Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver 'sent hugs' by fans after bold move

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has bravely shared her stories of "chronic overthinking, anxiety and self-doubt" as she makes a bold business move away from the cobbles.

The 60-year-old actress, who is famed for playing Eileen Grimshaw in the ITV soap, revealed back in April that she planned to release her first book, "A Work In Progress", this September.

She said the book will tackle a number of issues including overthinking and losing faith in yourself. In an Instagram video, also shared by Bloomsbury Publishing who are behind the project, she said: "It's about my journey about my struggles with all of those things, especially overthinking and worrying and panicking about things. I just wanted to get on here and share it with you."

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The caption of the post, meanwhile, read: "Are you a chronic overthinker, do you have anxiety, or suffer from self-doubt? Sue Cleaver has been there, done that, and is still learning from it. In A Work in Progress, Cleaver shares her experiences and life stories, reflects on how they made her feel and what she learned, and offers advice and wisdom for others who find themselves in similar situations.

"Training as a therapist was only the start of her journey of self-discovery and at sixty she feels more empowered to live life to the full than ever before. I’ve spent a lifetime feeling that I’m not enough or I don’t belong."

A quote from Sue added: "It’s only now that I’m beginning to find my voice. I’m also aware that there is plenty for me to learn. I’m still a work in progress, but for the first time in my life, I have reached a point where I’m no longer hiding, and that feels good."

And as she prepares for the release, Sue has shared how she'll be sharing snippets of her own experiences and lessons she's learnt along the way on social media. In a new video shared on Instagram, the soap star said: "Hi guys, so here's something I've learned. When we believe our negative and critical thoughts about ourselves, we suffer.

"But we can choose not to listen to that tired old voice. Just because we think something, it doesn't make it true. And so it's really helpful to notice when our habitual toxic thoughts, 'I'm not good enough. I'm a bad person,' notice when they're creating in and distorting our real lives and remind ourselves that's all they are, they're thoughts. We don't have to listen to them and we don't have to believe them."

Sue then wrote alongside the post: "My very first book, #AWorkInProgress, is out in September, and I can’t wait for you to read it. In A Work in Progress, I share my experiences and life stories, reflecting on how they made me feel.

"I’ve recorded a series of videos to give you a sneak peek into the helpful tips and comforting advice included in the book – keep an eye on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss any! Today, some words on self-critical thoughts… A Work in Progress is available for pre-order now, at the link in my bio!"

Corrie co-star Sally Dynevor was among the first to respond, writing: "So true." Sally Carman-Duttine also commented: "Yes Sue!" While her fans and followers also show their support.

@susannaspencer05 said: "You are so right, looking fab too." @irene_estry wrote: "Sending hugs lovely Sue. You're looking fab." @joe_connor1234 commented: "The cover is stunning!" @alyssonhill added: "Looking forward to reading your book."

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