Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney has admitted that she is unsure whether her character Cassie's current storyline will lead to her exit from the soap.

Cassie - daughter of Evelyn (Maureen Lipman) and mother of Tyrone (Alan Halsall) - made her cobbles debut 18 months ago and for the last few months has been heavily involved with the Barlow family after getting a job as a carer for patriarch Ken (Bill Roache).

In Monday's episode, Ken informed Cassie that having reviewed his finances, he could no longer afford to keep her on - and in a dark twist, she was subsequently seen spiking his cup of tea with crushed tablets.

Cassie's actions lead to Ken being hospitalised, but if she is found out, her despicable behaviour could lead to her being driven out of Weatherfield for good.

"It does cross your mind," admitted Sweeney. "When I got this job, if you'd have told me that a year and a half later, I'd be here having a big storyline with Bill Roache, I'd have been so grateful for that.

"In my time in Corrie, I've had big scenes with Maureen Lipman, a big storyline with Bill Roache, I've got to snog Steve McDonald and have a cat fight with Tracy. What more could I want?

"So, if this does signal the end, I'd go – 'well hasn't that been great, I've been blessed.'"

Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am on ITVX and at 8pm on ITV1.