Sally Ann Matthews Opens Up About Departure from Coronation Street
Iconic Coronation Street actress Sally Ann Matthews has candidly shared her reasons for leaving the long-running ITV soap, where she portrayed the memorable character Jenny Bradley. In a recent interview, Matthews, 55, expressed her dissatisfaction with the show's evolving focus on crime narratives and police dramas, marking a significant shift from its traditional character-driven plots.
A Career Spanning Decades
Sally Ann Matthews first appeared on Coronation Street in 1986 as Jenny Bradley, a rebellious teenager who left in 1993 only to return over twenty years later. Her character eventually became the landlady of the Rovers Return, a beloved fixture on the cobbles. However, in October of last year, Matthews filmed her final scenes, with Jenny departing for Tenerife, ending an era for fans.
Born in Oldham, Matthews is married to senior barrister Nick Rhodes, with whom she has two adult sons, James and Louis. Reflecting on her decision to leave, she explained that it stemmed from a lack of enjoyment and inspiration in her work. "Every year, when your contract comes round there's that question: 'Am I enjoying it?' If I am, I say 'Yes I'd like to stay.' When you come to a point where you're not enjoying it, you say no," she stated.
Criticism of Show's Direction
Matthews was blunt in her assessment of Coronation Street's current trajectory. She noted that the show has increasingly prioritized dramatic crime storylines, flashbacks, and major issues over its core identity as a character-led soap. "I was switching off from the show a bit," she admitted, recalling instances where traditional sets like The Kabin were replaced by hospital and police station backdrops.
She revealed that cast and crew have discussed these changes for years, with many expressing that the show feels unfamiliar. "We, as a cast, have been having these conversations for three or four years, and the crew - their family and people in the street, saying they don't watch it anymore. They said 'Oh it's all about the police, I don't know who anybody is,'" Matthews recounted.
Despite research suggesting audiences crave crime dramas, Matthews remains skeptical. "So, apparently all these stories are all being led by audience opinion but I'm yet to meet a single audience member that feels that way," she asserted. She emphasized that soaps should stick to their unique selling point: relatable characters and their reactions to everyday situations. "If I wanted to watch a police drama, I'd watch Line of Duty. If I wanted to watch a hospital drama, I'd watch ER! I really think the soap genre should stick to its USP!"
Fond Memories and New Beginnings
Matthews looks back warmly on her early days on the show, where she learned from legends like Barbara Knox, Thelma Barlow, and Mark Eden. "I'd not done anything, I was only 15 - so I learned everything from them. Nowadays, Barbara still tells me off and I say 'Well you made me!'" she laughed, noting she still maintains close ties with Knox.
Her final scenes were intentionally low-key, featuring an emotional goodbye with Rita Fairclough, rather than a dramatic stunt. Beyond the spotlight, Matthews enjoys life in London with her husband, after years of commuting to Manchester. She has embraced hobbies like breadmaking and values spending more time at home.
Embracing a New Challenge
Now, Sally Ann Matthews has found a project that truly excites her: starring in Here and Now, a jukebox musical based on the songs of pop group Steps. She plays Patricia, an outrageous supermarket manager in a story set at Better Best Bargains, a nod to the band's hit Better Best Forgotten.
The opportunity arose through Steps member Claire Richards, who recommended Matthews to producers. "I never in a million years thought I'd be doing this! I'm not musical theatre-trained," Matthews said, expressing her delight. As a longtime Steps fan, she has fond memories of attending concerts with family, including her niece and great nephew, and is thrilled to be part of the musical.
Matthews concludes that her 50s are a liberating decade, allowing her to pursue only what sparks joy. Her departure from Coronation Street marks a new chapter, one where she can focus on roles that challenge and inspire her, free from the constraints of a show she feels has lost its way.
