ITV Coronation Street fans gutted as Jenny Connor star axed after 39 years
Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews has announced she is leaving the ITV soap after 10 years. The Jenny Connor star confirmed the news in an Instagram post today, saying she's 'loved' her time on the cobbles but is set to bow out in future storylines.
She said: '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.'
The star has been a regular cast member for a decade but actually first joined Coronation Street in 1986 - when she got the role of Jenny Bradley, the daughter of Corrie legend and foster mum Rita Tanner and villainous Alan, at the age of just 15.
She appeared until 1991 before returning again in 1993. And after 22 years off screen, she made her highly-anticipated return in 2015 after starring in The Bill, Doctors, Waterloo Road and as Sandra Briggs in a regular role on Emmerdale.
Explaining her decision to return after struggling with the pressures of fame as a teen during her first high profile stint, the actress said in 2015: "I thought, 'I am never going to get away from it. People still recognise me from it, I am dead proud to have been in it, so I should embrace it'. And that is when I started thinking about it differently."
Fans and famous faces rushed to the comments section of Sally Ann's post announcing her exit, sending well wishes and expressing their disappointment.
One said: 'It's the worst news.' Another said: 'Oh my god no. Jenny Connor, what am I to do without you on the cobbles?!'And another chimed in: 'One of my favourite characters. She is Corrie old school honesty and humour and will be missed.' One added: "You know how much we absolutely adore you, absolutely gutted to see you go. Thank YOU for all the memories, you have my support forever and ever."
Doctor Who show runner Russell T Davies said: You've been absolutely wonderful! Soap writer Sharon Marshall added: 'We love you! you've been sensational! An old school Corrie woman, flawed, honest, proud, unbreakable.'
Sally Ann gave no further details of what's in store for her character next, or the actress' own career.
Viewers have been on the edge of their seats with her recent plot lines, afterJenny was conned out of £60k by stepdaughter Daisy Midgley and left penniless and heartbroken by the fallout.
Spoilers for upcoming scenes hint that Jenny could be set for romance with George (Tony Maudsley).
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