MASSIVE CAREER SH0CK: CORONATION STREET STAR LANDS HUGE NEW ROLE!
Coronation Street star lands huge new role months after ITV soap exit
Sally Ann Matthews’ next role has been revealed just months after leaving the ITV soap as Jenny Connor
Sally Ann Matthews playing Jenny Connor in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews’ next role has been revealed just months after leaving the cobbles behind, forty years after originally making her debut.
Fans were gutted when the actress announced last August that she was bowing out of the ITV soap, where she became known for playing the role of Jenny Connor.
Those who follow the long-running show know she made her first appearance in the programme in 1986, when Oldham-born Sally was just 16. The daughter of villain Alan Bradley, then Jenny Bradley, 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 the rest, as they say, is history.
After confirmed her plans to leave in August after a decade after reprising her well-know role, Sally – and Jenny’s – emotional exit scenes aired in October. 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 Tanner, who later handed Jenny an envelope of cash and told Jenny: “It’s for a flight – one way….”
Now, months on from her final scenes airing and fans have been told where they’ll next be able to see her – and she’s heading back to the stage. Sally is joining the touring production of Here & Now, the musical featuring pop group Steps’ most beloved hit songs.
Sally Ann is heading back to the stage(Image: PA)
Sally will take over the role of Patricia from January 23 from originator Finty Williams, who finished her run in December 2025. She joins Lara Denning as Caz, Jacqui Dubois as Vel, Blake Patrick Anderson as Robbie, Rosie Singha as Neeta, River Medway as Jem, Chris Grahamson as Gareth, Edward Baker-Duly as Max, Ben Darcy as Ben, John Stacey as Lesley and Lauren Woolf as Tracey.
The news was shared on social media from the Here & Now social media team, with a message reading: ” STEPTACULAR NEWS Coronation Street’s @SallyAnMatthews swaps the cobbles for the dancefloor as she joins the cast of HERE & NOW #TheStepsMusical! Sal is your Patricia from 23 January 2026!”
And fans were thrilled. Chlo13xo said: “My queen. sooooo insanely proud of you & buzzing to see you! @SallyAnMatthews.” @KennyMac94 commented: “I’m already going to Edinburgh this month. Looks like I’m going again in February @SallyAnMatthews as Patricia seems like perfect casting to me.”