ITV Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney shares 'terrible' issue that impacts her role

Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney has opened up about battling a mental health condition that leaves her doubting her abilities as a performer.

The 54 year old, who plays Cassie Plummer - mum to Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and daughter of Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) - has been part of the ITV soap since 2023.

Claire landed her dream role on her favourite programme after more than two decades in television, including her stint as Lindsey Corkhill on Channel 4's Brookside.

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Despite establishing herself as a seasoned performer, the star reveals she battles imposter syndrome - a condition characterised by persistent feelings of inadequacy despite clear evidence of achievement.

The British Medical Association defines it as creating chronic self-doubt that can feel both undermining and isolating, potentially leading to burnout over extended periods, reports Leicestershire Live.

Claire explained that these feelings first emerged when she landed her debut television role without any prior acting training.

"I kept quiet, watched and learned," she revealed on The Speakmans Hope Clinic podcast.

"I have terrible imposter syndrome, I still do now in Corrie, I still get it sometimes."

Pressed further on the issue by the Speakmans, she continued: "Oh god all the time, all the time. Like what you said before, your instinct is like: 'Oh I've been very lucky', well actually I worked hard and I've earned the miles, do you know what I mean, I've earned my stripes, but I do still get it."

Looking back on her time in Brookside, she added: "I spent six years being shocked every time my contract got renewed, six years, even now, I never expect a contract to get renewed.

"I'm like why should we think [that]? Our business is not based on safety is it and security, it's transient."

Claire went on to reveal she reckons having zero expectations regarding contracts has maintained her "humble" nature, saying: "I still love learning, I still go for singing lessons, I'm always watching, like you know, working with Bill Roche, watching him work, I mean he's fantastic, Simon Gregson, I watch these people who have been in the show for years and I'm still learning."

Since landing on the famous street, Claire's troubled character battling addiction has attempted to turn her life around and better herself.

However, whilst employed as a carer, audiences witnessed her administering drugs to and stealing from Ken Barlow during her time as his caregiver.

Once her behaviour came to light, she faced dismissal and near rejection from both her son and mum, before Evelyn convinced him against abandoning her completely.

Earlier this month, Claire confirmed that further storylines are on the horizon following her signing of a fresh year-long deal with the programme. "To be there for another year, I felt honoured and absolutely thrilled. I just love the job and I've been very lucky with my storylines as well," she shared with Woman's Weekly magazine.

"From going in as the druggie, doing heavy, dramatic stuff with Maureen Lipman, then doing nice light comedy stuff with Simon Gregson and catty stuff with Kate Ford. It's great, brilliantly written stuff."