Cassie Plummer actress Claire Sweeney has shared how DJ Fat Tony’s 18 year struggle with addiction helped her tap into her Coronation Street character’s raw emotions
Soap star Claire Sweeney has revealed how DJ Fat Tony’s struggles with addiction helped her tap into her Coronation Street character’s raw emotions.”
Speaking at the 2025 British Diversity Awards in London on Wednesday night, the former Brookside actress, 53, shared how her friend’s journey helped her when she joined the cast of the ITV soap.
Claire first walked the cobbles as Cassie Plummer in 2023 and viewers have watched the wayward daughter of Evelyn Plummer and mother of Tyrone Dobbs struggle with her addiction issues.
Speaking about the responsibility that comes with playing a character that struggles with substance abuse, Claire told the Mirror: “[DJ Fat] Tony’s journey gave me a deeper understanding of vulnerability and strength. His honesty helped me bring more real emotion to my character in Coronation Street.”
“I drew so much from Tony’s experiences. It taught me how to approach my role with realness and depth, especially with Cassie’s complicated past.”
In January, DJ Fat Tony – real name Tony Marnach – celebrated 18 years sober. Addressing his fans on social media, the music legend said of the milestone achievement: “18 years ago I was on deaths door ravished by addiction waiting to die was all I had to look forward too.
“TODAY I celebrate 18 years of Recovery I have so much love and gratitude for everyone that has been a part of this journey so far. One day at a time LIFE IS FOR LIVING When we are at our lowest there’s only one place to go and that’s up don’t let anyone tell you your not worth it and don’t ever give up because when we learn a new way of life …….WE DO RECOVER.
“Recovery/ sobriety has given me everything just for today and everyday love life when we start to believe we are half way there xxxx.”
Claire was speaking at the star-studded British Diversity Awards, hosted by Loose Women star Charlene White, and Dr Ranj Singh, for the fourth annual diversity prize at Grosvenor Housem London.
The event, founded by LGBT+ campaigner Linda Riley, celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion by recognising and bringing together individuals and organisations.
Guests included presenters Angellica Bell and JJ Chalmers, and former New Tricks actress Tamzin Outhwaite, along with disco group Boney M, who performed their hits Daddy Cool, Rasputin and Sunny.
At the start of this month, Claire admitted she became “tearful” after acting alongside soap star William Roache in a dramatic scene. The 53-year-old English actress, who praised her co-star for an emotional performance where his character Ken Barlow finds out what Cassie has been up to.
In the scene earlier this month, viewers watched as Cassie came clean to Ken for slipping anti-histamines into his drink in order to steal from him. Discussing the moment, Claire commended her 92-year old scene partner, calling his performance “award-winning”.
Speaking about William, Claire said: “It’s an award-winning performance. It literally made me cry, he was so wonderful, so to do those scenes with Bill, who is a legend on screen, was just sensational.
“He did this very very dramatic scene and at the end, the crew, there was silence, and then he got a round of applause. I was bloody tearful, and I thought, ‘God, he is wonderful. I hope he gets recognised for this’. He is brilliant.”
Claire first joined the Cobbles cast in 2023, taking on the role of Cassie, who becomes a carer for Ken. In recent episodes, viewers have watched Cassie’s antics unfold as she gets caught lacing Ken’s drinks with antihistamines in an attempt to make him drowsy and reliant on her.
She also took it as an opportunity to steal from him by making expensive purchases using his credit card until eventually Ken finds out and confronts her.
The actress added: “There was a sense of relief because she couldn’t have just carried on the way she was so with Cassie there was always going to come to a head and there has to be a bit of a redemption arch with the character.”
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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