Coronation Street legend reveals real reason Jenny Connor didn’t get a big exit story

Sally Ann Matthews has broken her silence on Coronation Street exit as her final episode as Jenny Connor aired last night. In an exclusive interview with the Conversation Street podcast, the actress revealed behind-the-scenes changes to her character’s departure, her real feelings about leaving the soap, and what comes next.

Jenny’s final scenes saw her quietly slip away from the cobbles after receiving an envelope of cash from foster mother Rita Tanner, marking the end of an era for the former Rovers landlady. But for long-time viewers, the exit might have felt understated, something Matthews herself hinted at in her interview.

Exit Plans That Changed

Originally, Jenny’s farewell was supposed to include a heartfelt nod to the past. Sally Ann Matthews revealed that producers had planned a moment where Jenny would see a vision or archive footage of Corrie icon Bet Gilroy as she re-entered the Rovers for the last time.

She didn’t go into detail about why the scene was scrapped, but it’s clear the creative direction shifted in the lead-up to filming.

When it came to the reasons for her exit, Sally carefully skirted around confirming whether she was written out or chose to leave. Instead, she described it as a mutual decision, hinting that the character had ‘naturally reached the end of the road.’

‘There comes a point where the story’s been told,’ she said. ‘Jenny had been through so much, it felt like time.’ Still, fans have questioned the suddenness of her departure, especially as it wasn’t part of a major plot arc.

Sally addressed this too, revealing that audience research had apparently shown viewers are less likely to emotionally invest in storylines if they know it’s leading to a character’s exit. As a result, Jenny wasn’t given a major exit story, a decision that’s sparked debate among long-time fans.

‘I’m Enjoying Being at Home Too Much’

While Jenny’s final moments saw her walk away from the Rovers (and the Street), the actress hinted there may still be one small return ahead. She’s yet to film a scene in Speed Daal, something that’s been floated as a post-exit possibility.

Her response? A laugh, and a slightly cagey: ‘I don’t know about that, I’m enjoying being at home too much.’

It seems Sally is embracing her post-Corrie break, after working flat-out for nearly a decade. ‘I’m enjoying the peace for now,’ she said. 

Jenny’s final scenes were characteristically low-key, but emotionally charged. After letting love interest George believe that Rita was seriously unwell, Jenny is caught in a lie and forced to apologise. Her final arc sees her reflect on her life, her failures, and her longing to be seen. A touching conversation with George sparks the idea of starting over abroad, but she resists, not wanting to leave Rita behind.

It’s only when Rita quietly hands her an envelope of cash and gives her blessing that Jenny finally decides to go.

‘This was Jenny Connor’s gaffe,’ she says before tossing her license plate away. ‘The next place will be Jenny Bradley’s.’

The final moment shows her walking away from the Rovers, alone but determined, ending a chapter that began all the way back in the 1980s.

For now, Matthews is keeping her future plans close to her chest, but she has revealed she’s had an audition for a new drama and recently filmed an episode of Celebrity Mastermind, which fans can look forward to.

There was also a small moment noticed by eagle-eyed viewers at the end of Jenny’s final episode where Sally Ann’s on-screen credit reverted to ‘Jenny Bradley’. A quiet but personal nod to her new beginnings as she departs the cobbles.

Saying goodbye,for now?

While her exit may not have been the explosive send-off some fans hoped for, Jenny’s departure still packed an emotional punch, and Sally Ann Matthews’ understated performance left a lasting impression. Whether the door remains open for a future return remains to be seen.

Until then, Jenny Connor’s journey from Bet Lynch’s protégée to Rovers landlady and back again is complete.

And Sally Ann Matthews? She’s exactly where she wants to be, at home, resting, and ready for whatever’s next.