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After nearly four decades of drama, heartache and humour on the cobbles, Sally Ann Matthews is saying goodbye to Coronation Street. The long-serving actress, who has played Jenny Connor (formerly Bradley) on and off since 1986, has been axed from the iconic soap, marking the end of an era for one of Weatherfield’s most recognisable faces.
Matthews first appeared on the Street as a teenager, winning viewers over as spirited Jenny Bradley, the foster daughter of legendary character Rita Tanner. Her early storylines in the 1980s included romance, heartbreak and a tragic accident that saw Jenny’s father die in a factory fire, cementing her as a key character in Corrie history.
The actress has played Jenny Connor on and off for 39 years - Credit: ITV
After leaving in 1991, Sally Ann reprised the role briefly in 1993 before making a full-time return in 2015. Since then, Jenny has been central to some of the show’s biggest plots, from her turbulent relationships and business ventures to surviving the infamous 2021 sinkhole disaster at the Rovers Return.
In recent years, Jenny’s role as landlady of the Rovers has given her an even bigger presence on screen, making this decision a surprise to many long-time fans. According to insiders, the decision was made as part of a creative shake-up by the show’s producers, who are looking to bring in new faces and fresh storylines.
Speaking about her exit, a show source told The Sun:
“Sally Ann is an incredible talent and a much-loved member of the Corrie family. But producers felt it was the right time for Jenny’s chapter to close, at least for now. She will be hugely missed both on and off screen.”
The actress herself has yet to make a detailed public statement, but she did take to social media to thank fans for their unwavering support over the years. Matthews posted a heartfelt message alongside a montage of on-set memories:
“It’s been the honour of my life to play Jenny and be part of the Coronation Street family. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes all these years. I’ll treasure every moment.”
Her departure means another changing of the guard for the long-running ITV drama, which has seen a number of familiar faces leave in recent years. For viewers who have grown up with Jenny, her exit will no doubt feel like saying goodbye to an old friend.
The Jenny Connor star confirmed the news in an Instagram post, saying she’s “loved” her time on the cobbles but is set to bow out in future storylines - instagram.com/sallyannmatthews
While Jenny’s final scenes have yet to air, speculation is rife about how she will be written out. Will she sell the Rovers and leave Weatherfield behind? Or could there be one last dramatic twist before she goes? Corrie bosses are keeping the storyline under wraps, but one thing is certain, her send-off will be watched by millions.
As Corrie approaches its 65th anniversary in December, the soap remains a cornerstone of British television. And while Weatherfield will carry on without Jenny Connor, Sally Ann Matthews’ legacy is firmly cemented in the cobbles’ history.
