Sally Ann Matthews has revealed how the Rita Tanner star discovered she was leaving the ITV soap, a decade after her return.

Jenny Connor and Rita Tanner in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)

Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews has revealed how Barbara Knox discovered she was leaving the long-running show, a decade after her return.

The actress’ final scenes aired during the ITV soap’s episode on Wednesday (October 1), with Jenny Connor deciding to start a new life in Spain.

The character made her first appearance in the programme in 1986, when Oldham-born 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 and has been part of a number of huge storylines since.

But back in August, Sally confirmed she would be leaving the show and her emotional exit scenes aired during the mid-week visit to Weatherfield. After contemplating what her life had become since having to leave 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.

View 2 Images

Jenny was seen leaving Weatherfield behind(Image: ITV)

Rita went 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.

Corrie fans were quick to suspect that the emotion may have been real between the two characters, with Sally and Barbara sharing a special bond off-screen as well as on.

Now, Sally has spoken about Barbara finding out she was leaving, with the news not coming from her as someone let her know before she got chance.

Continuing to share in her chat with the Conversation Street podcast, the soap star said: “I got a phone call from her and she went, ‘Why are you going?’ and then she went, ‘Oh Sally Ann, I don’t blame you. You’re going to go off and do this…’ That’s exactly what she said time.”

She continued: “We took her out for dinner, my husband and I, and Brooke. The four of us went out for dinner which was really lovely.”

Sally was also quizzed about what’s next, to which she revealed: “I’ve had a really lovely audition for a new drama. So yeah, again, this whole thing is all very new. I did Celebrity Mastermind…”

While she wasn’t allowed to reveal her specialist subject, she went on: “I don’t do anything like that but I did it for a particular charity, so that’s why I agreed to do it.

“I’ve been busy enough, but all six of us went on holiday together, that’s the first time in god knows how long because I used to have to book my holidays so far in advance… But finally with the boys and their girlfriends, we all went away together so what a change that was. Right now, I just want to be at home, be home-based for a bit. I think I’ve earned a break as well.”