Coronation Street icon opens up on ‘imposter syndrome' after 34 years on TV

Metro

6 days ago

Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney has opened up about living with Imposter Syndrome, and how it impacts her in the acting industry.
Claire currently plays Cassie Plummer in the ITV soap, but became a household name when she joined the cast of Brookside.
In 1991, Claire's first scenes as Lindsey Corkhill aired. She then played the role until the show's end in 2003.
It was landing this role that saw Claire first develop feelings of Imposter Syndrome, which often sees someone experience self-doubt over a long period of time.
'I kept quiet, watched and learned. I have terrible Imposter Syndrome. I still do now in Corrie, I still get it sometimes', the star said recently.
In her chat with The Speakmans on their podcast, Claire added: '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.
'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 also said that she believes having no expectations with things like contracts keep her feeling humble.
'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.'
Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?
Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.
Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!
Claire has played Cassie in Coronation Street since 2023. More Trending
Recently, she was part of a dark storyline that saw Cassie drug Ken Barlow (William Roache).
It started shortly after Cassie lost her job as Ken's carer. In order to continue having a stable income, Cassie began lacing Ken's drinks with drugs so he'd have no choice but to ask her for help again.
She was ultimately caught out, when eagle-eyed Ken worked out what she was up to.
View More »
MORE: Emmerdale legend signs new contract as future is confirmed amid big new story
MORE: TV soap legend Eileen Fulton died aged 91
MORE: Major Coronation Street star confirms exit – and he's already wrapped filming