Coronation Street has just said goodbye to Jenny Connor in an emotional storyline that tied up her journey as the Rovers’ landlady. In her final episodes, she faced the fallout of her lies about Rita’s health, made amends, and secured the fresh start she had long been chasing. But now, actress Sally Ann Matthews has revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes truth about those farewell scenes—one that changes how fans might view her exit altogether.
A Farewell That Stirred Up Memories
Jenny Connor’s exit marked a significant moment for Corrie viewers. Over the years, her time as Rovers’ landlady has been filled with trials, triumphs, and plenty of heartbreak, making her departure all the more poignant. In her final week, she returned to the Rovers for a brief stop, creating an emotional connection with both the set and the audience. In her closing storyline, Jenny was seen reflecting on her choices and relationships.
A touching moment came when she faced George Shuttleworth, who had caught her bending the truth about Rita Tanner’s health. Jenny admitted she exaggerated Rita’s fall, making it sound worse than it really was. The exit tied up several loose ends in Jenny’s arc. Yet, as star Sally Ann Matthews later revealed, the scenes that viewers watched were not exactly how her goodbye was originally meant to play out.
The Original Plan With An Icon
Speaking about her departure, Sally Ann Matthews shared a surprising detail during a Conversation Street interview. She explained that in the first cut of the episode, Jenny’s emotional walk into the Rovers while Bonnie Tyler played was supposed to include a cameo from none other than Bet Gilroy. Matthews revealed that Bet, played by Julie Goodyear, would have appeared and even spoken to Jenny during the sequence.
This would have brought another legendary Rovers landlady back to the cobbles, creating a symbolic passing of the torch. However, the plan changed during the editing process. Matthews explained that, for reasons not fully disclosed, producers felt the scene didn’t quite work as intended. Instead, the final cut replaced Bet with Rita Tanner, portrayed by Barbara Knox.
Why Matthews Left Coronation Street
Matthews also opened up about her decision to step away from Corrie. She clarified that her exit wasn’t the result of being written out, but rather a choice she reached alongside producers. She said she had begun considering leaving last year. In fact, the departure of Charlotte Jordan, who played Daisy, influenced her thinking. Matthews explained that with Jordan’s exit, she asked herself whether it was the right time to continue or move on.
She further revealed that producers initially had plans for her to take over The Kabin. But those ideas couldn’t materialise due to space limitations on set. Realising that the direction she was hoping for wasn’t possible, she decided it was the right moment to go.
By the time her final scenes aired, Jenny’s story concluded with her reconciliation with Rita. Jenny Connor’s departure will certainly be felt in Weatherfield, particularly at the Rovers. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street news and updates.