'My tree went straight up after HALLOWEEN'

Claire Sweeney on Corrie, Christmas and her unfulfilled ambition

- JOHNATHAN HUGHES

She shot to fame as Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside, became a West End musical theatre star and is one of TV’s most familiar faces. Now Claire Sweeney has settled back in soap land as chaotic Cassie Plummer in Corrie. The Liverpool-born performer, 54, has done it all, and in an exclusive interview with Woman, Claire reveals what’s left on her career wish list.

Hi, Claire! How’s life on Coronation Street?

I absolutely love it. The organisation is brilliant, it runs like a military operation! We have Debbie and Ronnie’s wedding over Christmas which we filmed on location, most of the cast were there and it was great to work with so many of them as we don’t often get the chance to do big group scenes.

How do you think Cassie has changed since she arrived?

On a very superficial level, she’s much more glammed up now! When I first came in I looked as rough as anything, these days her hair is curled, she’s got a bit of red lippy on. Her character has really evolved and I love that. That’s what happens in real life – people change, they get clean, they redeem themselves and find happiness.

Are you enjoying the rivalry between Cassie and Tracy?

I’m loving the dynamics between me and Kate Ford [who plays Tracy].