Claire Sweeney is set to depart Coronation Street this summer following a three-year stint on the ITV soap.
The 54-year-old actress, who has portrayed Cassie Plummer since 2023, will leave Weatherfield after securing a role she has long dreamed of playing.
ITV confirmed the news on Thursday, with a spokesperson telling the Liverpool Echo: “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.”
Claire Sweeney is leaving ITV Coronation Street after three years
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ITV
It is understood Ms Sweeney informed ITV bosses of her decision last year, giving producers sufficient time to craft a dramatic departure for her character.
The actress will take on the iconic role of Miss Hannigan in the UK touring production of Annie, beginning on July 7 at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
The extensive tour will visit more than 25 venues across the UK and Ireland, including Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Newcastle, Dublin, Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow and Leicester.
She will alternate in the role with La Voix, the Strictly Come Dancing and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, who opens the tour on May 23 at New Wimbledon Theatre before performing in Birmingham, Manchester, Plymouth and Canterbury.
Claire Sweeney has starred as Cassie Plummer since 2023 on ITV soap Coronation Street
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ITV
The Annie tour announced the casting on Instagram with a video of Sweeney channelling the character, writing: “Someone pinch us please… @Claire.Sweeney is Miss Hannigan! Don’t miss Claire as our Mother of the Year from 7th July 2026!”
Ms Sweeney’s career began on Channel 4’s Brookside, where she played Lindsey Corkhill on and off from 1991 until 2003, before branching into presenting work and musical theatre.
Landing the Coronation Street role at 52 proved significant for the actress, who has described it as “a real turning point” in her career.
She told Woman’s Weekly magazine: “When I got into Corrie at the age of 52, it was a lovely, lovely surprise and a real turning point for me.
Claire Sweeney will remain on the soap until the summer
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ITV
When I was younger, I wouldn’t think, ‘This is fabulous.’ It would be, ‘What’s next?’ But with Corrie, I’m so appreciating it and I’m staying in the moment.”
The actress has also expressed gratitude for the soap returning her to audiences’ living rooms as a performer rather than a presenter.
Fans responded enthusiastically to the casting announcement, with social media users branding the news “iconic” and “perfect.”
The role of Miss Hannigan carries considerable theatrical heritage, having been originated by Dorothy Loudon on Broadway in 1977, earning her a Tony Award.
Carol Burnett memorably portrayed the villainous orphanage proprietress in the 1982 film adaptation, while Kathy Bates took on the part in Disney’s 1999 television remake.
In the UK, the role has attracted numerous famous faces, including Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage in the 1998 West End revival, which became his final performance when he returned to it in 2023 shortly before his death.
Ms Sweeney’s Coronation Street co-star Jodie Prenger previously alternated the role with Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood in 2023.