Claire Sweeney, the 53-year-old star of the iconic soap opera Coronation Street, recently gushed about her handsome co-star, Jacob Roberts, who portrays Kit Green on the show. This admiration surfaced shortly after Sweeney's split from former boxer Ricky Hatton, with whom she shared a brief romance.
During her appearance on the Off Script... podcast, Claire shared her feelings about Roberts, stating, "I tell you what, he's a good-looking bugger isn't he? He's handsome and a really nice guy, a lovely, lovely lad." Her words echo her admiration for the younger actor, who is 34 years old and has made notable strides on the soap.
Claire Sweeney also took the opportunity to praise fellow actor Jack P Shepherd, 37, best known for his portrayal of David Platt since 2000. Reflecting on his growth as an actor, she said, "I love old Corrie and I was looking at some footage the other day when he was a kid, coming in ordering a pint in the Rovers. Even then you could see what a great little actor he is and he's really proving his chops at the moment, he's such a good actor." This statement highlights Sweeney's appreciation for her colleagues and the craft of acting itself.
The timing of Claire’s comments about her co-stars is noteworthy, as she opened up about her split from Ricky Hatton, 46. The two initially met during their participation on Dancing on Ice, leading to what many saw as a whirlwind romance. Despite the breakup, Claire confirmed to The Sun the two are still friends, saying, "We're still friends. We were friends, we dated, then we're friends again. It's all good." This sentiment resonates with many who may experience amicable exits from romantic relationships.
A source speaking to the Daily Mail also provided insight on the breakup, affirming there was no fallout. Claire and Ricky, who share a history of friendship extending over 25 years, mutually decided they were "better off as pals" rather than pursuing the relationship. This insight seems to validate the idea of maintaining cordial ties after romantic involvement.
Discussing her work on the show, Sweeney elaborated on how filming intimate scenes has evolved over time. She recalled doing a kissing scene with her co-star Simon Gregson, stating, "Nowadays, I had to do a kissing scene with Steve McDonald, Simon Gregson, and they said to us, 'do you want an intimacy coordinator?'. And I didn’t know how to play it because I didn’t want to put Simon in an awkward position because times have changed." This highlights the growing awareness and sensitivity around intimate scenes within the entertainment industry, reflecting cultural shifts.
Sweeney navigated the situation by expressing her comfort but also being considerate of the changes. She shared, "I just said to Caroline who’s in charge of the cast, 'I’m OK with it'. But I was also aware you don’t want to do someone out of a job as well. So, I just said, 'Simon’s great and I’ll just get a breath freshener and I’ll hold back on the tongue'." This thoughtful approach showcases her professionalism and adaptability to modern filming practices.
On another positive note, it has been reported recently 20that Claire Sweeney has signed 20a new contract ensuring her character, Cassie, will remain on the cobbles of Coronation Street for the foreseeable future. This news adds to her long-standing legacy within the show and demonstrates her lasting impact on its narrative.
With her blend of admiration for her colleagues, reflection on her personal life, and adaptability to change, Claire Sweeney continues to shine both on and offscreen, making her personal and professional life intriguing to fans and followers alike.