Claire Sweeney

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Claire Sweeney (born April 17, 1972 in Walton, Liverpool) is an English actress who is best known for her role as Lindsey Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside.

[edit] Early life and career

Sweeney trained at the Elliott-Clarke Stage School in Liverpool, and went on to the Italia Conti Academy in London. After leaving the stage school, Sweeney had many singing engagements before landing the part of Lindsey in Brookside for a brief spell in 1991. She entertained cruise ships for P&O as a singer for four years before returning to England. On her return, Sweeney reprised her role of Lindsey and remained on the show as a leading character until its demise in 2003.

Sweeney appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2001 in aid of Comic Relief, where she met Anthea Turner who has become a close friend. Her appearance on the show prompted her to greater fame amongst the British public. This directly led to appearing as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago in London. In 2002 she released an album, Claire, consisting of a mix of original material and cover versions of well-known songs, which enjoyed only modest success. She won Rear of the Year in 2001. In 2002 she hosted BBC TV's A Song for Europe contest.

She has also presented a number of shows, such as Challenge of a Lifetime and 60 Minute Makeover. In 2004 she participated in Series One of the BBC One pro-celebrity ballroom dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing. She is currently hosting the television series Chef vs Britain.

On 10 July 2006, Sweeney took over from Sally Ann Triplett in the role of Miss Adelaide in the UK production of Guys & Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre in London's West End for an 8 week run. Sweeney played opposite Dirty Dancing legend Patrick Swayze.

Sweeney was also a holder of The Forces Sweetheart title.

[edit] Personal life

Sweeney's ex-partners are said to include Adam Kenwright and John Leslie. However, she has had a steady relationship with businessman Tony Hibbard for at least 12 months, and the pair bought a £750,000 holiday home in Majorca - via a company which Sweeney now advertises [1]