God, I've always wondered what soap stars do when they're not busy plotting evil schemes on our screens. Turns out, they're living their best lives on luxury cruise ships! At least that's what Claire Sweeney's up to these days.
The 53-year-old actress, who plays teh deliciously manipulative Cassie on Coronation Street, has been showing off her rather enviable "side hustle" - performing on Ambassador Cruises' ship Ambience. And let me tell you, her accommodations are a far cry from the cramped flats of Weatherfield!
That cabin is bigger than my first apartment!
Claire gave fans a peek into her floating luxury suite via Instagram stories, and I'm not jealous at all (okay fine, I'm VERY jealous). Her deluxe cabin comes complete with a private balcony, personalized welcome chocolates, and a wardrobe that could probably fit my entire summer wardrobe twice over.
"So this is my home for the next couple of days, I've got my show tomorrow night," she shared in her video tour. "It's been a crazy few days, I've got today to chill out then I go and do my show tomorrow night."
As she stepped onto her balcony, she added, "This is nice, I always like to have a cup of tea out here of a morning. It's lovely."
Lovely? LOVELY? That's the understatement of the century!
Wait... didn't I just see her on a murder mystery cruise?
If Claire seems right at home on that cruise ship, there's good reason. Before becoming Corrie's resident schemer, she actually worked as an entertainer on cruise ships. Life imitating art and all that - she even starred in the first two series of Channel 5's "The Good Ship Murder" where she played the ship's entertainment director.
I watched that show last summer while nursing a terrible sunburn in my living room. The irony wasn't lost on me.
From Royalty to the High Seas
Claire boarded the Ambience in Lisbon and will disembark in Gibraltar on Monday. But before setting sail, she was performing for actual royalty! On May 8, she took part in the VE Day 80 concert in front of King Charles and other royal family members.
She performed alongside fellow soap stars Emma Barton and Michelle Hardwick in an Andrews Sisters tribute that included classics like "In the Mood" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Back in 2018, I saw a similar tribute act at my cousin's wedding and it was... well, let's just say Claire's version was probably better.
Soap Stars: They're Just Like Us! (Except When They're Not)
Claire isn't the only soap star moonlighting on cruise ships this year. Dean Andrews, Beverly Callard, Sue Cleaver, and Catherine Tyldesley will all be participating in Ambassador Cruise lines' 'In Conversation With…' talks and meet-and-greets.
Listen. I once spent $4K on a cruise and the biggest celebrity I saw was the guy who came in third on a regional baking show. Something tells me I booked the wrong cruise line.
Meanwhile, back in Weatherfield...
While Claire's enjoying ocean views and luxury accommodations, her character Cassie is up to no good on the cobbles. She recently teased that Cassie's "evil" plan to manipulate Ken Barlow is just getting started.
In an exclusive chat with The Sun, Claire revealed: "Cassie manages to talk herself out of so many situations. She doesn't want to hurt Ken, she's just keeping him sleepy so he needs her."
"She just wants him to need her, Ken is the first person who sees her and gives her time and teaches her things – it's like in Pygmalion, My Fair Lady type of relationship, where within the house she's got the romance with Steve McDonald, she's got the banter with Tracy and she suddenly feels part of something."
She also mentioned filming some explosive scenes with arch-nemesis Tracy Barlow that will play out over the next few months. My neighbor who's watched Corrie religiously since 1982 is already stocking up on tea and biscuits for the showdown. Poor Ken.
So there you have it - Claire Sweeney: villain on screen, cruise ship entertainer off it. And here I am writing this article while eating leftover pasta straight from the container. Some people really do have all the luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular UK soap operas?
The most popular UK soap operas include "EastEnders," "Coronation Street," "Emmerdale," and "Hollyoaks." Each has a dedicated fan base and has been on air for several decades, contributing significantly to British television culture.
How often do episodes of "Emmerdale" air?
"Emmerdale" typically airs six episodes a week, with the show broadcast in the evenings. This frequency allows for continuous development of storylines and character arcs.
Can you watch UK soap operas online?
Yes, many UK soap operas are available to watch online through official broadcaster websites and streaming services. Viewers can catch up on missed episodes or watch previous seasons at their convenience.
What role do special episodes play in UK soap operas?
Special episodes, such as anniversaries or holiday specials, are significant events in UK soap operas. They often feature dramatic storylines or significant character developments, drawing in higher viewership and creating buzz among fans.
How do UK soap operas influence popular culture?
UK soap operas have a substantial impact on popular culture, often shaping fashion trends, music, and social conversations. They introduce catchphrases and memorable moments that resonate with the audience and become part of the cultural lexicon.
What themes are commonly explored in UK soap operas?
UK soap operas often explore themes such as family dynamics, love, betrayal, social issues, and personal struggles. They reflect real-life situations and societal challenges, making them relatable to viewers.
How do UK soap operas handle controversial topics?
UK soap operas often address controversial topics, such as mental health, domestic violence, and addiction. They aim to raise awareness and spark conversation among viewers, providing a platform for important social issues.
Statistics
- More than 30% of the UK population watches at least one soap opera regularly.
- Soap operas have been shown to influence public opinion on social issues, with studies indicating a correlation between storylines and changes in viewer attitudes.
- Over 100 characters have been killed off in "Coronation Street" since its inception, showcasing the dramatic nature of the storylines.
- The average viewership for "EastEnders" is approximately 5 million viewers per episode.
- Hollyoaks, which premiered in 1995, has introduced several high-profile actors who have gone on to have successful careers in television and film.
- Soap operas in the UK typically air 4 to 6 episodes per week, with "EastEnders" airing four times a week.
- The British Soap Awards, held annually, attract millions of viewers and celebrate the best in soap opera performances and storylines.
- As of 2023, "Emmerdale" has won the British Soap Award for Best British Soap multiple times, with over 20 wins.
External Links
How To
How To Follow Your Favorite Soap Opera Actors
If you want to keep up with your favorite soap opera actors, start by following their official social media accounts. Many actors share insights into their lives, behind-the-scenes content, and personal projects. Websites like IMDb provide detailed profiles, including their filmography and upcoming roles. Additionally, entertainment news outlets often feature interviews and articles about the actors' current projects and personal lives. Consider subscribing to newsletters from fan sites dedicated to your favorite shows, as they often provide updates and news about the cast.
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