Coronation Street star signs new contract to keep her on the show for another year – and it’s bad news for Kevin Webster

A CORONATION Street actress has penned a big-money contract extension which will see her stay in Weatherfield for the next 12 months.

The actress, 53 – a soap veteran – told how she “couldn’t be happier” to continue her role on the ITV programme, yet predicts a “rocky road” for her fiery character.

ITV

Rex

ITV

Claire Sweeney has opened up on the career boost after making her debut as a homeless drug addict Cassie Plummer last summer.

She has now confirmed her character’s Coronation Street story will continue to unfold and told : “I’ve just signed my contract for another year in Corrie and I’m really happy to fully invest all my time and energy into Cassie and see what develops.

“I couldn’t be happier about the acting scenes I have done recently in Coronation Street with Dame Maureen Lipman in the Rovers, and with Alan Halsall and Jennie McAlpine in the Dobbs household.

“When I first came in to Corrie, I did a 14-page scene with Maureen while my character was in hospital. Playing opposite such a phenomenal actor was a dream come true.

I hope this means the viewers will start to understand who she is and why she is the way she is

Claire Sweeneyactress

“The writing and direction for that episode was amazing. That is definitely one of my highlights.”

Her character Cassie was first seen loitering around the street spying on Evelyn – played by Maureen Lipman – before a later scene showed Evelyn receiving a call from the hospital.

The call came because Cassie had then been found unconscious on the street after an overdose.

Claire added: “The writers have given me a beautiful back story, which I hope means the viewers will start to understand who she is and why she is the way she is.

“She’s just looking for love and really hope she finds that happiness as she’s always been in abusive situations. I think it will be a rocky road for her, so it will be interesting to see what the writers have in store.”

Yet things are about to turn sour for Kevin, who Cassie has already set her sights on.

This came despite the fact Michael Le Vell‘s character is already married.

She added to the publication: “Cassie is now interacting with some of the other residents.

“I’ve recently had some lovely scenes speed-dating with Steve McDonald and causing a bit of trouble in the garage for Kevin Webster.”

Off-screen

Away from the Corrie cameras, Claire’s life off-screen is flourishing.

She made her first Red Carpet appearance with boxer Ricky Hatton as they revealed their romance to the nation.

It came just days after Ricky gushed over his “gorgeous” partner in a sweet birthday tribute.

The pair have been spotted enjoying a string of sweet dates of late.

Claire has since admitted she felt like she had “won the lottery” with her new man Ricky, 45.

Earlier this month, we exclusively reported how Claire was seen cuddling Ricky as they stepped out in Manchester.

A friend of the star’s told , “Claire and Ricky have become really close. She wasn’t looking for a relationship but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural and she’s really happy.

“She signed up for a reality TV show and met a great guy so it feels a bit like winning the lottery and she’s really counting her blessings as it all came from nowhere and often that’s the best way. 

“She’s now really looking forward to introducing Ricky to her family and friends soon and they are really “

Splash