Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney has spoken out about Maureen Lipman’s exit from the ITV soap.
The legendary actress, 78, has been a regular cast member in the long-running soap since 2018, but will only appear on a recurring basis moving forward.
Her exit story saw her depart for a university law course, prompted by best pal Roy Cropper (David Neilson).
Maureen revealed that the reason behind her contract change was in order to ‘have a bit of a life.’
Despite departing for pastures new at the beginning of January, she returned just weeks later to scorn Claire’s character Cassie for moving in with the iconic Ken Barlow (William Roache).
Cassie has been working as Ken’s carer for a number of months, but has been drugging him to ensure he remains dependant on her.
Exclusively speaking about the story with Metro at last night’s TV Choice awards, Claire said: ‘I’m currently poisoning Ken Barlow. I’m snogging Steve McDonald now and then, and I’m having the odd scrap with Tracy Barlow on the cobbles.
‘There’s never a dull moment for Cassie. I love Corrie and I’m so proud to be a part of it. It’s an institution, isn’t it?
‘I’ve watched it since I was a kid and to suddenly be in it, working with people like Bill Roache and Maureen Lipman, Simon Gregson and of course my son Alan Halsall, it’s wonderful.’
She also addressed the upcoming scheduling changes, that will see both Coronation Street and Emmerdale reduced from six to five episodes in a new broadcast pattern dubbed a ‘power hour’ from January 2026.
‘Listen, they know what they’re doing’ she told us.
‘They’ve done it for a reason. I’m sure a lot of research went into the reasons why they’re changing so I think it’s good.
‘All change is good and positive.’
When asked about the large number of cast members who have departed, or will depart in the coming months, she continued:
‘[Maureen’s] dipping in and out now. Whenever she goes, we had a few drinks with her the other day and we were like: “You’ll be back, we’ll see you soon.”
‘She goes off to do a play or whatever she’s doing but hopefully she’ll be back.’
Whilst she’s at the centre of drama, Cassie has also been handed a number of comedic stories alongside stalwarts Simon Gregson and Kate Ford, who play Steve and Tracy McDonald.
‘She’s quite evil but they give me funny lines as well,’ added Claire.
‘I have so much fun working with Simon Gregson – we just laugh, it’s not like work. I’m very close to Kate Ford, I adore Kate.’
‘They write such funny stuff with Steve McDonald. He just makes me laugh. He’s adorable, kind and funny.
‘We’ve got some stuff that’s on Valentine’s night. Really good, funny stuff. They write quite funny, naughty stuff for Cassie.’
