Coronation Street is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most talked-about recent arrivals, as actress Claire Sweeney officially steps away from the ITV soap

after just three years on the cobbles. The announcement has sent ripples through the Corrie fandom, not only because of the relatively short tenure,

but because of what awaits Sweeney next: a long-cherished dream role that marks a major new chapter in her career.

Since joining the soap in 2023, the 54-year-old actress has portrayed Cassie Plummer, a character who quickly embedded herself into the emotional fabric of Weatherfield. Brash, flawed, and fiercely human, Cassie brought with her a complicated past and an unpredictable presence that ensured she never faded quietly into the background. Now, just as Cassie’s storylines have gathered serious momentum, Sweeney has made the difficult decision to bow out — and producers are promising that her departure will be anything but forgettable.

Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan in Annie

A Dream Opportunity Too Big to Ignore

Claire Sweeney’s exit comes as she prepares to take on the iconic role of Miss Hannigan in the UK and Ireland tour of the beloved musical Annie. The part, famously demanding both comedic bite and emotional depth, is one Sweeney has “always wanted to play,” according to sources close to the actress.

While initial discussions reportedly explored whether she could juggle both Coronation Street and the stage tour, the sheer scale and intensity of the production made that impossible. The extensive touring schedule — spanning dozens of cities across the UK and Ireland — ultimately forced Sweeney to choose between stability on the small screen and a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical opportunity.

In a statement confirming the news, Coronation Street bosses expressed nothing but support.
“We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play,” the show said. “Cassie will remain on the cobbles until the summer, during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield, leading up to a great exit storyline.”

Those words alone have sparked intense speculation among viewers, many of whom are now bracing for drama, chaos, and possibly heartbreak as Cassie’s final chapter unfolds.

An Exit Promised to Go Out With a Bang

Behind the scenes, Corrie insiders suggest that Sweeney’s early notice gave writers the rare luxury of crafting a fully realised and explosive departure. According to a source, producers were determined to give Cassie an ending worthy of her impact.

Claire has been on Corrie for three years

“Claire absolutely loves Coronation Street,” the insider revealed. “But Miss Hannigan has always been a dream role. When it became clear she couldn’t do both, she made the tough call. The upside is that the writers had time to plan something big — and Cassie will go out with a bang.”

What that “bang” entails remains tightly under wraps, but fans know better than to expect a quiet fade-out. Cassie Plummer has never been a background character, and her final storyline is expected to test relationships, expose raw truths, and leave lasting consequences across Weatherfield.

Cassie Plummer’s Lasting Impact on the Cobbles

When Cassie first arrived in Coronation Street, she brought instant tension. Her fractured relationships, personal demons, and morally ambiguous choices made her a catalyst for conflict and compassion in equal measure. Over three years, viewers watched her oscillate between vulnerability and volatility, often forcing those around her to confront uncomfortable realities.

Sweeney’s performance was widely praised for its authenticity. Cassie was never written as a simple villain or victim; instead, she embodied the messy complexity that Coronation Street has long excelled at portraying. Whether stirring controversy or eliciting empathy, Cassie always felt real — and that realism made her exit all the more bittersweet for fans.

Social media has since filled with tributes, with many viewers expressing disappointment that Cassie’s journey is ending just as it seemed poised for even deeper exploration.

A Career Turning Point, Embraced Fully

For Claire Sweeney herself, Coronation Street represented far more than just another acting job. In previous interviews, she described landing the role of Cassie at the age of 52 as a profound turning point — both professionally and personally.

“I’ve done brilliant things in my life and in my career, and I’m grateful and thankful,” she once said. “But getting into Corrie was a lovely surprise and a real turning point for me.”

She also reflected on how her perspective had changed with time. Where once she might have been focused solely on what came next, her time on Coronation Street taught her to savour success in the moment.

“When I was younger, it was always, ‘What’s next?’” she explained. “With Corrie, I really stayed present. I appreciated it.”

That sense of gratitude has been evident throughout her tenure — and perhaps makes her departure all the more poignant.

Stepping Into Miss Hannigan’s Shoes

As Sweeney exits Weatherfield, she steps directly into one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles. Her portrayal of Miss Hannigan will begin on 7 July, launching a sweeping tour that includes stops in Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Newcastle, Dublin, Bristol, Nottingham, Hull, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Glasgow, Leicester, and many more.

She’ll be joined by an accomplished cast, including Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Tanisha-Mae Brown as Grace Farrell, Christian Cooper as Rooster, and Amber Kennedy as Lily St. Regis. The production promises to bring fresh energy to the classic musical — and Sweeney’s casting has already generated excitement among theatre fans.

Miss Hannigan, with her sharp wit and emotional undercurrents, offers Sweeney a chance to showcase her versatility on a grand stage, blending comedy, drama, and music in a way that few roles allow.

A Farewell, Not a Goodbye

While Coronation Street prepares for Cassie Plummer’s dramatic exit, few believe this is the last audiences will see of Claire Sweeney on television. Her move feels less like a goodbye and more like a bold pivot — one that honours her roots while embracing new challenges.

As summer approaches, all eyes will be on Weatherfield to see how Cassie’s story concludes — and on theatre stages across the UK and Ireland as Sweeney reinvents herself once again.