Coronation Street's Cassie Plummer to 'steal' from Tracy Barlow after 'nicking her husband'

Cassie Plummer is skating on thin ice in Corrie, as she embarks on a dramatic new plotline that finds her drugging Ken Barlow to pinch his cash.

The mischievous character, recently employed by the Coronation Street icon (portrayed by William Roache) as a carer, faces the threat of joblessness and reverts back to her shady ways, sneaking an antihistamine into Ken’s tea to keep him unawares while she maxes out his debit card on a spending frenzy.

ITV viewers have watched the drama unfold as Cassie executes her desperate ploy. Claire Sweeney, who brings Cassie to life on screen, delves into her character's mindset: "She’s just gone into survival mode", she reveals, admitting the guilt eating at Cassie, "She hates herself for it. She absolutely adores him and nobody’s ever shown her kindness like he has."

READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney teases Cassie's downfall as 'the stakes are higher'

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While Ken keeps up his faith in Cassie’s integrity, Tracy (played by Kate Ford), is hot on the con artist’s heels. With Tracy determined to expose Cassie, viewers are in for a treat as we see the sparks fly in what could become another iconic rivalry on the cobbled streets, evoking memories of Tracy's previous battles with Becky Granger.

Reflecting on the tension, Claire shares, "Tracy has been onto her from the beginning", explaining how deep the grudge goes, "Tracy will go to any lengths to destroy Cassie. In a way, Cassie’s nicked her husband, although she’s with Tommy, she’s nicked her father’s affections, and taken her place in that house."

"We know Tracy is capable of some terrible things and she’s also met her match with Cassie. Cassie’s not a wallflower." Things take a turn for the worse when we consider Cassie's connection to Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), seemingly adding drama to the explosive mix. "Everything with Steve has come from an honest and truthful place. Cassie’s a bit in love with him."

Claire, discussing Steve's feelings, says, "He’s disappointed in her because he really likes her. And there’s that whole thing like, you know, when you really like someone you shouldn’t like but you just can’t help it."

She adds, "And I think there's still moments between them where (the spark) is still there. He’s dejected, really." Fans are left wondering, will he support Cassie? Or will he side with the Barlows, avoiding a confrontation with Tracy?

Claire teases fans that "the stakes are higher" than ever for Cassie who used to feel joyful amongst the Barlows as a part of the community. "She was so happy with the Barlows, she’s part of a community, of a neighbourhood, she's got friends, a lover, she adores Ken so you’re really going to see what she's got to lose."

Amidst the unfolding drama on screen, Claire highlights the importance of balancing her acting with motherhood. Taking care of her 10 year old son Jaxon, with her ex-partner Daniel Reilly, she admits, "The thing with Corrie is, when you’re busy, you’re busy".

But she acknowledges that the show's structure allows for personal time, explaining, "But then it’s someone else’s turn on the roundabout and you get a bit of time out."

"When I'm busy, I just make sure we have fantastic weekends together. We've just been on holiday for the new year and it's like mum on steroids," Claire shared about her current routine. She also expressed gratitude that her son Jaxon "understands" her TV fame: "Jaxon is understanding. As soon as he was born, I became a working mum. A single working mum. And he understands that mum has got to work."