Coronation Street's Sally Ann Matthews' final scenes as Jenny Connor star makes sad exit

Coronation Street fans were heartbroken to discover one star made an unannounced exit from the show almost 40 years after first appearing on screens. Rita allowed George to think Rita was dying in order to one-up Christina over dating him. However, she accidentally let slip the truth about Jenny Connor.

He was shocked by the discovery, with Jenny (played by Sally Ann Matthews) rushing to the funeral parlour to apologise. Upon arrival, she saw an order of service for a woman a year older than her who had just passed away. Jenny talked about her happiness in the Rovers under Bet Lynch, saying: "I watched her swanning around, queen bee, in this world that was all her's and I never imagined one day that would be me.

"Or that one day I felt that I would really belong there. I’ve still got the name plate. It’s under my bed." George suggested going to Tenerife to restart her life but Jenny claim she couldn't as she had to care for Rita.

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George took matters into his own hands and went to Rita to explain how miserable Jenny was, which made Rita later hand her an envelope filled with money. She 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.”

Jenny packed her bags to leave and said: “It’s not goodbye,” but Rita told her: “It is for today.”

After a few emotional moments, the two shared one last glance at each other before Jenny walked out the door.

Sally Ann Matthews 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.

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.

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.

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