Claire Sweeney recently shared her harrowing experience of tumbling down the stairs, narrowly escaping serious injury. The 55-year-old actress, known for her role as Cassie Plummer in “Coronation Street,” revealed on social media that she had a mishap resulting in a facial injury and the destruction of her prized Tom Ford glasses.
Despite the incident, the former “Dancing On Ice” star remained optimistic, albeit frustrated over the broken glasses. She humorously contemplated using sticky tape, a la Jack Duckworth from “Coronation Street,” to mend her eyewear, unsure if it would work.
Fans of the long-running soap opera are aware that Claire’s stint as Cassie is ending soon, as she is set to portray Miss Hannigan in the upcoming production of “Annie.” The decision to leave “Coronation Street” was made to pursue this coveted role, a dream come true for the talented actress.
The show, opening on May 23 with La Voix at the New Wimbledon Theatre, will tour various cities, including Birmingham, Manchester, Plymouth, and Canterbury. Claire will take over the role from July 7 in Cardiff, followed by performances in several other locations across the UK.
Apart from her television work, Claire has an extensive background in theater, having starred in productions such as “Chicago,” “9 to 5,” and “Hairspray.” Her musical journey began as a teen singer, later branching into reality TV with a notable appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
“Annie,” based on the iconic comic strip, has seen various actresses, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Sadie Sink, excel in the lead role over the years. The character of Miss Hannigan, originally portrayed by Dorothy Loudon on Broadway, has been brought to life by renowned figures like Carol Burnett and Kathy Bates in different adaptations.
The news of Claire’s departure from “Coronation Street” was well-received by the show’s producers, who respected her decision and wished her success in her future endeavors. Her transition to the stage for “Annie” signifies a new chapter in her illustrious career, promising an exciting journey ahead for the talented actress.