Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney has revealed she battles with a psychological condition that leaves her doubting her abilities as an actress. The 54-year-old, who plays Cassie Plummer, mum to Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and daughter of Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman), arrived on the cobbles in 2023.
Claire landed her dream role on the popular soap after more than two decades in the spotlight, including her memorable stint as Lindsey Corkhill on Channel 4’s Brookside.
Despite establishing herself as a seasoned actress, the star admitted she battles with imposter syndrome – described as persistent feelings of inadequacy, despite clear evidence of achievement.
The British Medical Association adds that it creates the sensation of chronic self-doubt, which can feel both undermining and isolating with individuals, and over a prolonged period, can act as a significant contributor to burnout.
Claire revealed these feelings first emerged after she landed her debut television role, despite having zero acting experience before her audition.
“I kept quiet, watched and learned,” she revealed on The Speakmans Hope Clinic podcast.
“I have terrible imposter syndrome, I still do now in Corrie, I still get it sometimes.”
Pressed further on the issue by the Speakmans, she continued: “Oh god all the time, all the time. Like what you said before, your instinct is like, ‘Oh I’ve been very lucky’, well actually I worked hard and I’ve earned the miles, do you know what I mean, I’ve earned my stripes, but I do still get it.”
Looking back on her time on Brookside, she added: “I spent six years being shocked every time my contract got renewed, six years, even now, I never expect a contract to get renewed.
“I’m like why should we think [that]? Our business is not based on safety is it and security, it’s transient.”
Claire went on to say that she believes having no expectations with contracts has kept her “humble”.
“I still love learning, I still go for singing lessons, I’m always watching, like you know, working with Bill Roche, watching him work, I mean he’s fantastic, Simon Gregson, I watch these people who have been in the show for years and I’m still learning,” she added.
Since her arrival on the Cobbles, Claire’s drug-addicted character has attempted to get clean and turn her life around.
However, while working as a carer, viewers witnessed her drugging and stealing from Ken Barlow while he was under her care.
Once her behaviour was exposed, she lost her job and nearly faced rejection from her son and mother, until Evelyn convinced him not to abandon her.
Earlier this month, Claire confirmed that more drama lies ahead after putting pen to paper on a fresh year-long contract with the soap. “To be there for another year, I felt honoured and absolutely thrilled. I just love the job and I’ve been very lucky with my storylines as well,” she shared with Woman’s Weekly magazine.
“From going in as the druggie, doing heavy, dramatic stuff with Maureen Lipman, then doing nice light comedy stuff with Simon Gregson and catty stuff with Kate Ford. It’s great, brilliantly written stuff.”