Claire was born into a small family and spent her early years in Liverpool, where she was raised by her devoted mother, Kathleen, and her father, Ken, a skilled butcher, alongside her brother, Shaun. Despite facing some challenges in her schoolwork, particularly in mathematics, Claire discovered a natural talent for singing and acting, which would later become the foundation of her successful career.
After completing her education, Claire embarked on a unique first job, working as a butchers' assistant in her father's shop, a role that had no connection to the performing arts. However, her passion for singing and acting eventually led her to train at the prestigious Elliott-Clarke Drama School in Liverpool, before securing a place at the renowned Italia Conti stage school in London at the tender age of 18.
With a burning desire to become a professional singer, Claire landed a string of summer seasons and pantomime roles, followed by a brief appearance in the popular British soap opera Brookside as Lindsey Corkhill in 1991. Although her stint on the show was short-lived, consisting of only two episodes, Claire's experience sparked a desire to explore the world, and she made the bold decision to join a cruise ship as a singer for four years.
After her time at sea, Claire felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and decided it was time to return home. She penned a letter to the producer of Brookside, expressing her desire to reprise her role as Lindsey Corkhill. Coincidentally, the producer received Claire's letter on the very day that the production staff were convening to discuss long-term storylines, and they decided it was the perfect opportunity to bring back the beloved character. As a result, Claire returned to Brookside in 1995, reuniting with her on-screen family and launching a successful and enduring career in the world of television.
