Corrie star Sally Ann Matthews breaks silence on exit with emotional gesture

The star was on the beloved soap for almost four decades.

Long time Coronation Street star and fan favourite Sally Ann Matthews has spoken out on her emotional exit with a sweet gesture to the ITV set. The actress exited the ITV soap on Wednesday, almost 40 years after she made her debut in the role of Jenny.

Fans will remember that she made her first appearance in the programme in 1986, when Sally was just 16. The daughter of villain Alan Bradley, Jenny was taken in by mother figure Rita Tanner – then Rita Fairclough – while her father worked away.

After five years, Sally quit the show in pursuit of other roles. She returned briefly in 1993, before making a huge comeback in 2015 when Jenny started dating Kevin Webster, reports Manchester Evening News.

But back in August, Sally confirmed she would be leaving the show, writing on Instagram: “I was supposed to stay for five months but ended up doing an extra ten years because I loved it so much!

“It’s time, though, to play those parts I always hoped I would when I’d grown up. Thanks Trafford Wharf Rd for the memories and endless laughter.”

Her emotional exit scenes aired during the mid-week visit to Weatherfield on Wednesday, October 1.

After contemplating what her life had become since leaving the Rovers behind, with her being caught in a lie to crush George Shuttleworth, Jenny spoke of visiting a friend in Tenerife.

When George suggested it wouldn’t be a bad idea, Jenny said she couldn’t leave as she had to care for Rita.

The undertaker then got involved and spoke to Rita, who later handed Jenny an envelope of cash and told Jenny: “It’s for a flight – one way.

“It’s time you start liking yourself again and I don’t think that’s something you’re getting round here. Who wants to spend life being grateful? And if you stick around here long enough it’ll be my turn. I’ve got friends around here, good friends. I will be alright.”

Outside of the Rovers, Rita and Jenny’s emotional moment continued and as Rita became tearful, she promised Jenny she’d be okay without her and would visit her in Tenerife when she could.

Rita ent back into the pub but, unable to resist one last moment inside her former boozer, Jenny popped back inside and took in the scene, before clocking Rita, whose eyes were still filling with tears.

With cases in hand, Jenny then headed for her new life in Spain, with one last knowing glance between her and Rita, and a look at the pub she once ran.

Taking to Instagram after the episode aired, the soap star simply posted a heart emoji alongside a picture of the sign which was above the entrance of the Rovers, now above her own door.

Former co-star Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Battersby, was quick to respond as she said: “Love this. And love you!!” Abi Webster star Sally Carman-Duttine wrote: “Going to miss you Sal.”

Samia Lognchambon, who plays Maria Windass, responded with a string of heart emojis, while Kirk Sutherland star Andy Whyment replied: “Love it Sal.”