Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney has been flooded with messages of love and support as she spoke out on her exit from the long-running show after three years.
It was during Monday's (August 3) episode of the ITV soap, which is filmed in Salford, that the actress was seen bowing out of the programme as Cassie Plummer, who arrived back in 2023 and was revealed as the long-lost mother of Tyrone Dobbs.
But the exit wasn't a secret, as Corrie fans have known that the reformed drug addict character would be leaving Weatherfield after it was revealed that Claire would be exiting to take on her dream role as Miss Hannigan in the touring production of Annie.
Cassie's Departure Storyline
Planning her departure, Cassie announced that she had landed a job on a cruise ship and would be leaving Weatherfield. It came after she had recently been struggling with the arrival of Ross Wilkes, who was revealed as Tyrone's long-lost father after his children surprised him for his birthday by finding his dad through a DNA database.
After Ross threatened her life, determined to see the back of Ross, last week, Cassie was seen spiking his drink with some of Tyrone's painkillers, only for him to spot her, swap the drinks with Tracy, who collapsed and ended up in hospital following a drug overdose.
With the news out, Cassie has pleaded with her loved ones to believe that Ross set her up. But, having had no luck, Cassie was seen saying an emotional farewell.
She headed to the precinct where she hoped to meet her partner, Steve McDonald, to say goodbye, only Ross got there first and told Cassie that he'd give her a lift to the train station, before confessing that he framed her over Tracy's collapse. Cassie threatened to go to the police, but Ross wouldn't let her out of the car, and as he took off, it was the last time viewers saw her.
Claire's Emotional Tribute
Taking to social media as the scenes aired, Claire paid tribute to her time as Cassie, as well as her Corrie co-stars and those who work on the show. "Three years. What an incredible journey [heart emoji]," she started her post, alongside a video filled with memories both on and off screen.
"From my very first scene with Dame Maureen Lipman, to moving into the Dobbs' house with my gorgeous Tyrone @alanhalsall love you son. Fiz, the lovely Jennie Mcalpine, Hope @bellaflanaganofficial_, Ruby @billie_naylor24 and Henry… falling in love with Steve McDonald, @fat_dracula who made me laugh every day, such a loyal friend. scrapping on the cobbles with Tracy Barlow, @realkate1 one of the funniest women I know. and even poisoning poor Kenny, Bill Roache a true legend!!!"
"What a ride it's been. Thank you @ellejmulvaney for being so beautiful inside and out. A joy to work with. It was great to work with you at the end @ian.burfield."
"I've been so lucky to be trusted with such fantastic storylines by a truly brilliant team of writers, and to work with the most talented directors, crew, make-up artists, costume department production and @cazlcampbell and everyone behind the scenes who make this extraordinary show what it is. @leonmullen50 @prinny.d and all your team. I miss your fabulous food!"
"A heartfelt thank you to @thekatebrooks, Ian MacLeod, @veritymacleod and Gennie Radcliffe and her team in Casting for believing in me and bringing Cassie to life. A very special thank you to @alissinc who, for me, runs one of the best press offices in the business. Alison, you are exceptional at what you do, and one of the kindest, warmest women I know. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and your wonderful team. Thank you [heart emojis]."
Claire continued: "Thanks for all your fab pics @daniellebaguley. To my wonderful dressing-room pals @jane_hazlegrove and @suedevaney13, who I absolutely adore, and to every single member of the cast and crew, thank you for the laughter, the friendship and the memories. Thank you for the cake Rik."
"Being part of Coronation Street, such an iconic piece of British television, has been a genuine honour and a privilege. I'll treasure these three years forever. The tears you see from me in tonight's episode were very real. Thank you, @coronationstreet [heart emoji] #CoronationStreet #Corrie #CassiePlummer."
And her Corrie pals were quick to respond, as well as fans. Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone, said: "Love ya mum [heart emoji]." Amy Barlow actress Elle Mulvaney replied: "Miss you already."
