Coronation Street legend Sally Ann Matthews speaks out on ITV soap axing

Sally Ann Matthews has opened up on her exit from Coronation Street with an honest admission. The actress, 54, had been a big part of the long-running soap since first joining in as Jenny Connor in 1986.

Despite her on-and-off appearances, she became a fan favourite over the years. However, her time in Weatherfield is coming to an end.

After announcing her exit on Instagram, much to the disappointment of fans, she shared another update regarding her upcoming departure. "After being held hostage four times, losing the love of her life every October for three years on the trot, I think Jenny has been through enough!," she confessed.

READ MORE: Hollyoaks viewers say 'was never expecting that' as favourite killed off after 12 years

READ MORE: BBC MasterChef returns with major Gregg Wallace and John Torode changes revealed

Speaking to Bolton News, she went on: "I had the best time creating a character that could be absolutely bonkers and over the top, to sensitive and vulnerable."

She added the uniqueness of her role saw her go through a wide range of emotions, before paying tribute to the "best crew in the business". As she went on, Sally admitted there had been many highlights during her time on the set.

"I’ve worked away from home for almost 11 years," she said, "so having time in the garden with my dog and family is a priority right now! I’ve been very fortunate in my career to work across all mediums and hopefully that will continue!"

Her exit comes amid a new storyline being teased for the character just last week. In it, she was linked with a potential new love interest. With her character set to show an interest in another Weatherfield resident, it seems this will not last with the latest news.

She was recently conned out of £60,000 by her stepdaughter Daisy Midgely ( Charlotte Jordan ) and had discovered that the whole plot linked back to Daisy's mother Christina Boyd ( Amy Robbins ) and her accomplice Dom Norwood (Dominic Rickhards).

However, it's thought she is set to find love within her pub. Spoilers have revealed that barmaid Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) will persuade her brother George (Tony Maudsley) to download a dating app as he attempts to move on from Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) following her move to Thailand.

However, Jenny then comes into the pub and tells the undertaker there is a burst pipe at the newsagents, making him dash to fix it.

As a thank you, she cooks him dinner but has to hide her disappointment as Glenda tells her that George has already had some interest on the dating app.

Sally did not specify the details about her departing the role or her character's exit storyline.

READ MORE: Teeth whitening solution so 'effective' shoppers of all ages love it is 30% off

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads.