Jenny Connor’s exit from Coronation Street may have looked simple on-screen, but actress Sally Ann Matthews has now lifted the lid on something much bigger happening behind the scenes. After her character’s failed attempt to win back George Shuttleworth and a decision to start over away from Weatherfield, Matthews has finally broken her silence and what she’s revealed could change how viewers see future storylines on the cobbles.
A Modest Farewell for the Rovers’ Landlady
Sally Ann Matthews’ final scenes as Jenny Connor aired this week, bringing a quiet close to the Rovers landlady’s chapter in Coronation Street. After Jenny’s plan to charm George backfired, she made the emotional choice to leave Weatherfield for a fresh start. Interestingly, her farewell was not the grand spectacle fans might have expected and that was no accident. The actress confirmed that her exit scenes were actually tweaked last minute during editing.
The understated ending suited Jenny’s character, but it also reflected a bigger shift in how the show now handles goodbyes. While speaking on the Conversation Street podcast, Matthews admitted she was happy her departure wasn’t over the top. But then came the revelation that left fans intrigued, the soap has made a major change in how it tells stories, all because of audience feedback.
Coronation Street Made This Shift in Storytelling
According to Matthews, Coronation Street no longer gives departing characters dramatic exits unless they’re being killed off. She explained that research showed audiences tend to lose interest once they know a character is leaving. “If the audience finds out someone’s going,” she said, “they stop investing, it’s like, ‘Oh well, onto the next.’”
This change, she revealed, has quietly reshaped how recent farewells have played out. Matthews pointed out that stars like Shelley King and Sue Cleaver had similar exits with Sue only receiving a bigger storyline because her on-screen daughter Julie returned for a dying arc.
Otherwise, the trend now is simple and swift departures. With a laugh, she joked that most characters “emigrate within 24 hours,” adding that her own exit “took about an hour.”
Behind the Scenes of Jenny’s Last Day
Matthews also revealed that the final scene she filmed wasn’t actually Jenny’s last one to air. Her final day on set took place during Glenda’s chaotic speed dating event at the Rovers. There, Jenny received a phone call from Rita about an accident.
She said she didn’t want any big celebration or emotional goodbye, hoping to slip away quietly after filming wrapped. Yet, despite her wishes, the cast and crew made sure she didn’t leave unnoticed.
Matthews admitted that she’s not a fan of being the centre of attention. Whether fans will embrace this quieter, more realistic approach remains to be seen, but cobbles are evolving. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street updates, spoilers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories.