Coronation Street legend sparks fears she’s been axed 38 years after soap debut in worrying video with fans
CORONATION Street legend Sally Ann Matthews has sparked concern she’s been axed from the soap.
The actress – who plays Rovers Return landlady Jenny Connor in the ITV soap – first appeared on the cobbles in 1986 as legendary villain Alan Bradley’s troubled daughter.
She stayed until 1991 before leaving and then returning for a short stint in 1993, before making a full-time return in 2015.
However the star has now sparked fears that her time on the cobbles has come to an end.
Speaking to fans during a late night Instagram live, Sally Ann revealed she hasn’t filmed on the cobbles for a long time – and that fans shouldn’t expect to see her for a long time.
She said: “I chose to get on an airplane because I’m particularly quiet at work.
“I’ve got like a million years off, so I chose to go on an airplane. I’ve been to Cyprus twice in the past five weeks and we landed last night and we came back.
“My next holiday plans are on Saturday, we’re going to go off on the boat. And then I’m going to just chill on the boat and do nowt, pretty much.
“And then I’m going to go back to Cyprus, and do nowt. And at some point I might get a job and someone might employ me, potentially.”
Asked by concerned fans if it means she has been axed by new boss Kate Brooks, Sally Ann just made an awkward sound.
The actress, who also appeared in Emmerdale, added: “Have you left the street? Hmm. Hang on, next question.
“You’re not going to be seeing Jenny for quite a long while. So that’s that.”
The shock news comes after Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks was picked to take over Corrie.
ITV announced the shock move with Kate taking the reins from promoted producer Iain MacLeod earlier this year.
Kate, who is married and has two children with Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick, has worked on Emmerdale since 2018.
She previously worked on Corrie during its last heyday with huge storylines like Hayley Cropper’s heartbreaking death, who killed Tina McIntyre, the arrival of serial killer Pat Phelan.
She said: “I’ve had a wonderful time working on Emmerdale and I feel immensely proud to be part of a team that has achieved such great success over the past eight years.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time on the show, and I’ve had the privilege of working with such a hugely talented and hard-working bunch of people, who also happen to be the loveliest, too.
“Both professionally and personally, Emmerdale has given me so much more than I ever could have imagined, and for that I shall be eternally grateful.
“Thanks Emmerdale, it’s been an absolute pleasure.”
She added: “Corrie has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I’ve revered for such a long time is the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment.
Coronation Street's shock exits 2024
Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap:
Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.
The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.
Paul Foreman will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.
After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite, portrayed by Peter Ash, was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.
Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.
Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.
Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.
Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.
The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.
Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.
Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.
It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.
Show stalwart Eileen Grimshaw is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour.
She’s had to leave the Street immediately after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.
“I’ve adored the show from across the Pennines and have consistently been in awe of the talent on display, both on and off the screen.
“It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter.
“Coronation Street has, and always will be, part of my DNA, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV and is available on ITVX.