Claire Sweeney's Coronation Street Departure Announced
Claire Sweeney is set to leave Coronation Street after portraying Cassie Plummer for three years, with her final scenes scheduled for summer 2026. The actress has been cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of the musical Annie, a role she has long desired, as confirmed by WhatsOnStage. Sweeney, best known for playing Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4's Brookside from 1991 to 2003, has also appeared in reality shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
Cassie Plummer's Surprise Storyline for Steve McDonald
In the lead-up to her exit, Cassie's storyline takes a dramatic turn involving Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson. The plot begins with Steve receiving a phone call about his father Jim's unpaid rent of £1800, where Jim listed Steve as a guarantor. Tensions escalate when Steve learns from an old army mate that Jim is hospitalized and not expected to recover.
Cassie urges Steve to visit his father, but Tracy Barlow, portrayed by Kate Ford, advises against it, reminding Steve of the pain Jim caused. Despite this, Steve decides to go, but his car has a flat battery. Ben Driscoll, played by Aaron McCusker, offers a lift, and during the journey, Steve expresses his conflicted feelings about seeing Jim, fearing it might be a mistake.
Later, after spending time with Ben and Tim Metcalfe at a county event, Steve tells Cassie he plans to forget about his father, claiming he has all he needs in Weatherfield. Meanwhile, in the cab office, Mary Taylor excitedly reveals to Tim that Cassie is planning a surprise for Steve the next day, sparking speculation about its nature and potential emotional fallout.
Coronation Street's Statement on Claire Sweeney's Exit
A Coronation Street spokesperson commented on Claire Sweeney's departure, stating, 'We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play. Cassie will be 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.' This suggests Cassie's departure will be impactful, with her surprise for Steve possibly setting the stage for a tearful conclusion.
As Cassie prepares to leave, fans are left wondering if her surprise will end in tears, especially since Steve is not expected to exit with her. The storyline promises to keep viewers engaged with its blend of family drama and unexpected twists, highlighting the soap's ability to deliver compelling character arcs.
