Simon were filming together. One crew member recalled an unforgettable day when the pair had to shoot a funeral scene — and Simon accidentally set off a chain of laughter that lasted for twenty minutes. “It was chaos,” the crew member said. “Sue tried to stay serious, but Simon kept whispering lines under his breath. We ended up doing ten takes before we got it right.”

This glimpse into their working relationship offers a rare, humanizing look at life behind the camera on Britain’s most famous soap. It’s a reminder that even in a world filled with fictional heartbreak and scandal, the real magic of Coronation Street lies in the camaraderie of its cast — the laughter, the tears, and the friendships that endure beyond the screen.

As Coronation Street

continues to evolve with new storylines and younger faces, longtime fans can take comfort in knowing that the heart of the show — the warmth, humor, and unpredictability — remains intact. The Cleaver-Gregson saga serves as a beautiful example of the bonds that form when people share not just years of work, but a shared love for storytelling.

In the end, what could have been remembered as a simple prank has become part of Coronation Street legend — a story of two actors whose laughter brought life to the cobbles and whose friendship survived even the most impossible moments. Sue Cleaver may have said goodbye to Weatherfield, but her connection to Simon Gregson and the unforgettable history they created together will forever remain a cherished chapter in the show’s rich legacy.