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Claire Sweeney had a “baptism of fire” after joining the cast of Coronation Street.
The actress’ second day on the ITV soap’s set saw her film a “massive scene” with Dame Maureen Lipman (Evelyn Spencer).
In a new interview, the 52-year-old said she was nervous but “very prepared” for the big moment.
It involved a 14-page script for Claire, who won the role as the long-lost mother of Tyrone Dobbs (played by Alan Halsall) and estranged daughter of Evelyn, Cassandra Plummer, back in April.
She will make her debut on the cobbles on Wednesday.
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Speaking about her first week to OK! Magazine, the ex Brookside regular said her initial days were contrasting.
Claire said: “The first day I didn’t say anything but on my second day I had a massive scene – a 14-page two-hander with Dame Maureen Lipman – so that was a baptism of fire.
“That was my first time speaking and I was very nervous but I was very prepared.”
The star said she needn’t have worried as Maureen, 77, was “so kind”, and had taken her for dinner beforehand alongside David Neilson (Roy Cropper).
Claire continued: “Maureen went out of her way to make me feel more comfortable and that really helped.
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“She was so supportive, as was David. She’s amazing and working with her was like a masterclass.”
The stage star was also full of praise for “super nice” Alan, 40.
Claire went on to explain how the role in Corrie came about thanks to producer, Iain MacLeod.
After being busy working in theatre, the performer had been keen to get back on the small screen.
She added: “I still had that hunger to land that one plum, dramatic screen role and it takes that one person to believe in you and that was Iain for taking a chance on me.”
Earlier this week pictures of Claire as Cassandra emerged, showing her looking dishevelled.
The character is seen wearing a baseball cap with her hair tucked behind and no make-up as well as a brown jumper, a jacket and trousers.
The star is best known for playing the role of Lindsey Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside.
She starred in the drama, which came to an end two decades ago, for more than 1,500 episodes between 1991 and 2003.
Coronation Street continues tomorrow at 8pm on ITV.
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