Claire Sweeney will soon leave Coronation Street after playing the role of Cassie Plummer for three years.

The character, introduced to us as someone who was heavily reliant on drugs, is daughter to Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman), and Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall) mum.

Claire is set to leave the cobbles as she’s been cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK tour of musical Annie, as announced by WhatsOnStage.

The star became a household name playing Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4’s Brookside. She portrayed this character on and off from 1991 until 2003. She’s also featured in reality shows Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

Claire’s final storyline as Cassie is set to end in the summer, but it’s possible the foundations for it are going to be laid next week.

After taking a phone call, Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) tells Cassie that his dad’s landlord is demanding £1800 in unpaid rent, and it would seem Jim put him down as a guarantor.

A worrying development takes place after though, as Steve learns from one of his dad’s old army mates that Jim is in hospital, and not expected to pull through.

Claire has played the role of Cassie since 2023

Cassie urges Steve to visit Jim, but Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) disagrees and reminds her ex of all the grief his dad caused him.

Steve decides to visit Jim, but discovers he’s got a flat battery on his car. New friend Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) gives Steve a lift instead but when they get there, he’s curious to see Steve somewhat worried about going into the hospital. He tells Ben that while he knows it’s his last chance to see Jim, he also knows he could be making a big mistake.

In the week, after spending the day with Ben and Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) at a County event, Steve tells Cassie that he’s going to forget about his father because he’s got everyone he needs right in Weatherfield.

Meanwhile, in the cab office, Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) excitedly shares the news with Tim that Cassie is planning a surprise for Steve – tomorrow!

But what will it be?

Given the fact Steve doesn’t look set to depart the cobbles with Cassie when the time comes, could this big surprise end in tears?

A Coronation Street spokesperson said when discussing Claire’s departure: ‘We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play. Cassie will be on the cobbles until the summer during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield leading up to a great exit storyline.’