I feel like I’m sexy & smashing it at 51
TV’s Claire Sweeney swaps Brookside for burlesque
TELLY favourite Claire Sweeney is set to raise the roof – and viewers’ temperatures – in a saucy new show.
The former Brookside actress, now 51, will be unleashing her sexy side in Proud Cabaret All Stars – and she’s loving every minute of it.
Speaking about the show, which also features world-class acrobatic, circus, aerial and fire-breathing acts, Claire said: “It’s so free and wonderful. It ticks every single box for me.
“I feel like I’m smashing it at 51. This has been a bit of a renaissance for me. I feel like I’ve come into my own doing it.
“I’m not afraid to be a bit sexy. As you get older, you care less what people think and I’m much more comfortable in my own skin now. I’m happy being curvy… I just want to feel good.”
Singer Claire, who has been inspired by American burlesque star Dita Von Teese, says she is thrilled to be able “to live my wildest dreams on stage”.
NAUGHTY
She said: “I do a very raunchy, sloweddown version of the song 9 to 5.
“I had just done 9 to 5 the musical in the West End and thought I could do a different take on it, so I have.
“It’s very funny and very naughty… it’s great fun to be naughty.”
Claire, who is mum to seven-year-old Jaxon, says she won’t be following in Dita’s footsteps by stripping off any time soon, though.
She said: “I love Dita but I don’t get naked or have nipple tassels – I just wear the most amazing dresses.
“My son comes to see all of my shows, but I wouldn’t bring him to this. It’s not for a seven-year-old!”
Claire first found fame playing Lindsey Corkhill in Channel 4’s Brookside until the programme ended in 2003.
Since then she has appeared in TV shows such as Celebrity Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing and was a regular panellist on Loose Women until 2005.
She has also featured in a number of West End shows and toured the UK with the hit musical, Hairspray.
But while Claire is devoted to her job, it means there’s no time for love.
The star said: “There’s no romance going on at the moment which is a shame, but I’m really happy and I feel very fulfilled and content.”
However, she admits she wouldn’t rule out trying online dating in the future. “I would never say never to dating sites,” she said. “Who knows?” ■■Claire Sweeney is headlining select dates at Proud Cabaret All Stars at Proud Embankment, London, from May 5 to July 29. See proudcabaret.com