Trained at the Eliot Clark Stage School in Liverpool and the Italia Conti Stage School in London, her highly acclaimed work has included playing the regular character of ‘Lindsey Corkhill’ in Brookside, the fiery character ‘Katrina’ in the award winning drama Clocking Off, ‘Roz’ in BBC1’s hit drama Merseybeat and most recently the character of ‘Amanda’ in BBC1’s new comedy drama Candy Cabs.
As a television presenter, Claire authored a one-hour primetime documentary for ITV1 called Claire Sweeney: My Big Fat Diet. She presented four series of 60 Minute Make-over (ITV1) and hosted Saturday night shows ‘Here Comes The Sun’ (BBC1) and Challenge of a Lifetime (ITV1). She has also presented three live Specials called I’m Famous and Frightened for Living TV as well as appearing in the first and most successful series of Channel 4’s Celebrity Big Brother. Claire is a regular panelist on Loose Women and has also enjoyed taking part in The Royal Variety Show, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Come Dine with Me.
In the West End roles include ‘Roxie Hart’ in Chicago and ‘Miss Adelaide’ opposite Patrick Swayze in the award winning production of Guys and Dolls. In autumn 2010 Claire starred in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s one-woman show Tell Me On A Sunday. She has headlined in Fosse - The World Tour and starred in the first ever UK Production of the musical Shout! She has also performed duets with International Opera stars Bryn Terfel and Jose Carrereas at The Royal Albert Hall.
Claire took part in the 10th Anniversary Gala Performance of Chicago at the Cambridge Theatre in London where principal cast members from the last 10 years returned for a special one-off performance. She has also appeared as the celebrity guest star in the successful West End and Broadway play based on the work of Morecambe & Wise, The Play Wot I Wrote.
Claire has worked as the Forces Sweetheart entertaining British Troops abroad and was the first entertainer to visit the troops in Afghanistan and Oman. Claire was delighted and honoured to perform at A Party to Remember broadcast live on BBC1 from Trafalgar Square in celebration of VE Day and sang live at The Royal Albert Hall for VE Day Live on the BBC. She also mesmerised TV audiences at The Festival of Commemoration in Horse Guards Parade performing live to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in the presence of HM The Queen.
Claire’s solo album simply entitled Claire was highly successful topping the UK charts top 5 and she has recently contributed to the album Give Me a Smile; a compilation of songs with the legendary composer and conductor Carl Davis. In Summer 2010, Claire took part in a series of concerts with Carl called Battle of Britain - 70th Anniversary where she performed with 3 of the countries finest orchestras.
Claire has been the face of Marks and Spencer and was recently seen in TV commercials as the ambassador for Park Hampers.
Among her various charity works she is a Patron for Claire House Children’s Hospice, works as an HIV/AIDS Ambassador for Save the Children and has traveled with the charity to look at the impact of AIDS on children in South Africa.