Claire Sweeney has shared the heartfelt reason why it's the ideal time for her to join Coronation Street.
The 52-year-old will arrive on the Cobbles as Tyrone Dobbs' mum, Cassie, next week. The Walton actor branded the part as a dream role and revealed she has now fulfilled her goal to get back in front of the camera following a successful period on stage.
She told the ECHO and other press: "I've spent the last few years wanting to get back and do some great acting. I never dreamed Corrie would be the thing and [show boss Iain MacLeod] has given me a chance.
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"It just takes that one person to believe in you and say you can do it and give you a chance. I'm so grateful for that." Landing the part has also been significant on a personal level as Claire explained it will allow her to spend more quality time with 8-year-old son, Jackson.
She said: "I'm a single mum and my decisions are not only based on the love of what I do but they're based on stability for me and my son. I'm 52 years of age now. Not only is it the best soap, not only is she a wonderful part but having stability for a while just comes at the right time as well. Not touring in a musical in a different place every week. I get to have my full weekends with my boy now, which is lovely."
Claire described her character as a loose cannon and said she is going to cause havoc in Weatherfield as Evelyn Plummer has lied to Tyrone that his mum is dead. The soap star has also undergone an incredible transformation to play the character, who is a recovering drug addict, and she can't wait for fans to see her in a completely new light.
She said: "I love Cassie and I hope the audience love her as much as I do. She's vulnerable, she's troubled, she's got major problems and, as I'm reading the script, I just want her to sort her problems out."
Claire's first scene is set to be a powerful heart-to-heart alongside Evelyn Plummer star, Dame Maureen Lipman, which she branded as a "baptism of fire". The former Brookside actor said she feels honoured to be a part of the ITV show and share the screen with such soap royalty.
Talking about her first day on set, she said: "I felt like an impostor waiting to get escorted out like I've snuck in on one of the tours. I'm such a fan and I'm so grateful for this job playing Cassie. It's literally a dream come true."
Claire will make her Corrie debut as Cassie in the episode broadcast on June 28 at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
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