Claire Sweeney, one of the most beloved names in British soap operas, is now bracing herself for the wrath of “Coronation Street” fans after her latest plot twist in the long-running soap. Known for her down-to-earth nature and her warm connection with fans, Claire is about to face one of the most challenging periods of her career, as her character Cassie Plummer takes a dark turn. In a shocking sequence, Cassie poisons the legendary Ken Barlow, played by the iconic Bill Roache, in a storyline that is expected to stir outrage across the nation.
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In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Claire opens up about the terrifying implications of her new role, her feelings about becoming a villain, and how this storyline is altering her career and personal life. Her portrayal of Cassie has already been met with mixed reactions, but the shocking twist where she poisons Ken Barlow is bound to make her one of the most talked-about characters on British television.
A Character Everyone Loves to Hate
For years, Claire Sweeney has been known for her relatable and lovable persona, both on screen and off. From her time in Brookside as Lindsey Corkhill to her West End appearances and her stint as a panellist on Loose Women, Claire has won the hearts of the British public. But in her latest role as Cassie Plummer, she has stepped into uncharted territory. Cassie, a former drug addict with a troubled past, is quickly becoming one of the most divisive figures on Coronation Street.
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The moment Cassie laced Ken Barlow’s tea with a potentially fatal mix of painkillers and blood thinners has sent shockwaves through the soap world. As Ken, a beloved national treasure, is rushed to the hospital, viewers are left questioning Cassie’s motives, with many fans turning against the character they had begun to warm to. Claire acknowledges that this is a major turning point for her character, and she is preparing for a heavy backlash from fans of Ken Barlow.
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“I think I’m about to become Public Enemy Number One,” Claire admits with a laugh. “When I first heard about this storyline, I couldn’t believe it. I had to ask the producer if I had heard it right. I mean, poisoning Ken Barlow? That’s like playing with fire, isn’t it?” Claire adds, reflecting on her disbelief at being cast in such a controversial plot. “I’m a huge fan of Coronation Street myself, so I would be fuming if I was watching this.”
The Shock of Being a Villain
Claire’s portrayal of Cassie has already been praised for its complexity, with the actress adding layers of depth to what could have been a simple villainous role. However, the recent twist takes Cassie into truly dangerous territory. As viewers watch the beloved Ken Barlow teeter on the edge of life and death, they are sure to direct their anger towards Cassie, who, until now, has been a somewhat sympathetic character.
“There’s always a part of me as an actress that finds it exciting to play a character who is so far removed from my own personality,” Claire admits. “Cassie is everything I’m not — rough around the edges, complex, and certainly not afraid to get her hands dirty. But when I read the script for this particular twist, I was shocked. I mean, poisoning Ken Barlow is not something anyone would ever want to do!”
Despite the heavy criticism Cassie is sure to face, Claire is surprisingly calm about the possibility of becoming a villain. “It’s good to be a villain sometimes,” she says with a smile. “Being a soap villain gives you the freedom to really dive deep into the darker side of things. You get to explore parts of yourself as an actor that you wouldn’t normally get to.”
However, Claire’s transformation from a fan-favorite actress to a character who has poisoned a national icon is not without its challenges. She’s already anticipating the full force of the public’s ire, especially considering how passionate Ken Barlow’s fans are. “I’ve had people come up to me in the street, even before this storyline aired, saying, ‘Don’t you dare hurt Ken Barlow!’” Claire recalls. “And that was before I’d even done anything! So now that I’ve poisoned him, I’m definitely expecting some serious backlash.”
The Career Boost That Came Just in Time
Claire’s recent success on Coronation Street comes at a time when she thought her television career might be over. “A couple of years ago, I honestly thought that my best days in TV were behind me,” she confesses. “I’d been doing great theatre work, but it felt like TV opportunities were drying up. Then Coronation Street came along, and it was like a new chapter was opening up for me.”
At 51, Claire had all but resigned herself to a future in the theatre. But when the role of Cassie Plummer came along, she jumped at the opportunity. “I never thought that at my age, I’d get a role like this. Coronation Street is an institution, and to be a part of that is just an incredible feeling,” she says.
Her new role has revitalized her career, with Claire now more in demand than ever. “It’s a real gift to be working on Coronation Street right now,” she reflects. “It’s something that very few actors ever get the chance to do, and I’m so grateful. But it also means that I’m in the public eye a lot more, and that brings its own set of challenges.”
A Love Life Amid the Storm
Despite the looming public backlash, Claire has found stability and support in her personal life. She has been in a relationship with retired boxing champion Ricky Hatton for over a year, having met on Dancing On Ice. While Ricky is known for his toughness in the ring, even he is bracing himself for the consequences of Claire’s latest villainous turn. “I don’t think even Ricky can save me from the wrath of the Ken Barlow fans,” she says with a chuckle. “He’s a tough guy, but this is a whole different kind of fight!”
The couple, who share a son, Jaxon, are often photographed together, and Claire says that Ricky has been a great source of support throughout her career. “It’s funny because Ricky didn’t watch Coronation Street before we met. But now, he’s been dragged into it, and he’s become a fan of the show!” Claire laughs. “He even defends me when people say things about my character. But when it comes to Cassie poisoning Ken, I’m not sure he’s going to be able to help me with that one!”
A New Chapter in a Storied Career
As Claire continues to face the public’s wrath over her shocking twist, she is also reflecting on the amazing career she has had. From her early days on Brookside to her current role on Coronation Street, Claire has experienced the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. But with her role as Cassie Plummer, she has found a new sense of purpose and excitement in her work.
“I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and this role has been one of the most rewarding,” Claire admits. “I’ve always believed that the best roles come when you least expect them. This one has definitely been a game-changer for me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
With Coronation Street set to delve deeper into Cassie’s sinister actions and the aftermath of Ken Barlow’s poisoning, it’s clear that Claire Sweeney’s career is far from over. As for the backlash from angry fans, she’s ready to face whatever comes her way. After all, in the world of soap operas, being a villain is just part of the fun.
