The soap star is enjoying another prosperous period of her career
Claire Sweeney is proud of her Liverpudlian roots(Image: Getty Images)
Claire Sweeney confirmed she was exiting Coronation Street this week after three years on the Cobbles. The Scouser is renowned for her role as Cassandra Plummer in the ITV show and has been a fan favourite since her arrival.
Claire’s onscreen counterpart burst onto Weatherfield in dramatic circumstances as she hoped to repair her estranged relationship with Tyrone Dobbs on the iconic street. She has since established herself as part of the fabric of Corrie and is a love interest for the legendary Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson. However, her time on the show is set to come to an end this summer as Claire is moving onto pastures new.
The former Brookside star has bagged her dream role as Miss Hannigan on the cast of Annie, which is going on tour across the UK. Confirming her exit in a statement to the ECHO, an ITV spokesperson said: “We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play.
“Cassie will be on the cobbles until the summer during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield leading up to a great exit storyline.”
The show is coming to the Liverpool Empire in September and she can’t wait to perform in front of her home crowd. She said: “Liverpool I’m coming home.
“I’m delighted to be playing Miss Hannigan in Annie, the smash hit musical. We’re coming to the Empire theatre in September so you better buy your tickets.”
Away from the screen, Claire divides her time between Liverpool and London. The star is incredibly proud of her property in the city and recently showed our sister site, OK!, around her amazing property.
Claire Sweeney at a Brookside reunion on The Daffodil in Liverpool
Claire first bought her home when she was in Brookside and is still just as in love with it now as she was in the 90s. She said: “I just feel so grateful for things. I’m blessed I still love what I do and I’ve got my son and my house. I feel great.”
Claire’s beautiful home has a very contemporary feel thanks to its high ceilings and exposed brickwork. Claire gave OK! a glimpse into her bedroom, which features a large brick arch which creates a cosy alcove at the foot of her bed.
Claire told OK! that her bed is one of her favourite spots in the house. She added: “I love this room because it’s so big, spacious. But it’s got my bed which is an emperor bed, seven foot by seven foot. I’ve got my telly that comes out the bottom”
The ornate living room is adorned with majestic purple and gold wallpaper. Claire’s home was formerly a flour warehouse and boasts beautiful views. of the Liverpool waterfront from the living room.
Claire Sweeny as Cassie Plummer in Coronation Street with Simon Gregson as Steve McDonald
Claire is a proud Liverpudlian and she even has one of the city’s most iconic symbols in her home. She said: “Another one of my favourite things in here is my Lambanana. It’s a landmark in Liverpool that’s all over the city.”
In an interview with the ECHO last weekend at the big Brookside reunion party, she spoke about how the city has shaped her to be the person she is today. Claire, who was born in Walton, said: “[Being from Liverpool] taught me to laugh in the face of adversity. Scousers have humour. We have had a lot of tragedy in this city.
“And we manage to find humour, come together and stick together. Look at how many people have turned up here tonight. That says everything about Liverpool.”
She was particularly emotional at the event where she revisited the show that made her a star when she burst onto the scene as Lindsey Corkhill. Speaking about what made the show so special, she said: “I’ve filled up so many times seeing people who have meant so much to me.
Claire Sweeney as Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside
“It’s a trip down memory lane. You see someone and you have these vivid flashbacks of moments in time with these people.” She added: “Words aren’t enough to sum up how special this show was. This show just meant so much to a lot of people. Everyone has travelled from all over the country [to be there last night].”
Claire said Brookside was more than a show as the family atmosphere behind the scenes means it took on an extra special significance. She added: “Nicky Higgens, one of our producers, got me through a really bad break-up with someone who I really loved. It was not only a work thing, it was a personal thing too. People cared. [Showrunner] Sir Phil Redmond cared.”
Claire is a proud mum to her son Jaxon and previously explained how her career decisions are with him in his mind first and foremost. She said: “I’m a single mum and my decisions are not only based on the love of what I do but they’re based on stability for me and my son.”
Claire’s career is thriving and, whatever comes next, she’s determined he’s determined to embrace it as she knows it’s not always like this in showbiz.
She said: “When I was 14, I was singing in clubs in Liverpool, in the Montrose. I started earning money then and I’ve always earned. Some jobs are higher profile than others and you accept it.
“It’s the nature of the business. My agent said to me it’s your turn on the roundabout again soon. You jump on the roundabout and you jump off it and someone else gets on. I’ve been lucky that I’ve been able to earn and earn throughout.
“I’ve been dead lucky that I’ve been able to have a go of everything. Singing, dancing, acting, presenting. I love and treasure every minute.”