Former Dancing on Ice star Claire Sweeney has confirmed she will be leaving the cobbles of Coronation Street for the bright lights of the theatre, having secured a major new role in the upcoming UK tour of the classic musical Annie.
From Weatherfield to the West End Stage
The 54-year-old actress, who has played Cassie Plummer on the long-running ITV soap since 2023, will be departing the show this summer to take on the iconic role of Miss Hannigan in the musical production. A spokesperson for Coronation Street confirmed the news, stating that Cassie will remain on screen until the summer months, with bosses planning what they describe as a 'great exit storyline' for her character.
A Return to Musical Theatre Roots
Claire Sweeney's move marks a significant return to her musical theatre origins, where she has previously starred in numerous acclaimed productions. Her theatrical credits include prominent roles in Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Tell Me On A Sunday, 9 to 5, Hairspray, and Legally Blonde, establishing her as a versatile performer across both television and stage.
The official announcement was made via the Annie tour's Instagram account, which enthusiastically posted: 'Someone pinch us please... Claire Sweeney is Miss Hannigan! Don't miss Claire as our Mother of the Year!'
Tour Schedule and Role Sharing
The UK tour of Annie is set to commence on May 23rd at the New Wimbledon Theatre, featuring Drag Race star La Voix in the initial performances. Claire Sweeney will begin her run from July 7th, with the two performers alternating the role of Miss Hannigan throughout the extensive nationwide tour.
The production will visit numerous cities across the United Kingdom and Ireland, including:
- Cardiff
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Dublin
- Liverpool
- Glasgow
- Bristol
- Nottingham
- Newcastle
Additional tour stops will include performances in Plymouth, Canterbury, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Hull, Truro, Cheltenham, Stoke, Crawley, Belfast, Aberdeen, Woking, Bradford, Oxford, Sunderland, Southampton, Norwich, Wolverhampton, Sheffield, and Leicester.
Coronation Street's Planned Departure
According to reports, Coronation Street producers have been aware of Claire Sweeney's decision to leave the soap for several months, allowing them to carefully craft an appropriate departure narrative for her character. The spokesperson emphasised that Cassie Plummer will 'continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield' during her remaining episodes, building toward what promises to be a memorable exit from the popular serial drama.
This career move represents an exciting new chapter for the accomplished performer, bridging her successful television work with her established theatrical pedigree, while offering audiences across the country the opportunity to experience her interpretation of one of musical theatre's most memorable characters.
