Coronation Street actress Sally Ann Matthews announced she will be leaving the show soon after 10 years in the role of Jenny Connor on the ITV soap, after fan speculation

A Coronation Street star has announced their departure from the ITV soap in a post, leaving fans “gutted”.

Jenny Connor actress Sally Ann Matthews confirmed she was leaving the role after 10 years. After fans had speculated over the exit following another character leaving the show earlier this year, the actress took to Instagram on Friday to announce her big news.

It comes amid a new storyline being teased for the character just this week, with a potential new love interest. Jenny is set to show an interest in another Weatherfield resident, but it seems this will not last.

A Coronation Street star has announced their departure (
Image:
ITV)
While Jenny has been a Weatherfield regular for the past decade, she actually debuted on the soap years earlier. Actress Sally took on the role back in 1986 and appeared until 1991, with another appearance in 1993.

But now the time has come for Jenny and actress Sally to move on, and taking to social media the star broke her silence. Stating she was ready for new roles, Sally did not specify the details about her departing the role or her character’s exit storyline.

She said: “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 x.”

Viewers have been left gutted by the news, sharing their reactions both on X and under Sally’s Instagram post on Friday. One fan called it “the worst news” as another said: “Are you as heartbroken as me???”

A third viewer shared: “Oh my god no…?! Jenny Connor what am I to do without you on the cobbles?!” A fourth added: “Very sad,” as others replied to Sally, sharing they were “gutted”.

Jenny Connor actress Sally Ann Matthews appeared to confirm she was leaving the role after 10 years (
Image:
ITV)
Sally had shared a picture from the filming of her comeback storyline, filmed in 2015, which saw her caught up in a plot with Kevin Webster and his young son Jack. Just earlier this year Jenny’s stepdaughter Daisy Midgeley fled, taking Jenny’s money with her.

One Instagram user said to Sally under her post: “What a fantastic 10 years you’ve had, here’s to the next 10 and I wish you all the best in whatever you decide to do next!” Another said: “NOOOOOOOO SAL.”

A third fan commented: “You know how much we absolutely adore you, absolutely gutted to see you go, Thank YOU for all the memories, you have my support forever and ever xxx.”

The comments kept in coming with one reading: “Omg Sal!!! thank you for all the memories, you’re the BEST ar Jenny will be so missed.” A further comment said: “Going to miss you on Corrie but excited to see your next chapter.” The Mirror has reached out to ITV for comment.