Female Boxer Opens Up About Disgusting Abuse She Endured After Quitting Fight vs. Imane Khelif

Imane Khelif and Angela Carini (Photos via Imagn Images & Instagram)
Some fights end when the bell rings, but others don’t. Italian boxer Angela Carini knows this too well. A year after she tearfully quit her Olympic match against Algeria’s Imane Khelif in Paris, the 26-year-old says the abuse that followed “destroyed her career.”

Utah vs. #14 TCU Highlights (9.19.25) | 2025 Big 12 Women’s Soccer

Carini’s clash with Khelif lasted just 46 seconds. She quit mid-bout after taking a string of punches and later explained the pain forced her to stop. The decision shocked fans, drew headlines worldwide, and dragged her into a storm that has only grown louder.

The episode even resurfaced recently as Khelif talked about her difficult phase, and her new makeover was also noticed.

Carini’s Career Left In Pieces

Angela Carini of Italy in action against Imane Khelif (Photo By Isabel Infantes/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports)

Carini chose to speak directly to her followers this week. On Friday, she posted a video on Instagram showing screenshots of the online attacks she had received. Messages called her a coward, and some told her not to step into the Olympics again.

In the clip, she added her own voiceover, breaking down how those words cut into her life.

---

“Have you ever wondered how hard it was for me to face these words?” she asked. “That past changed and destroyed my career, built year after year with sacrifices, dedication, tenacity and passion.”

Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Boxing stories via Google!Follow Us

Her career once promised much. She grabbed silver at the 2019 world and European championships and reached the Tokyo Games in 2021. Paris, though, became the turning point. Carini left the arena in tears, and the debate over Khelif’s eligibility only made the things tough. Even political leaders like Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni weighed in.

The International Boxing Association had banned both Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from the 2023 worlds for failing undisclosed tests. The IOC later cleared them to fight in Paris. Khelif went on to win gold. The controversy has since fueled calls for tougher rules, with Khelif herself later responding publicly after the IOC’s new measures came in.

Carini admits the fallout pushed her into silence. “After Paris, I closed myself with my family and tried to rebuild in small pieces,” she said.

“Getting back into that ring was a tough challenge,” she explained. “These words of mine will not change the world, but at least I invite everyone to reflect. A word, a gesture, a command can hurt and destroy a person.”

But she refused to leave the sport. In December, she returned, winning her eighth Italian title and another gold at the World Boxing Cup in Poland.

PUP IDOL: This Morning ANNOUNCES New Dog JOINING Coronation Street after Bizarre Talent Competition

Coronation Street has found a new dog to star on the soap. The long-running ITV programme announced in July that they were launching a competition titled Pup Idol in collaboration with This Morning, and now the lucky pup who will be treading the cobbles has been announced.

The contest was headed up by Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, West End actress Jodie Prenger, who plays Rovers barmaid Glenda Shuttleworth, and This Morning’s resident vet Dr Scott Miller. Colson Smith, who starred as Craig Tinker on Corrie for more than a decade before being killed off earlier this year, was also on hand to offer backstage updates.

‌

The final heat took place during Wednesday’s edition of the magazine show and English cocker spaniel Kali and her owner Zoe faced an obstacle course before the pooch woofed along to Queen classic I Want To Be Break Free. This was followed by KC spaniel shih tzu cross Elsa, who can play the piano, and her owner Caroline. The pooch faced an agility test set to Let It Go from Disney’s Frozen before bashing out a tune on a mini set of keys. It was then the turn of Boris, a Pomeranian, and his owner Sue to try to impress the judges with his dancing skills all set to Madonna classic Vogue.

‌

In the end, though, only one canine could win the chance to walk down the nation’s favourite street, and it was decided that the lucky pooch would be Boris.

Sue told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: “I’m buzzing! Boris doesn’t really know what’s going on…” Colson then told the runners-up that they had won a tour of the Coronation Street set at MediaCity in Manchester, which dogs are normally not allowed on. When pressed for details of the storyline involving the pooch, Colson admitted that it is all currently under wraps.

‌

Despite the fun nature of the competition, some viewers at home were at a loss with the bizarre nature of it. One said: “I would have thought the main skill for a tv dog would be not curling one off in the middle of a scene. Not sure any of this will come in handy tbh.”

Another added: “Has anyone explained how singing or dancing to Vogue is going to be any use for a role of a dog walking in the background of a Corrie scene?” and a third said: “I’m a dog lover but this is a load of b******* and they are dragging it out to death ffs!”

‌

Perhaps two of the more famous dogs to have resided on the cobbles include Chesney Brown’s (Sam Aston) Great Dane Schmeichel, and Border Terrier Eccles, who lived with the Barlows at number one for several years. Other pets to have lived on the Weatherfield backstreet over the years have included Yasmeen’s pet chicken Charlotte Bronte, and rat Darryl, who arrived along with Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) shortly after his debut in 2011. Currently, café owner Roy Cropper (David Neilson) has a terrier called Freddie, whilst his close friend Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) had a greyhound known as Cerberus.

In the early days, original Street battle axe Ena Sharples (Violet Carson) received a budgie called Archie but passed it onto her friend Martha Longhurst (Lynne Carrol), and Minnie Caldwell (Margot Bryant) had a beloved cat called Bobby, who stayed with her throughout her run on the programme.

In the 1990s, Rovers landlady Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch) had a cat called Tiger, and David Platt famously had a rabbit called Barney. Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey) was known for keeping pigeons, and his surrogate son Tyrone Dobbs ( Alan Halsall ) found a stray one that he named after Beyonce.

Ilia Topuria Taunts Terence Crawford Saying His Memory Fails Him And His Chin Will Be Next

Terence Crawford and Ilia Topuria (Photo By Imagn Images)
Fans are watching some serious drama unfold on social media where UFC star Ilia Topuria and Terence Crawford are going back and forth. It all started when Topuria called out Crawford for a boxing match, and things have gotten heated since then. Recently, the Spanish fighter took a shot at ‘Bud’ for his comments about not knowing who Topuria really is.

Mark Kotsay on Luis Severino’s start, A’s 6-0 win

Crawford was on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani when he was asked about Topuria. ‘Bud’ brushed him off, saying the UFC lightweight champ acted polite when they met in person, but later went online claiming he’d knock him out. He called Topuria a clout chaser, said he’s nowhere near Conor McGregor’s level, and even admitted he didn’t know who he was. In response, Topuria fired back on X:

“You say you’re an MMA fan but you don’t even know who I am… interesting. The first time we met you told me ‘good luck this week with your fight.’ Your memory fails you… and soon your chin will too. I’ll represent the entire MMA community. Pound-for-pound #1 in real fights vs the pound-for-pound boxer.”

 

Both fighters have been trading shots on social media, but things really escalated when the American boxer walked out to El Matador’s entrance song. That move set Topuria off online, and now the back-and-forth between the two superstars is getting hotter by the day.

Ilia Topuria Fires Back At Terence Crawford First, “He Insults Me, Then He Walks Out to My Song”

Ilia Topuria (Image Credits: Imagn)

---

Topuria’s walkouts have become a viral sensation, with fans even comparing his swagger to Conor McGregor. The Spanish star once sang his own walkout track, Desperado by Antonio Banderas, in front of thousands at a live concert. But things took a heated turn when Terence Crawford used the same song for his recent fight against Canelo Alvarez, sparking a social media feud between the two.

Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google!Follow Us

Topuria fired back at Crawford’s “drunk” remarks and made it clear he wants a fight, posting: “First he calls me drunk… then he walks out to MY song. Crawford, whenever you want, I’ll teach you how to dance that mariachi in the ring. And Canelo, I’ll save you a round after him.”

This rivalry is already building serious hype for a potential showdown. If the fight actually materializes, it could go down as one of the biggest crossover events in combat sports history, right up there with Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather. For now, fans can only wait and hope that this clash becomes a reality.

HEARTBREAKING: EASTENDERS legend Cheryl Fergison has shared a HEALTH UPDATE in a new video after she suffered a SEVERE STROKE

The actress, 60, was struck by an medical emergency in May which left her unable to walk.

4

Eastenders legend Cheryl Fergison has shared a health update in a new video after she suffered a severe strokeCredit: Instagram

4

Cheryl is best known for her character of Heather Trott in the BBC soapCredit: BBC
Cheryl took to Instagram with a health update for her fans and said: “Well I just had to come on and tell you something that has planted a seed in my little brain.

“And hopefully it plants the seed in somebody in our industry – producers, tv people etc.”

I can walk a certain amount before I get puffed out

“So the story goes this, I can walk with a stick now from the stroke which is brilliant, I can walk a certain amount before I get puffed out.

Cheryl then explained she has an amazing little Premier local shop about six shops away from where she lives.

She then continued: “I walked down there just to give myself some exercise and go and get some little provisions.

“Anyway, I went down there yesterday, tea time-ish and I went in and said hello to the guys that work there.”

She explained the staff are lovely and serve her community really well before she added: “This lady was in there. Probably about my age, I dunno, maybe 50’s to 60’s, something like that.

“Anyways, she said Oh My Gosh I’ve just read your book. And I went oh have you? How did you find it?

You’ve had a life, haven’t you?

“She said you’ve had a life haven’t you? And I said yeah a little bit.”

Cheryl explained how the woman then went on to say that she couldn’t put the book down especially when the woman asked if it would ever be made into a film or a series.

EastEnders legend Cheryl Fergsion slams the British Soap Awards in shock swipe- but gets hit by fan backlash

Cheryl continued: “I said No. I’d never thought of that really but thank you so much for suggesting it.

“She said who would you get to play you?”

The actress then explained she had never really thought about that before before revealing she would like to go to lots of drama schools.

Cheryl revealed: “I’d really like to go to as many drama schools. drama colleges, who have got actresses finishing their studies.

“I’d like to cast someone fresh, kike straight out of drama college”

The Eastenders legend explained that she would like someone who could play both her teenage period as well as her older self and had a big range as a character actress.

And maybe I get to play in it, my Mum

Cheryl then thought one step further and said: “What about the whole cast being absolute unknowns.

“So you have this series about my life and every single person is a complete unknown just out of drama school.

“And maybe I get to play in it, my mum. And I think that’s the way to go.

“If there is any film producers, TV producers, anybody who thinks that’s a great idea and wouldn’t mind taking a punt on my life, my journey and all of that.

“Let’s pass the baton to fresh talent that’s coming on and let’s give them the chance and let’s make this happen.

“Let’s make this happen, it would be absolutely fantastic. Anyway, it was just a thought from a lovely lady in my local shop.

“Let’s make Behind The Scenes by Cheryl Fergison in front of the camera for something for you lot to watch.”

Cheryl’s fans rushed to give her support

Cheryl’s fans were quick to offer support and one wrote: “Look at Owen Cooper from adolescence, straight from drama school to being the youngest to ever win an Emmy. The talent is out there Cheryl.”

Another added: “It’s an excellent idea and hope some one from TV production cones forward to do this, all the very best keep me in the loop xx.”

“That sounds amazing, would love to see your story played out on TV. I’m all packed for my holiday. Your book is safely in my case. Can’t wait to read more,” added a third.

While another stated: “What an amazing idea this would make an amazing film or series, would love to see you on life stories on Kate Garraway too.”

Cheryl played Heather Trott in Eastenders, for five years, leaving in 2012 when the character was killed off.

4

Cheryl has an idea to further the career of new talentCredit: Instagram

Rubi Rose Used Her Talents To Separate Jake Paul & Gervonta Davis During Heated Face-Off Before Their Fight [VIDEO]

Gervonta Davis and Rubi Rose (Photo via Twitter)
This year, so much stuff has happened that many may not realize that Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis are about to fight.

Florida vs. Miami Game Highlights | 2025 ACC Football

The two will meet in a spectacle showdown in Miami on November 14.

During this bout, model and social media influencer Rubi Rose will be a ring card girl. She is already making waves.

Rose, who bent over in front of the Arizona Cardinals mascot earlier this year, used her beauty to calm down the fighters from throwing punches during their recent press conference.

The pair nearly came to blows before Rose stepped in to separate them. Tensions flared when Davis shoves Jake Paul, prompting an immediate shove back from the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

---

Rose, who boasts millions of followers on Instagram, came walking in a tiny blue dress that barely covered her cheeks, and both of them stopped what they were doing.

Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Boxing stories via Google!Follow Us

Jake Paul, Gervonta Davis Agree To $2 Million Bet And Rule Change

Jake Paul (Photo Via Instagram/@jakepaul)

Paul and Davis will compete across ten three-minute rounds, but the exhibition will not count toward either man’s professional record.

Because of the significant weight gap, Paul agreed to a 195-lb limit for the bout. Davis is a lightweight who fights around the 135-lb mark, while Paul has been operating at cruiserweight.

Despite this, knockouts are allowed, and three judges will score the contest to ensure a winner is declared.

Paul and Davis raised the stakes when they agreed to have a bet on the outcome.

The fighters agreed to a $2 million bet and shook hands on the agreement, meaning that the winner will receive another hefty sum in addition to his fight purse.

Jake Paul last fought Julio César Chávez in June, a bout where he was caught using the N-word on camera.

‘Wait a minute, Mum, are you sure…?’ POP legend Lulu CANDIDLY SHARED her struggles with her son live on This Morning

Lulu has confessed to being “very secretive” about her struggle with alcoholism due to feeling “so ashamed”.

The 76-year-old pop icon recently shared her battle with alcohol for the first time, revealing that she managed to hide her drinking problem from her family and music industry friends, including Sir Elton John. While on This Morning on Wednesday, she said: “It was never bad because I was never a fall-down drunk.

“My son didn’t know. He said: ‘Wait a minute, Mum, are you sure … ?’ and Elton [John] said: ‘How the f**k did I miss that?’” Immediately after, Lulu apologised for her language on live TV, saying: “I’m so sorry, I am so sorry. Also, it’s me trying to push the story. How did I miss that?”

She continued: “I was very secretive, I was so ashamed of it. I would go out and have a drink, a couple of drinks. I would go home and have another drink. You know you’re an alcoholic if you can’t stop. I have a lot of friends who have a drink and say: ‘Oh, I’ve had enough,’ but I couldn’t do that..

“I was a highly functioning alcoholic, that’s why nobody knew. I would fall asleep sozzled. I’d set the alarm, wake up for work the next day, brush myself off and go to work.” Lulu also revealed how she confessed her secret to her sister, who encouraged the singer to check herself into a rehab clinic in 2013.

‌

She said: “I had a birthday party and everyone left except my sister and her kids because two of them live with me. My niece said: ‘Oh so and so, he’s hanging on by his fingernails’ … Talking about his problem with alcohol, and I don’t know where it came from, I said: ‘He’s not the only one’.

“My sister said very kindly: ‘I know, and I’ve known for some time’. The cat was out of the bag. It was if someone up there liked me. I now had to get sharing. I couldn’t ask for help before but in that moment I looked at my sister and said: ‘I have to go to rehab, don’t I?’ She said: ‘I think so.’ I was there the next day.”

‌

Lulu has recently opened up about her struggle with addiction during a candid chat with The Times, admitting: “I was a secret drinker. I think I always wanted to be Miss Perfect, the ‘best Lulu’, and I was terrified of being like my father.

“For years, I made a choice not to talk about [my alcoholism] publicly. I chose to wait until I had the language to understand it before I could start spouting off.”

The pop star explained how she wanted to be “the best Lulu” at all times, which was heightened as she shot to fame. She performed alongside her band The Luvvers, with Shout reaching number seven in the UK singles chart, and went on to have 10 UK top 10 singles and one top 10 album.

‌

She said that after hitting the menopause and losing both her parents, as well as her children leaving home, she became more reliant on alcohol, and it started to deteriorate rapidly. Lulu decided to keep quiet about what she witnessed at home as she feared her parents would be seen as “bad people”.

Now, she believes they were “damaged” but continues to carry shame about their actions. Lulu said her alcoholism was “the culmination of a life spent trying to suppress feelings,” and continuing her public image.

GB News star Dawn Neesom ‘cries’ on air as she addresses ‘feud’ with co-star

Dawn Neesom appeared on GB News with Stephen Dixon while regular host Ellie Costello takes a brief break from the show.

GB News host apologises for laughing with co-star

Dawn Neesom addressed her reported “feud” with GB News co-star Stephen Dixon.

The pair have worked together when Dawn stands in for other presenters, with Ellie Costello usually presenting alongside Stephen on a Thursday and a Friday. Despite appearing on-screen with Stephen, it’s been claimed that the pair do not get on.

However, on Thursday (September 25), Dawn was quick to put those rumours to rest. After an ad-break had her laughing away with her co-star, she came back on screen stifling her laughter before apologising to the viewers at home.

Stephen was also all smiles as he joked: “She’s that desperate for a motor home ladies and gentleman, but I’ve told her she can’t enter.”

Dawn then quipped: “I was laughing because if I win that I can get away from him! Just a thought.”

Dawn Neesom addressed her (Image: GB News)

Stephen then addressed the rumours of hate, telling his co-star: “I do think it’s funny because people on social media think we hate each other.” Dawn cheekily claimed they do before backtracking and saying: “We don’t! Oh sorry I’m crying.”

He then quipped: “We actually get on really, really well, we just have this thing going,” before adding a wink at the camera.

The comment came shortly after Dawn also shared a photo of the pair behing the scenes as she wrote: “Fancy some fun for breakfast on Thursday? Then join Stephen and some raddled old blonde live at 6-9:30.”

Viewers were thrilled to see that Dawn would be back on screen with Stephen, as they praised the “fantastic pair” and were referred to as “favourites”.

 

Dawn acts as a stand-in presenter and this week has been supporting the staff as Ellie Costello takes a break from the show.

Ellie wrote last week that she’d be off for a little while, writing: “Thank you for your company on the show today, it was a very busy one covering day two of President Trump’s second state visit.

“I’m now on annual leave and heading stateside with my husband for his birthday trip! I’ll be back in the studio at the end of the month.”

AUDIENCE STUNNED: This Morning’s Ben Shephard halts INTERVIEW URGENTLY as LULU makes SH0CK CLAIM

LULU stunned This Morning viewers today as she let slip a swear word live on air while speaking about her hidden struggle with alcoholism – forcing host Ben Shephard to quickly apologise.

The 76-year-old star appeared on the sofa alongside hosts Ben and Cat Deeley to promote her new memoir If Only You Knew and revealed she secretly battled drink for years – even hiding it from her own son.

6

Lulu appeared mortified by her slip-up

6

The Scottish pop legend opened up about her battle with alcohol

6

Ben Shephard quickly apologised to viewers

6

Ben joked that the sweary slip was Sir Elton John’s faultCredit: Getty
Lulu said: “I mean, you know, my son didn’t know I was an alcoholic when I went to rehab.

“He went, ‘Whoa! Whoa, wait a minute, wait a minute, Mum. You know? Are you sure?’ I said, ‘Yes.’”

She also revealed how Sir Elton John was stunned to discover her addiction, admitting: “Elton said to me, ‘How the f**k did I miss that, baby?’”

At that moment Ben halted the interview and quickly jumped in, telling viewers: “Elton has an interesting choice of vocabulary, we just need to be careful.

“Because it’s quite early, so apologies.”

He then turned to the camera and added: “You’ll understand that. I’m sorry, it’s not Lulu, it’s Elton.”

The Shout singer laughed it off, admitting she forgot herself.

When asked why she had chosen to go public now, Lulu explained: “I think the time is right…

“I am an alcoholic in recovery, and I have never talked about it publicly.

“I feel this is the time I can talk about it ‘cause I know there are many people who are not as lucky as I am and find recovery, and there’s many, many reasons why, every alcoholic is different, but there’s similarities.

Lulu shocks GMB fans who can’t believe her real age – but others share same complaints

“It’s the way young people talk.

“They share everything. When I first started out, my mother would say, ‘Don’t talk about it, don’t wash your dirty laundry in public. Don’t talk about what goes on in this house.’

“So I had this sort of secret but actually, shame filled. Yes. I was full of shame about being an alcoholic like my dad.

“And full of shame about a lot of things that happened in my childhood, that a lot of things that I’ve done, and I thought, at this point, I’m 76, maybe it’s helpful to share with other people.”

Cat told her: “You kept a secret for a very, very long time.”

Lulu confirmed: “Yeah, that is November 2013 was the last time I had a drink.

“I was so ashamed of it. You know, I’d go out and I would have a drink and have a couple of drinks.

“But then it’s when I would go home. That I would have another drink. And the thing about—you’ll know you’re an alcoholic, if you can’t stop.

“You know, I have a lot of friends who have a drink and say, I’ve had enough, but I couldn’t do that, and I’d find myself, I was a high-functioning alcohol, that’s why nobody knew.

“I would fall asleep, you know, sozzled, but I set the alarm, I’d wake up for work the next day, brush myself off and go to work.

“The book is about that, which I’ve never talked about.”

Lulu also speaks about her escape from her violent childhood at the age of 15 in the book, and mixing in celebrity circles with musicians like The Beatles and David Bowie.

Her memoir If Only You Knew hits shelves tomorrow and she’ll celebrate it with an intimate UK tour in which she discusses the book and performs songs, running from September to October.

6

Lulu was just 15 when she took the world by storm with her song ShoutCredit: Getty

6

Lulu speaks about her escape from her violent childhood at the age of 15 in the book, and mixing in celebrity circles with musicians like The Beatles and David BowieCredit: Getty

MOSES ITAUMA’S trainer Ben Davison is ready to throw the British prodigy into a world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

Usyk – the two-time undisputed heavyweight king – has claimed he has just one fight left in his legendary career.

Sign up for the Boxing newsletter

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

3

Moses Itauma is being lined up as a potential opponent for Oleksandr UsykCredit: Getty

3

Usyk says he has just one more fight left in his careerCredit: Getty
And, after cleaning out Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois twice over, the Ukrainian maestro is running out of challengers.

Itauma is just 20 years old and only 13 fights into his professional career but several see him as the biggest threat to Usyk’s reign.

And his coach Davison told Sky Sports: “I would take it. I would. I think it’s a win-win.

“As much as Moses hasn’t boxed anybody like Usyk, I don’t think Usyk’s boxed anybody like Moses. I think he would openly say that himself.

“It’s something he would be up for. I think he’s got the mindset: if you’re taking a dive [into the deep end] you might as well take the dive. Hopefully we may end up in a world title fight.”

Itauma knocked out Dillian Whyte, 37, in just one round in August in Saudi Arabia.

Finding willing opponents to risk their records and reputation against the rising prospect has been Itauma’s toughest fight so far.

But durable veterans Jermaine Franklin and Filip Hrgovic have emerged as options to face Itauma next.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

And Davison said: “Those are the two on everybody’s lips. They’re not interested and it’s the same for pretty much all of them, so it’s difficult.

“It’s difficult to get these opponents at this moment in time. They’re not interested, they don’t want to play ball.

Play Video

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul ‘agree to fight next year’ after U-turn in talks
 

‘You just run out of things to say’ – Usyk is a modern day great and one of the best boxers we have ever seen

OLEKSANDR USYK is a modern day great and one of the best boxers we have ever seen.

The Ukrainian battered a gallant but completely outclassed Daniel Dubois in their Wembley rematch to become a three-time undisputed champion.

Two of those came at heavyweight after he had already cleaned up the cruiserweight division.

You just run out of things to say about Usyk.

Everything that he does just impresses you more and more and more.

Read the full comment piece on the Ukrainian’s stunning KO victory.

“They just want so much money to box him it’s hard to get the opponents.

“The next fight, if we can pull something off and get somebody like that we’re all for that. That’s what we’re after, the same as everybody else.

“But if not I suppose we’ll have to drop down a level and try again in the new year maybe.”

Usyk was mandated by the WBO to fight Joseph Parker next – but he asked for an extension due to injury.

Parker, 33, will now face Fabio Wardley, 30, on October 25 at the O2 Arena.

Meanwhile Usyk is being investigated by the WBO after footage emerged of him DANCING despite his injury exemption.

3

Trainer Ben Davison with Itauma

View Image

Claire Sweeney took to social media to mark the occasion(Image: Getty Images)

Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney has shared a “blessed” update as she is celebrating a milestone. The 54-year-old actress, who hails from Walton, has portrayed Cassie Plummer on the hit ITV soap since 2023. Claire regularly shares updates to social media and often gives fans insights into her family life with her son.

Earlier this week, ITV celebrated its 70th birthday. The broadcasting channel has been a key component on British television over the years, bringing us some of the most memorable TV shows.

Claire Sweeney recently shared a heartfelt post to mark the celebration. She issued a thank you message to ITV for all the “wonderful opportunities”.

The soap star has racked up an impressive list of ITV credits over the years, including as part of Coronation Street as well as appearances on Loose Women, 60 Minute Makeover, Benidorm and The Good Ship Murder.

Sharing some throwback snaps reflecting on her successful career, Claire wrote: “Thank you for giving me so many wonderful opportunities and memories over the last 30 years @itv.

Get the latest Liverpool Echo breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

“I am forever grateful, and feel blessed to have worked with many lovely people. Stars in their Eyes, Soap Fever, Loose Women, 60 Minute Makeover, Chef vs Britain, Benidorm, Dancing on Ice and many more. The cherry on the cake is Coronation Street. Thank you and happy 70th birthday.”

Fans rushed to the comments to send their support. One said: “So many great memories and lots more to come, you are so talented.” A second wrote: “This is wonderful…you’re the best.”

In between filming on the cobbles, Claire enjoys spending time with her son, Jaxon. She recently took him to see the musical “Wicked”. She said: “Took Jaxon to see Wicked, the voices and talent on stage were just phenomenal. We loved it.”

The former Brookside star shared a selfie with her son as they smiled at the camera while holding Wicked-themed drinks. Claire had a green cocktail with pink candyfloss and Jaxon had a green slushy drink.

Claire also posted a heart-warming photo hugging Jaxon. Friends and family commented on the special bond they share. One comment said: “That bond you and Jaxon have is ultra special. Hope he can help you heal. Love him and you.”

Another comment said: “Boys and their mums. The best cuddles”. A further response said: “Isn’t it amazing when our kids give us a hug but they don’t realise we needed that hug even more than they did.”

Another fan replied: “Sending love Claire. A gorgeous hug from your little man. What a superstar” and a further supporter added: “Mums love our boys. Jaxon is your perfect tonic in tough times.”

The update marks the first time Claire has posted since the death of former professional boxer Ricky Hatton. Claire dated the boxing icon for eight months last year.

Romance between the two long-time friends blossomed after they competed on Dancing On Ice and grew closer. The two went on a number of holidays to Tenerife before they announced their split last December.

For the latest TV and showbiz stories, head to the Liverpool ECHO website.

Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here.