Sally Ann Matthews as Jenny Connor in Coronation Street / ITV
Sally Ann Matthews has revealed that she is leaving her role as Jenny Connor on Coronation Street.
The actress first appeared as the character – the de-facto daughter of Rita (Barbara Knox) – 39 years ago, staying until 1991.
Jenny reappeared on the Street in February 2015 and has re-established herself as a main character, although her lengthy tenure as landlady of the Rovers recently came to an end.
Taking to Instagram, Matthews wrote: “I was supposed to stay for five months but ended up doing an extra ten years because I loved it so much! It’s time though to play those parts I always hoped I would when I’d ’grown up.’ Thanks Trafford Wharf Rd for the memories and endless laughter x”
A source told The Sun: “Sal’s devastated by the decision. She was central to the soap for so long as Rovers landlady but bosses wanted to go in a new direction.
“Her late night Instagram rants haven’t helped matters but ultimately it was a story-led decision by the team.
“The writing was very much on the wall when Jenny lost the Rovers but an exciting exit has been planned for her.”
Details of Jenny’s exit storyline, including when it will play out on screen, have yet to be revealed.
