Sally Ann Matthews has played Coronation Street’s Jenny Bradley on and off since 1986, and this week saw her character leave the cobbles for good
Coronation Street’s Sally Ann Matthews has playfully criticised her former colleague’s “dreadful” conduct behind the scenes.
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Sally rose to prominence when she joined the ITV drama aged just 16 back in 1986 as Jenny Bradley. She played Jenny until 1991 and made a brief return in 1993, before coming back full-time in 2015.
This year however, it was revealed that Sally had departed the show, almost 40 years since she first stepped onto the famous street. In a heartfelt Instagram message, the actress revealed: “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.”
And during this week’s episodes, Sally’s departure storyline was broadcast, with Jenny bidding farewell for a fresh start overseas in Spain following a turbulent period in Weatherfield, reports the Daily Star.
Speaking to Conversation Street, Sally has now reflected on her experiences filming on the cobbles set, and praised her time alongside Jodie Prenger who portrays barmaid Glenda Shuttleworth. Yet it appears some of Jodie’s antics didn’t sit well with Sally, who light-heartedly shared why Jodie is “terrible” to collaborate with.
Discussing Jenny’s role running the Rovers, Sally confessed that taking charge of the legendary pub was “not on my radar”. Viewers will remember that Jenny became landlady of the Rovers in 2018, staying put until earlier this year when circumstances forced her departure.
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During her tenure at the famous boozer, Jenny oversaw various members of staff, including Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) and Glenda. Speaking about Glenda actress Jodie, Sally revealed: “We had a great time! She fitted in perfectly, she’s great fun.”
Sally then playfully scolded Jodie for her “terrible” habits. She explained: “She is terrible though, because she always brings in sweets!”.
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Sally also tackled criticism surrounding her “low-key” departure, saying: “I know people have said, because I’ve seen it already today on Twitter, people going: ‘Oh she should have had a bigger exit.'”.
Nevertheless, Sally maintained: “I loved Jenny’s exit”, explaining that she preferred it to be ‘low-key’, she went on: “Yeah, yeah, completely. And it’s also, they don’t do exit stories anymore, unless you’re going to die.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
