Coronation Street Star Claire Sweeney Announces Departure for Iconic Stage Role
In a significant casting shift for one of Britain's most enduring television dramas, beloved Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney has confirmed her exit from the ITV soap after a three-year tenure on the Weatherfield cobbles. The 54-year-old performer, who joined the cast in 2023 portraying Cassie Plummer, is set to leave the programme this summer to pursue a long-held theatrical ambition.
Dream Role Prompts Soap Exit
The catalyst for Sweeney's departure is her casting in the coveted role of Miss Hannigan for the forthcoming UK tour of the classic stage musical Annie. A spokesperson for Coronation Street confirmed the news, stating: 'We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play. Cassie will be on the cobbles until the summer during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield leading up to a great exit storyline.'
According to industry sources, Sweeney informed ITV executives of her decision last year after securing the theatrical part. Initially, there were hopes she might balance both commitments, but the extensive touring schedule for Annie ultimately made this impossible. 'Claire loves Corrie but she's always wanted to play Miss Hannigan,' revealed an insider. 'She told bosses early enough that they were able to create an exciting and explosive exit storyline for her.'
Cassie Plummer's Weatherfield Journey
During her time on Coronation Street, Sweeney's character Cassie Plummer arrived in Weatherfield as a recovering drug user, estranged from her mother Evelyn Plummer, played by Dame Maureen Lipman. The role provided numerous dramatic opportunities, including a romantic storyline with Steve McDonald, portrayed by Simon Gregson, and a notable rivalry with established character Tracy Barlow, played by Kate Ford.
Reflecting on her soap appointment, Sweeney previously described joining Coronation Street at age 52 as 'a real turning point in my career.' In an interview with Woman's Weekly magazine, she elaborated: '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."' She added: 'But when I got into Corrie at the age of 52, it was a lovely, lovely surprise. With Corrie, I'm so appreciating it and I'm staying in the moment.'
Return to Acting Roots
For Sweeney, the Coronation Street role represented a welcome return to her acting origins. She first achieved prominence playing Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4's groundbreaking soap Brookside, appearing intermittently between 1991 and 2003. Following that success, she diversified her career with television presenting work, numerous stage musical appearances, and participation in reality programmes including Celebrity Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing, and Dancing On Ice.
The actress has expressed particular gratitude for how Coronation Street has reintroduced her to mainstream audiences as a dramatic performer. 'It's nice to be known as an actor again,' she remarked. '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.'
Viewers can expect Cassie Plummer's storyline to develop significantly throughout the coming months, building toward what producers promise will be a memorable summer departure. Coronation Street continues its regular broadcast schedule on ITV1, with episodes available for streaming via ITVX.
