Coronation Street legend sparks fears she’s been axed 38 years after soap debut in worrying video with fans

The actress – who plays Rovers Return landlady Jenny Connor in the ITV soap – first appeared on the cobbles in 1986

as legendary villain Alan Bradley’s troubled daughter.

Sally Ann Matthews addressed Corrie fans during an Instagram Live
Sally Ann Matthews addressed Corrie fans during an Instagram Live
The soap legend looked emotional as she spoke on camera
The soap legend looked emotional as she spoke on camera
Sally Ann plays Jenny Connor on the ITV soap
Sally Ann plays Jenny Connor on the ITV soapCredit: ITV

She stayed until 1991 before leaving and then returning for a short stint in 1993, before making a full-time return in 2015.

However, the star has now sparked fears that her time on the cobbles has come to an end.

Speaking to fans during a late night Instagram live, Sally Ann revealed she hasn’t filmed on the cobbles for a long time – and that fans shouldn’t expect to see her for a long time.

She said: “I chose to get on an airplane because I’m particularly quiet at work.

“I’ve got like a million years off, so I chose to go on an aeroplane and I chose to remember happier times.”

The star said she has been to Cyprus twice in the past five weeks and added that she is planning to go away again this Saturday.

She continued: “And then I’m going to go back to Cyprus, and do nowt.

“And at some point I might get a job and someone might employ me, potentially.”

Asked by concerned fans if it means she has been axed by new boss Kate Brooks, Sally Ann just made an awkward sound.

The actress, who also appeared in Emmerdale, added: “Have you left the street? Hmm. Hang on, next question.

Sally Ann made her first Corrie appearance almost 40 years ago
Sally Ann made her first Corrie appearance almost 40 years agoCredit: ITV

“You’re not going to be seeing Jenny for quite a long while. So that’s that.”

In response to Sally Ann’s words, one fan wrote: “I’m confused. Are you not on Corrie any more. I feel like I’ve missed something or my memory blew up?????”

Another queried: “You’re not on Corrie anymore?”, adding a shocked face emoji.

Earlier this month, it was announced Helen Worth would be leaving her role as Gail Platt after 50 years as the actress shared an emotional statement.

Helen, 73, is the third-longest star in the soap, behind only William Roache (who plays Ken Barlow) and Barbara Knox (who plays Rita Tanner).

The shock news comes after Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks was picked to take over Corrie.

ITV announced the shock move with Kate taking the reins from promoted producer Iain MacLeod earlier this year.

Kate was an assistant producer of Emmerdale before becoming a series producer in 2018
Kate was an assistant producer of Emmerdale before becoming a series producer in 2018Credit: Twitter

Kate, who is married and has two children with Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick, has worked on Emmerdale since 2018.

She previously worked on Corrie during its last heyday with huge storylines like Hayley Cropper’s heartbreaking death, who killed Tina McIntyre, the arrival of serial killer Pat Phelan.

She said: “I’ve had a wonderful time working on Emmerdale and I feel immensely proud to be part of a team that has achieved such great success over the past eight years.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time on the show, and I’ve had the privilege of working with such a hugely talented and hard-working bunch of people, who also happen to be the loveliest, too.

“Both professionally and personally, Emmerdale has given me so much more than I ever could have imagined, and for that I shall be eternally grateful.

“Thanks Emmerdale, it’s been an absolute pleasure.”

She added: “Corrie has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I’ve revered for such a long time is the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment.

“I’ve adored the show from across the Pennines and have consistently been in awe of the talent on display, both on and off the screen.

“It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter.

“Coronation Street has, and always will be, part of my DNA, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Coronation Street airs on ITV and is available on ITVX.

Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick is married to former producer Kate Brooks
Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick is married to former producer Kate BrooksCredit: Instagram
Kate Brooks is taking over the reins at Coronation Street
Kate Brooks is taking over the reins at Coronation StreetCredit: ITV
Actress Sally Ann Matthews returned to the soap full-time in 2015
Actress Sally Ann Matthews returned to the soap full-time in 2015Credit: Getty

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