'Corrie was a lovely surprise'

Actor Claire Sweeney on starring in the soap, motherhood and keeping fit

- VICKI POWER

Claire Sweeney had not anticipated the turnaround her career would take in her 50s.

After bursting on to our screens as Brookside’s Lindsey Corkhill more than 30 years ago, Claire built a solid career in stage musicals and light comedy series such as Candy Cabs and The Good Ship Murder.

But Claire has reminded us of her grit as a serious actor in Coronation Street, grabbing the role of drug addict Cassie Plummer, the long-lost mother of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and estranged daughter of stern Evelyn (Dame Maureen Lipman).

She has been busy stirring up trouble since arriving in Weatherfield two years ago.

‘It's nice to be known as an actor again,’ says Claire, 54, when we meet. ‘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. I've watched it since I was a kid.’

And Claire is bucking the odds for female actors in their 50s. ‘I think most women have a wobble when they turn 50,’ says Claire. ‘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. I've done brilliant things in my life and in my career, and I’m grateful and thankful.”

‘But when I got into