TV icon quits Coronation Street with major exit story planned

Claire Sweeney is leaving Coronation Street.

The actress, who is 54, has played the role of Cassie Plummer in the ITV soap since 2023. The character is daughter to Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman), and Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall) mum.

Claire is set to leave the cobbles as she’s been cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of musical Annie, as announced by WhatsOnStage.

The star became a household name playing Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4’s Brookside. She portrayed this character on and off from 1991 until 2003. She’s also featured in reality shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Claire’s final storyline as Cassie is set to end in the summer.

Cassie rushes to help Tyrone, who has fallen over in his house in Corrie — Cassie is Tyrone’s mum (Picture: ITV)

Claire Sweeney attends the "Corriedale" Premiere at The National Science and Media Museum — Claire has played Cassie since 2023
A Coronation Street spokesperson told Metro: ‘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.’

Tyrone, Cassie’s son, had no idea she existed until a few years ago. He was brought up by a woman called Jackie, but didn’t know she wasn’t his mum until after her death.

A venture into his family history then led Tyrone to meeting Evelyn. As Cassie was introduced, we learnt that Evelyn kept her whereabouts a secret because of her drug addiction.

Cassie made her way to the cobbles and eventually met Tyrone, Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) and their children. She was determined to become a staple of Tyrone’s family, but it meant trying to get clean from drugs.

Claire has joined the cast of theatre show Annie

Cassie has managed to turn her life around though but don’t get us wrong, she’s definitely not holier than thou! Cassie very nearly became the person to kill of iconic Ken Barlow (William Roache).

In an attempt to remain his carer and continue earning money, Cassie began lacing his drinks with drugs.

Fortunately, Ken worked out what was happening before the absolutely unthinkable happened.

Cassie still faces the drama that comes with living in Weatherfield, regularly clashing with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) and navigating a relationship with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).

A cast promotion pic of theatre show Annie — Claire has played Cassie since 2023
A Coronation Street spokesperson told Metro: ‘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.’

Tyrone, Cassie’s son, had no idea she existed until a few years ago. He was brought up by a woman called Jackie, but didn’t know she wasn’t his mum until after her death.

A venture into his family history then led Tyrone to meeting Evelyn. As Cassie was introduced, we learnt that Evelyn kept her whereabouts a secret because of her drug addiction.

Cassie made her way to the cobbles and eventually met Tyrone, Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) and their children. She was determined to become a staple of Tyrone’s family, but it meant trying to get clean from drugs.

Claire has joined the cast of theatre show Annie

Cassie has managed to turn her life around though but don’t get us wrong, she’s definitely not holier than thou! Cassie very nearly became the person to kill of iconic Ken Barlow (William Roache).

In an attempt to remain his carer and continue earning money, Cassie began lacing his drinks with drugs.

Fortunately, Ken worked out what was happening before the absolutely unthinkable happened.

Cassie still faces the drama that comes with living in Weatherfield, regularly clashing with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) and navigating a relationship with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).