“The timing was right,” Claire explains. “It’s risen its head on a few occasions over the years, but this time it just seemed right. Now, I get to come home every night as I’ve still retained the same house in Yorkshire that I had when I was in it in the 90s.”
Claire first left the soap in 1999 following a 10-year stint and went on to star in Bad Girls and Coronation Street. Over the years, Claire – who lives in the Yorkshire Dales with her partner of 14 years, who likes to keep out of the spotlight – has done her fair share of reality TV too. Although the star admits that the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis she received in her twenties meant her 2006 stint on Strictly was too painful to be enjoyable.
She’s been a mainstay of the British telly scene for more than three decades, and as she marks her milestone birthday, Claire sits down with OK! for a chat about everything from ageing to marriage, and why she substituted having children for dogs, horses and holidays…
Hi, Claire. Happy birthday! How do you feel about turning 60?
Denne historien er fra January 31, 2022-utgaven av OK! UK.
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Denne historien er fra January 31, 2022-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Savoury saviours
Get ahead with simple spicy suppers from Nadiya Hussain
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS - I want to share the way I cook and the way I eat'
Chef Nadiya Hussain on the money-saving cooking tips and vital life skills that she teaches her children.
THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am
Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour
CELEBRITIES PUT ON THE GLITZ FOR TV'S BIGGEST NIGHT
Famous faces gathered at the National Television Awards last week to celebrate the best of Britain's TV talent
IN THE PINK - I feel like myself again now I'm back in the Strictly family'
After documenting her brutal cancer journey, Strictly favourite Amy Dowden shares her joy at returning to the dance floor
STYLE COUNSEL - My friendships are one of my greatest successes'
As stylist Gok Wan celebrates his milestone birthday, he reflects on his personal losses, biggest achievements and plans for the future
STEP BACK IN TIME - STARS ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
A host of celebrities attended the Goodwood Revival festival last week to see the classic cars and fabulous retro fashions
GOOD CLEAN FUN - 'I really like to organise things I find it therapeutic'
Sort Your Life Out presenter Stacey Solomon on how tidying up helps her shut out anxious thoughts, the reason she only shares happy memories on social media, and why it's husband Joe Swash who puts out the bins
SHINING BRIGHT - KATE'S MESSAGE OF HOPE
Her emotional health update video made it clear that the Princess of Wales' family comes first, says former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.
My family will always be my main priority'
Model and actress Caprice invites OK! into her stylish home to talk about fame and why nothing beats being with her kids.
