In a development that has left Coronation Street viewers both reflective and emotional, it has been confirmed that Claire Sweeney is set to bow out of the ITV soap later this year.

After three eventful years on the cobbles as the complex and often combustible Cassie Plummer, the actress has decided to step away from Weatherfield, with

her final scenes scheduled to air during the summer. The news marks the end of a memorable chapter for both Sweeney and the long-running soap, as Cassie’s presence

has rarely gone unnoticed. From her turbulent personal battles to her uneasy connections with some of the street’s most established residents, Cassie has been a character who sparked debate, sympathy, frustration, and intrigue in equal measure. Her exit promises to be just as impactful as her arrival.

According to a Coronation Street spokesperson, Cassie will remain part of the fabric of Weatherfield for several more months yet. Viewers can expect her story to continue building momentum, with the character “making her presence felt” right up until a “strong and memorable exit storyline.” While details of Cassie’s departure are being kept tightly under wraps, producers have hinted that her farewell will be worthy of the emotional investment audiences have made in her journey.

Claire Sweeney first joined Coronation Street three years ago, stepping into the role of Cassie Plummer with immediate confidence. Introduced as a troubled figure with a difficult past, Cassie quickly became central to several hard-hitting storylines. Her struggles with addiction, her complicated family dynamics, and her often chaotic relationships placed her at the heart of some of the show’s most dramatic moments in recent years.

What made Cassie particularly compelling was her unpredictability. She was never written as a straightforward villain or a simple victim. Instead, the character existed in shades of grey, capable of warmth and humour one moment, and deeply destructive behaviour the next. That complexity gave Sweeney rich material to work with, and her performances consistently drew praise for their emotional authenticity.

Behind the scenes, Sweeney’s decision to leave the soap comes as she prepares to take on a major new professional challenge. The actress has been cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK and Ireland touring production of the musical Annie, a role she has long aspired to play. The tour begins on July 7 at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre before travelling to major cities including Blackpool, Newcastle, Dublin, Bristol, Nottingham, Belfast, Oxford, Glasgow, and Leicester.

For Sweeney, the opportunity to play Miss Hannigan represents both a return to her musical theatre roots and the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. Those close to the production describe her casting as a natural fit, praising her vocal strength, stage presence, and ability to balance comedy with emotional depth—qualities she has also brought to her work on Coronation Street.

Digital Spy reports that Sweeney informed Coronation Street bosses of her intention to depart several months ago, once her casting in Annie was confirmed. At the time, she was already under contract with the soap, having signed a further year-long deal in mid-2024. That agreement was designed to take her through to the summer of 2026, aligning neatly with her planned stage commitments.

Speaking last July, Sweeney reflected warmly on her time at Coronation Street and her decision to extend her contract. “To be there for another year, I felt honoured and absolutely thrilled,” she said. “I just love the job, and I’ve been very lucky with my storylines as well.”

She went on to highlight the range of material she had been given, from intense drama to lighter moments of comedy. “From going in as the druggie doing heavy dramatic stuff, to then doing nice light comedy, and then catty stuff—it’s been great. Brilliantly written material,” she explained. For an actor, such variety is rare, and Sweeney has often spoken about how creatively satisfying she found her time on the soap.

The role also arrived at a particularly meaningful point in her life. Sweeney has described joining Coronation Street in her early fifties as an unexpected and deeply appreciated turning point. “I’ve done brilliant things in my life and in my career, and I’m grateful and thankful,” she said. “But when I got into Corrie at the age of 52, it was a lovely, lovely surprise.”

She admitted that earlier in her career she may not have taken the same pause to reflect. “When I was younger, I might have thought, ‘What’s next?’ But with Corrie, I’m really appreciating it. I’m staying in the moment,” she added—a sentiment that resonated with many fans who admired her grounded approach and evident affection for the show.

Cassie Plummer’s exit will undoubtedly leave a noticeable gap on the cobbles. Over the past three years, the character has become entwined with multiple families and story arcs, often acting as a catalyst for conflict or uncomfortable truths. Her departure raises questions about the fallout for those she leaves behind, and whether Cassie will find redemption, escape, or further turmoil as her story reaches its conclusion.

While producers remain tight-lipped about exactly how Cassie will leave Weatherfield, the promise of a “great exit storyline” suggests viewers should brace themselves for an emotionally charged farewell. Whether Cassie’s goodbye is quiet and reflective or explosive and controversial, it is likely to spark conversation long after her final scene airs.

As Claire Sweeney prepares to swap the cobbles for the stage lights, tributes from fans have already begun pouring in, celebrating her contribution to the soap and wishing her well in her next chapter. Her portrayal of Cassie Plummer has been one of grit, humour, vulnerability, and fire—a combination that ensured the character was never easily forgotten.

When Cassie finally says goodbye later this summer, it will mark the end of a significant era for Coronation Street. But it will also signal the beginning of an exciting new journey for Claire Sweeney, as she steps into the iconic shoes of Miss Hannigan and brings her talents to audiences across the UK and Ireland. For viewers, the farewell may be sad—but it is also a reminder of the enduring power of Coronation Street to create characters, and performances, that linger long after the final scene fades.