Claire Sweeney, best known for her role as Cassandra Plummer on Coronation Street, has made headlines for her transformative health journey following a notable four-stone weight loss. At 53, Sweeney has shifted her approach to health, moving away from the typical New Year’s resolutions of dieting to embracing mindfulness and holistic wellness as she ages.
For years, Sweeney would set herself up for dieting and gym goals each Christmas, but a recent experience on Dancing on Ice sparked a pivotal change. Training alongside skater Colin Grafton, the demanding routines helped her shed weight and motivated her to prioritize wellness over restrictive dieting.
Reflecting on her past, Claire noted, “I looked back to when I used to host 60 Minute Makeover and didn’t realise what good shape my body was in. That was my goal. I had two pictures on my phone—one of me at my heaviest, and one of how I wanted to look.” This shift in mindset illustrates her commitment to self-acceptance and overall health rather than chasing a specific body image.
Sweeney opened up in an interview with Best magazine about how her travels over the Christmas season influenced her new health approach. “I was watching a documentary with Joan Plowright, and she said she wished she’d discovered mindfulness years ago. It really resonated with me,” she explained. Inspired by this, Sweeney began her days on holiday with morning beach walks and listening to The Mel Robbins Podcast, which deepened her understanding of mindfulness and meditation.
For 2025, Claire has set her goal to focus on mindfulness and being present in the moment. Rather than fixating on strict gym schedules, she aims to maintain her health and strength with a more flexible approach. She shared, “I do a little bit of everything” in her gym sessions, emphasizing enjoyment and balance over rigid expectations.
Sweeney had previously discussed her weight gain during the COVID-19 lockdowns, expressing her love for food but also her desire to feel fitter and stronger. On social media, she wrote, “Love being curvy, but wanna feel fitter, stronger, and shifting a little bit of timber won’t go amiss.” Her candid approach to body image resonates with many who have had similar experiences.
Known for her roles on Brookside, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Big Brother, and Holby City, Claire has long captivated audiences with her versatility. In 2023, she returned to Coronation Street, where she plays Cassandra Plummer.
Fans can catch Claire on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday, March 16, 2025. The episode features Claire alongside actor Samantha Bond and theatre legend Sir Tim Rice, with highlights including alpaca encounters, spring lawn care tips, and beer recommendations.
Sweeney’s approach to health mirrors a broader trend of prioritizing mental wellness and balance over traditional dieting. By focusing on mindfulness, Claire sets a positive example for her fans, showing that true well-being encompasses both physical and mental health at every stage of life.
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