Coronation Street star Alan Halsall has expressed his hope that Claire Sweeney will return to the ITV soap after her character Cassie Plummer exits the cobbles. Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs, spoke about the emotional departure of his on-screen mother and the impact it has on the character.
Claire Sweeney's Exit and New Role
Claire Sweeney made her debut on Coronation Street in 2023 as Cassie Plummer, a drug user who was revealed to be the long-lost mother of Tyrone Dobbs and the estranged daughter of Evelyn. However, the actress is set to leave the show to take on the role of Miss Hannigan in the upcoming tour of Annie, starting in July. She will replace Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix, who debuts in the role when the tour begins in Wimbledon on May 23.
Speaking on Ireland AM earlier this month, Sweeney confirmed she has already filmed her final scenes and teased that Cassie's departure from Weatherfield will be "explosive."
Alan Halsall on Tyrone's Future
Alan Halsall has shared his thoughts on what lies ahead for Tyrone, as the exit of Cassie coincides with the arrival of his biological father in Weatherfield for the first time. According to new spoilers, Tyrone's daughters Hope and Ruby have secretly sent off a DNA sample and traced his dad, leading to a surprise meeting at the Bistro.
Halsall said: "I love it. When Tyrone first came into the show, he was essentially on his own. So, to have four generations of family built around myself and Fiz—it makes me really proud as an actor. Multigenerational storytelling is something I really associate with Coronation Street."
Cassie's Dramatic Exit Storyline
In upcoming episodes, Cassie discovers Hope and Ruby engrossed in an email on Hope's phone but they refuse to explain. Meanwhile, Tyrone and Fiz's romantic evening is interrupted by Cassie, Steve McDonald, and Tracy Barlow. Cassie decides to make a bold move and proposes to Steve in the cab office, but he is seen helping Tracy with a flower delivery, leading Cassie to drown her sorrows and make a pass at another man.
After a bender, a self-loathing Cassie returns home and accepts an invitation to a family meal at the Bistro, where Hope and Ruby reveal their surprise: Tyrone's father Ross has arrived. Halsall commented on Cassie's exit: "For Tyrone, he’s sick of the lies and the trouble she brings to his door. He’s a family man and wants his mum in his life, but he has his own issues without Cassie adding to them."
Halsall's Personal Wishes for Sweeney
Halsall, who gets along well with Sweeney off-screen, said: "Personally, I get on so well with Claire, so it feels like we’re missing a member of the family. She has a great opportunity to play Miss Hannigan in Annie, and I wish her all the best, but I hope to see my mum again soon."
