Claire Sweeney makes an ’emotional’ return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed – 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

As a seasoned observer of celebrity relationships, I must say, the bond between Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton is nothing short of intriguing. With their shared experiences from Dancing On Ice and their undeniable chemistry, it seems like they’ve found each other at just the right time.


On a nostalgic trip, Claire Sweeney, known from Brookside, snapped an Instagram photo at her former filming site in Liverpool on Wednesday.

53-year-old actress, who portrayed Lindsey Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap opera, shared that she felt quite emotional while smiling for pictures on the renowned street, which was bought by its residents following the series’ conclusion.

From 1982 to 2003, the popular daytime drama unfolded, focusing on the everyday lives of working-class families residing in Brookside Close, a genuine residential street nestled within the suburbs of Liverpool’s West Derby area.

Claire admitted that she had recently revisited the movie set in her hometown, nearly twenty-five years after the final episode was broadcasted.

During the excursion, the singer was absolutely stunning while wearing a deep-cut green, patterned wrap dress and matching flip-flops.

Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end
Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

In the second snapshot, Claire was seen standing with her mother Kathleen, both smiling brightly for a picture taken outside their imagined home.

Today, I was on my way to West Derby and chose to reminisce about the past, so I stopped by Brookside Close, the current home of its residents.

‘Felt quite emotional. Spent 6 very happy years there playing Lindsey Corkhill. Loved Brooksie’. 

In a different post, Claire appeared dramatically changed when she stood in the same location as character Lindsey did ‘twenty-four years ago’.

She wrote: ‘Back in the day…. Same spot 24 years earlier’.    

The set where Brookside Close was filmed was in a real cul-de-sac of newly-built houses. 

In 2008, the properties were put up for sale at an auction conducted by Mersey Television, having remained unoccupied for a number of years prior. The final selling price was £735,000.

In 2011, the renowned 13 Brookside Close properties, which had been revamped as part of an upscale project while still preserving their unique charm from the original film set, were put up for sale.

Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end
Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end
Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

Claire’s excursion follows her recent expression of pride, as she publicly congratulated her partner on Instagram a month ago.

It can be rephrased as: Claire demonstrated her unwavering support for Ricky by expressing her immense pride when it became known that he had qualified for the Boxing Hall of Fame.

In her post, she expressed: ‘I’m so proud! You’re jetting off to the USA for your induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame, my dear.’

‘What an honour, and so deserved @rickyhitmanhatton’ alongside a series of red heart emojis.

Ricky himself expressed, “I assumed my days of receiving awards were over. The experiences I had, earning an MBE, I thought that was all for me. But then came the unexpected call about the Boxing Hall of Fame, which truly took me aback.”

In addition, I often view myself as a resident of the Hattersley estate. To maintain a down-to-earth attitude and remain humble, I usually feel awkward discussing such topics.

“I graciously receive this accolade, not solely for myself but as a testament to every individual who’s journeyed with me throughout our collaborations. Alas, there are far too numerous people to name, yet each one is deeply appreciated. And to all my supporters, thank you for your unwavering encouragement.”

Claire and Ricky developed a strong connection following their shared experience on Dancing on Ice in January. More recently, they were spotted returning from a romantic getaway in Tenerife.

Ricky shared that the pair continue to have a great relationship, reminiscent of a house ablaze with friendship, upon their return from vacation as a couple.

In response to The Sun’s inquiry about his holiday, Ricky said it was fantastic. He mentioned that Claire shares similarities with him, and he connected with someone as if they had known each other for a long time, just like two houses set ablaze by an uncontrollable fire.

In my case, I’m quite similar to Claire. We share an infectious sense of humor that keeps us giggling throughout our shared experiences. What makes us alike is our unpretentious nature – we both keep things straightforward and genuine.

Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end
Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end
Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

1. “I find her genuinely charming because she’s always willing to sign an autograph or spend time with fans, and our interactions have consistently been enjoyable.”

Their sun-soaked getaway came just weeks after they made their red carpet debut in Manchester.

It was recently disclosed that Claire intends to present Ricky to her family, which includes her nine-year-old boy named Jaxon.

A reliable source informed us that Claire and Ricky have grown quite close. Initially, Claire didn’t anticipate being in a relationship, but then Ricky entered the picture, and their connection seemed effortless and genuine. As a result, Claire is incredibly content.

In my own words, I’d say: “I found myself on a reality TV show, where fate unexpectedly introduced me to an amazing individual. It feels like striking gold with a lottery ticket, truly! I can’t help but count my blessings, as this whirlwind of luck seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Sometimes, it’s the unforeseen moments that turn out to be the sweetest.”

She’s excited to present Ricky to her loved ones and social circle shortly, as they eagerly anticipate the person who brings joy to Claire.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share this thrilling tidbit! From what I’ve heard through the grapevine and whispered secrets, it’s as if lightning struck between Ricky and her. Although he departed the show prematurely, post-performance, he reached out to her and let’s just say, he’s been casting a spell ever since.

They’ve had multiple outings together, and last Saturday was simply another in a series. They’ve been spending a lot of time together recently. He is utterly smitten by her.

Claire Sweeney makes an 'emotional' return to Brookside as secrets of the iconic cul-de-sac are revealed - 21 years after the Channel 4 soap came to an end

It appears unconventional, but he’s had a knack for attracting women. What draws them in is his charming personality, and that’s exactly what captivated Claire. Given that she prioritizes her son above all, they are being extra cautious. So, keep an eye on the situation as it unfolds.

In the show “Dancing on Ice,” Ricky teamed up with skater Robin Johnstone, but unfortunately, they were the first pair to be voted off.

As a lifestyle expert, let me share my personal experience: I found myself partnered with the talented ice skater, Colin Grafton, in our recent competition. Just two weeks later, we unfortunately saw the elimination of another celebrity contestant, Ricky, who had become quite intriguing to me. To my delight, it turned out that Ricky had already shown interest in getting to know me better – a silver lining amidst the competitive landscape!

Before meeting Ricky, it had been since Christmas 2023 that Claire hadn’t gone on a date, and she humorously suggested she might be treading the same path as her grandmother, who reportedly didn’t find love until she was 86 years old.

In 2017, she parted ways with Daniel Reilly, who is the father of their son, Jaxon, after a prolonged relationship.

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2024-08-01 12:08

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