ITV Coronation Street Claire Sweeney's life and 'blessed' update as she shares show exit admission

Claire Sweeney has established herself as one of Coronation Street's most popular castmembers. The 53-year-old Scouser arrived on the Cobbles as Cassandra Plummer in 2023.

The troubled character is Tyrone Dobbs biological mum and has worked hard to get back on the right path as she got a job caring for Ken Barlow. However, Cassie found herself in a desperate situation this week when the legendary character, played by William Roache, decided he no longer needed a carer.

Cassie resorted to poisoning Ken's drink in order to convince him that he was still dependent on her services. The sinister plan worked as Ken changed his mind in Friday's episode and decided to keep Cassie on.

Away from the screen, Claire admitted she was taken aback when she was presented with the storyline as she said: "I was shocked, it’s Ken Barlow, he’s a national treasure.

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"I’m going to be Public Enemy No 1! I think viewers are going to hate her. The funny thing is that they’ve just started to like her – they were finally warming to her – and then this happens.

"In my head, playing her, I’m trying to find saving graces, but I don’t know if there will be any. I’m a Corrie fan and I’d be fuming watching this. Already in the summer when I went on holiday to Majorca all the old dears were saying to me: ‘You leave Ken alone,’ ‘Don’t you be upsetting Ken now.’ And that was before I’d done anything!"

Although Cassie's plan has temporarily worked, the world of soaps usually means character's dastardly plans eventually get found out. Claire admitted it has occurred this could be the start of her exit storyline, but said she feels blessed no matter what show bosses have in store for her.

She added: "When I got this job, if you’d have told me that a year and a half later, I’d be here having a big storyline with Bill Roache, I’d have been so grateful for that.

"In my time in Corrie, I’ve had big scenes with Maureen Lipman, a big storyline with Bill Roache, I’ve got to snog Steve McDonald and have a cat fight with Tracy. What more could I want? So, if this does signal the end, I’d go – well hasn’t that been great, I’ve been blessed."

Claire has forged closed bonds with all her co-stars, incuding her onscreen son, Alan Halsall. The Tyrone Dobbs star has currently travelled Down Under to compete on I'm A Celebrity and Claire is backing him to be her winner.

She said: "Can’t wait to watch my boy in the jungle on Sunday. He’s funny, kind, witty and very smart he’s my winner!"

It has been a busy year for Claire as she has found love with Ricky Hatton on Dancing On Ice. Alan is close friends with the boxing legend and revealed he sent him a message on Father's Day

He said: "I did text Ricky Hatton saying Happy Father's Day. Love you, Dad." On whether he text him back, Alan told the ECHO and other press: "Of course he did. 'Pint of Guinness soon, son'."

Claire's romance with the former Welterweight champion continues to go from strength to strength as they regularly share updates together on social media. The two showed their support for the Football For Change charity event this month as they appeared together at the Titanic Hotel together.

Claire has previously shared the secrets to their blossoming romance as she told Lorraine: "I’ve known Ricky for like 25 years and always passed each other at events.

She added: "I first met him in La Manga in the early 2000’s, then we did Dance for Comic Relief together 2013, and then we met on Dancing on Ice and it’s great."

She also shared one thing they have in common, as she added: "He makes me laugh and we both like Only Fools and Horses, so what’s not to like!”

Claire is the mum of one from her previous relationship and regularly shares proud updates of Jaxon on her social media channels.

Jaxon recently celebrated his 10th birthday in September and Claire revealed his special day almost took a turn when the birthday cake failed to meet expectations.

However, she thanked Costco for "saving the day" as she took a trip to the shop to make sure her son wasn't disappointed. Claire has shared a fresh update to share pictures of Jaxon enjoying his special day.

She said: "On a positive note @costco_uk do the best birthday cakes and so cheap! Also I adore @occasionspimlico you always do great balloons for Jaxon’s birthday, but this year is extra special thank you. #notanad #paidfor #localbusiness."

Claire shot to stardom as Lindsey Corkhill on Brookside but she is delighted to have been able to join the world of soaps again now that she is a mum. She told the ECHO and other press when she joined Corrie in 2023: "I'm a single mum and my decisions are not only based on the love of what I do but they're based on stability for me and my son.

I'm 52 years of age now. Not only is it the best soap, not only is she a wonderful part but having stability for a while just comes at the right time as well. Not touring in a musical in a different place every week. I get to have my full weekends with my boy now, which is lovely." Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV and ITV X