Claire Sweeney has spoken about how Coronation Street has been a “real turning point” in her career. The Scouser has been a fan favourite on the Cobbles ever since she debuted as Cassandra Plummer in 2023.
Claire’s onscreen counterpart is a recovering drug addict and storylines have revolved around her overcoming her demons to repair her estranged relationship with son, Tyrone Dobbs, and mum, Evelyn Plummer. Claire turned 54 this year and the former Brookside star said the role came at a time when she she was having “a wobble” in an ew interview with Women’s Weekly Magazine.
She said: “I think most women have a wobble when they turn 50. You become a bit reflective. You look where you are. And at the time I just thought, ‘You know what? I’m still working. I’m still doing work that I love and I can never grumble.
“I’ve done brilliant things in my life and in my career, and I’m grateful and thankful.’ “But when I got into Corrie at the age of 52, it was a lovely, lovely surprise and a real turning point for me.
“When I was younger, I wouldn’t think, ‘This is fabulous.’ It would be, ‘What’s next?’ “But with Corrie, I’m so appreciating it and I’m staying in the moment.”
In an interview with the ECHO last year, Claire revealed her current contract on the ITV soap was running until June. However, she has now confirmed that her stint on the Cobbles has been extended for another year.
She said: “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.
“From going in as the druggie, doing heavy, dramatic stuff with Maureen Lipman, then doing nice light comedy stuff with Simon Gregson [Steve McDonald] and catty stuff with Kate Ford [Tracy Barlow].
“It’s great, brilliantly written stuff.” Claire shot to stardom as Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside from 1991 until 2003, before she went on to present TV programmes, take on roles in stage musicals and appear in several reality TV shows, including Celebrity Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing,
She is grateful to return to screens, as she added: “It’s nice to be known as an actor again. I landed the role in Brookside for six years, and then I went away and did loads of presenting work and musical theatre.
“So to get back to acting in one of the best shows on TV, Coronation Street, was great. I’ve watched it since I was a kid.” In her interview with the ECHO last year, Claire hailed her Walton roots for giving her the tools for success in showbiz.
She said: “Careers go up and down like that. One minute your high and the next minute there’s a dip. I’ve learned to just laugh and accept things for what they are and not take things too seriously. Being a Scouser has given me humility.
“You can never get big headed in this city. Everybody has got a word for you, which is brilliant. Everybody has got humour.” Claire divides her time between Liverpool and London and remains deeply connected to the place that shaped her.
The soap star said: “I’m so proud of this city. One of my favourite things is a Sunday afternoon on Mathew Street. The Grapes and The Rubber Soul beats any posh night out in London.
“I went down County Road yesterday. I got my lashes done on Hale Road, I got my nails done on County Road, I got my blow dry done in Zest. I got Scoused up, glammed up and came out looking a million dollars. All for the price of a manicure in London.
“Stick to County Road and Walton. You don’t need anywhere else. It’s bloody brilliant.”