Claire Sweeney lifts lid on emotional Coronation Street exit and getting “Scoused up” on County Road

For Claire Sweeney, stepping back onto the stage of the Liverpool Empire for Annie is more than just another acting role — it is a deeply personal homecoming that brings her career full circle.

The actress, best known to soap fans for her roles in Coronation Street and Brookside, has revealed that performing as Miss Hannigan at the iconic Liverpool venue will be one of the most emotional moments of her career.

Long before she became a familiar face on television screens, Claire was a young theatre fan sitting in the audience at the Empire, where productions such as Blood Brothers inspired her love of musical theatre.

Now, decades later, she is returning to the same stage in one of her most ambitious roles yet.

A Dream Role Comes Home

Claire Sweeney has never hidden her love for musical theatre, but taking on the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie represents a long-held ambition.

Speaking about the opportunity, the 55-year-old actress described the character as a role she had wanted to play for years.

“Playing Miss Hannigan has been a box I’ve wanted to tick for a long time,” Claire explained.

For the actress, the chance to perform the iconic role in Liverpool makes the experience even more meaningful.

The character of Miss Hannigan offers everything an actor could hope for — humour, emotion, drama, and unforgettable musical moments.

Claire said the production contains the perfect combination of ingredients, including comedy, tragedy, memorable songs, talented young performers, and even a dog.

Describing Annie as “the perfect musical”, she praised the production for its ability to entertain audiences of all ages while delivering plenty of heart.

After joining the touring production several weeks ago, Claire has already experienced enthusiastic reactions from audiences across the UK, including shows in Cardiff and Milton Keynes.

However, nothing compares to the excitement of performing for her hometown audience when the production arrives at the Liverpool Empire from September 22 to 26.

Liverpool Pride And The Scouse Spirit

For Claire, returning home is not only about performing in a famous theatre — it is about reconnecting with the people and culture that shaped her.

The actress believes Liverpool’s unique sense of humour and warmth played an important role in helping her build a successful career in the entertainment industry.

She explained that people from Liverpool have a special ability to find laughter even during difficult times.

According to Claire, the city’s people are known for being honest, welcoming, open, and full of personality.

That connection to Liverpool remains a huge part of who she is.

Despite spending time between Liverpool and London, Claire has continued to maintain strong links with her hometown. Since joining Coronation Street in 2023, she has spent much of her time back in the city.

And when she returns, she enjoys embracing the local lifestyle.

Claire joked that she plans to get “Scoused up” before upcoming performances, including trips for her hair, lashes, and nails.

She still visits County Road for her beauty appointments and enjoys returning to familiar places that remind her of home.

For Claire, Liverpool is not just where she grew up — it is a place that continues to make her feel connected and supported.

Saying Goodbye To Coronation Street

While Claire is excited about her new theatre adventure, leaving Coronation Street was not an easy decision.

The actress joined the ITV soap in 2023 as Cassandra “Cassie” Plummer, the estranged mother of Tyrone Dobbs.

During her time on the famous cobbles, Claire became involved in several major storylines, including Cassie’s complicated relationships, her battle with Tracy Barlow for Steve McDonald’s affection, and the dramatic poisoning storyline involving Ken Barlow.

Her arrival quickly made an impact with viewers, and Claire admitted she formed strong friendships with many of her co-stars.

Reflecting on her time on the show, she described working alongside Alan Halsall, Simon Gregson, Kate Ford, and Bill Roache as a hugely rewarding experience.

Claire revealed that leaving the soap was emotional because she had genuinely loved being part of the team.

She admitted that she still misses the atmosphere of the show, even though she is enjoying her new challenge with Annie.

“I haven’t quite got my head around the fact that I’ve left,” she explained.

For Claire, Coronation Street was one of the happiest jobs she has ever had.

A Special Farewell From The Corrie Team

Claire’s final day on the cobbles was particularly emotional after the cast and crew surprised her with a touching farewell.

The actress revealed that she was not expecting the tribute but was deeply moved when colleagues arrived with flowers and a special presentation.

The gesture highlighted the close relationships she built behind the scenes during her time on the soap.

Although Cassie’s departure will eventually air on television, Claire admitted that watching her final scenes broadcast will likely bring back many emotions.

She expects the reality of leaving Weatherfield to truly hit when viewers see her character’s goodbye.

Despite moving on to new projects, Claire remains close with her former Coronation Street colleagues, particularly Kate Ford and Alan Halsall.

Remembering Brookside And The Liverpool Connection

Before becoming part of the Coronation Street family, Claire was already a household name thanks to her role as Lindsay Corkhill in Brookside.

The Liverpool-based soap played a huge role in Claire’s early career, and she continues to feel a strong connection to the show and its fans.

Following the success of a special crossover episode involving Brookside and Hollyoaks, Claire supported the idea of bringing the series back in some form.

She believes there is still a huge appetite for stories set in Liverpool and praised the excitement surrounding the reunion of former cast members.

Claire also reflected on the emotional reunion event held earlier in the year, remembering the importance of celebrating the show’s legacy.

She acknowledged the absence of late Brookside star Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill, describing him as someone who was deeply missed.

Looking Ahead To New Adventures

Although Claire’s future could potentially include another return to either Coronation Street or Brookside, her focus right now is firmly on Annie.

The actress is excited about continuing her theatre journey and sharing the stage with audiences across the country.

She is also looking forward to welcoming special guests, including former footballer Peter Reid, to see the production.

As an Everton supporter, Claire expressed her excitement about seeing another passionate Toffee enjoying a new chapter.

For Claire Sweeney, the road ahead remains filled with opportunities.

From Liverpool stages to television screens and back again, her career has been shaped by passion, determination, and a deep connection to the audiences who have supported her.

Returning to the Liverpool Empire as Miss Hannigan represents more than just another performance.

It is a reminder of where her dreams began — and proof that sometimes the journey really does come full circle.