Sally Ann Matthews, who has played Jenny Connor for nearly four decades, has been axed from Coronation Street in a shocking decision. What led to her departure, and what’s next for the iconic character?

In a heartbreaking turn of events for Coronation Street fans, Sally Ann Matthews has been axed from the soap after 39 years of portraying Jenny Connor. The actress, who has been a staple on the show since 1986, was left devastated by the decision, which follows a turbulent year of criticism aimed at the soap’s direction and storylines.

A Shocking Exit

Matthews’ character, Jenny Connor, has been a central figure on Coronation Street for years, particularly as the landlady of the Rovers Return. However, the writing has been on the wall ever since Jenny lost the Rovers in recent storylines, signaling a shift in the character’s direction. According to a source, the decision to axe Sally Ann was largely driven by a story-led approach, though the actress’s criticism of the show on social media, including late-night Instagram rants, likely played a role in the decision.

Despite this, the source added that an exciting exit has been planned for Jenny, who will film her final scenes in the coming months. Fans are now left wondering how her departure will be handled and what kind of dramatic exit might be in store.

A Legacy of Drama

Sally Ann Matthews made her first appearance on the soap in 1986 as the rebellious daughter of villain Alan Bradley. After a brief return in 2006, Matthews was brought back on a temporary basis, but quickly became a permanent fixture in the Coronation Street landscape. Her role as Jenny Connor, particularly her time at the Rovers, has been a beloved part of the show for many fans.

However, recent dissatisfaction with her role on the show and the decision to axe her have led to many in the cast and crew being concerned about their own futures. One in ten Coronation Street cast members are reportedly facing the chop due to ITV’s budget cuts, which is adding further uncertainty to the future of the show.

The Future of the Street

As Matthews prepares to film her final scenes, her departure follows a similar move with another long-standing Coronation Street icon, Sue Devaney, who was also written out due to her character’s involvement in a dementia storyline. While fans are mourning the loss of these beloved characters, it’s clear that Coronation Street is undergoing significant changes, and the future of the show could look very different as a result.

It remains to be seen how Jenny Connor will exit the cobbles, but one thing’s for sure: Sally Ann Matthews’ contribution to the show will never be forgotten.