Coronation Street icon Claire Sweeney has addressed the possibility of returning to the cobbles ahead of her character Cassie Plummer's explosive exit. The actress, who joined the ITV soap in 2023, is leaving to play Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of Annie, but she hasn't ruled out a comeback.
Cassie's Troubled Journey
Cassie Plummer was introduced as a mess, deep in drug addiction, tracking down her mother Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) in Weatherfield. She revealed herself as the mother of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall), a son taken from her as a teenager. After an overdose, Evelyn sent Cassie to rehab, and they later rented a flat together. Evelyn tried to keep Cassie's identity secret, but the truth emerged, leading to a fragile reunion with Tyrone.
Cassie's dark side resurfaced when she began caring for Ken Barlow (William Roache). Desperate to keep him dependent, she laced his tea with antihistamines and stole from him. When Ken confronted her, he suffered a heart attack, making Cassie a pariah. Kicked out by Tyrone, Evelyn returned to help her again. Sleeping rough and targeted by vengeful Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), Cassie hit rock bottom before Evelyn arranged a reunion with Tyrone, and she fell for Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).
Claire Sweeney on Her Exit
Claire announced her departure in January to return to musical theatre, taking on the dream role of Miss Hannigan. Last week, she confirmed she had filmed her final scenes. But could Cassie return? Claire said: 'If the stars aligned, I'd definitely come back. Why wouldn't I? Miss Hannigan is my dream role, but I've absolutely loved being at Coronation Street too!'
The saddest part of leaving, according to Claire, is missing the chance to become Steve McDonald's eighth wife. 'I feel cheated! I'd have loved to have married him. Si is a joy to work with. I remember saying to him really excitedly 'oh God! Imagine if we get married!' But he just rolled his eyes and said 'not again.' I felt really pushed out!' she joked.
Teasing her explosive exit story, Claire told The Mirror: 'She'd finally got the stability and the family life she'd been craving. And Ross comes in and he totally turns her son's head.' Ross is Tyrone's dad, who impregnated Cassie when she was a teenage prostitute funding her drug habit. 'It took her long enough to be accepted. She knows that Ross is a wrong 'un and she knows the impact he will have, not only on her and her security, but also on everyone around her. She knows what he's about. He's dangerous, but people don't see it, because he's very good at covering it up. She's in love with Steve McDonald and Ross is opening a can of worms that she doesn't want Steve, Tyrone or anyone on the cobbles knowing about. She's started to be liked and to be accepted, so it's really sad. But it's the most fantastic exit storyline, I couldn't have wished for more.'
Emotional Farewell
Claire reflected on leaving the soap: 'You're part of a family at Coronation Street, you feel safe and protected and leaving is like stepping out into the big, wide world again. It feels like I've broken up with a boyfriend I'm still in love with. I've loved Corrie and leaving bears no reflection on the job, the people and the work. It was just that my phone pinged and it was the producer of Annie saying 'right, do you want to do Miss Hannigan.' I'd been hounding him for years for this part and I just thought – 'if I don't do it now, it might never come again.' But I think it's the hardest job I've ever had to leave and my exit is very sad; I had a little weep over my leaving scenes. I got quite emotional.'
As a memento, Claire took Cassie's trainers from her first scene. 'I always like to nick something from a job. When I was in the West End in Guys and Dolls, I nicked my pink frilly knickers! So, I've taken my very battered trainers from my first scene as Cassie.'
