ITV Coronation Street ‘exit’ as star ‘takes break’ from soap as they join rival channel
Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney joined the ITV soap this year to play Cassie Plummer.
Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney took temporary leave from the cobbles as she dives into an exhilarating new venture with Channel 5’s captivating murder-mystery series, The Good Ship Murder.
The actress, famed for her role as Cassie Plummer, stepped away from the soap for a brief period to star alongside former Corrie favourites Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward under the Mediterranean sun. The series promises a return packed with even more suspenseful plots, showcasing the formidable pair of Shayne’s character, the entertainer-turned-detective Jack Grayling, and Catherine’s determined First Officer Kate Woods.
Claire is set to return as the charismatic Cruise Director Beverley Carnell, while Hollyoaks’ Ross Adams joins the cast as the fresh face Colin Smallwood. With the first series having drawn in an impressive average of 2.1 million viewers, anticipation is high for the new episodes which will also feature a host of guest stars.
A source from Corrie confirmed to The Sun that Claire’s short break won’t lead to any on-screen drama, stating: “Claire’s taking a short break from Corrie to film,” and assuring that “it’s a matter of days and won’t affect anything on the cobbles. Everything has been arranged so there will be no on-screen disruption.”
A spokesperson has confirmed to Express.co.uk that Claire took a short break at the weekend to film in Malta.
In a recent interview with Cheshire Life, Claire shared an update on her future as Cassie, she said: “I’ve just signed my contract for another year in Corrie and I’m really happy to fully invest all my time and energy into Cassie and see what develops.
“I couldn’t be happier about the acting scenes I have done recently in Coronation Street with Dame Maureen Lipman in the Rovers, and with Alan Halsall and Jennie McAlpine in the Dobbs household.”
“When I first came into Corrie, I did a 14-page scene with Maureen while my character was in hospital. Playing opposite such a phenomenal actor was a dream come true. The writing and direction for that episode w as amazing. That is definitely one of my highlights.”
However, it’s not just her career that’s flourishing as Claire, 53, found romance with boxer Ricky Hatton on the set of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
Despite Ricky being the first contestant to be voted off, he seems to have won something far more valuable.
After making their red carpet debut at the official opening of the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester, Claire and Ricky jetted off to Tenerife for their first holiday together. They were spotted enjoying date nights and posing for photos with fans.
The pair also enjoyed the Manchester City match with pals at a pub named The Beach Cabin.
Supporters are loving the new couple, with one fan commenting: “You look good together”, while another added: “You and Claire are the best match ever. ” Another excited follower exclaimed: “Oh I just adore Claire Sweeney, aww cute couple.”
