Sally Ann Matthews, a familiar face to generations of British television viewers, has offered a candid assessment of her departure from Coronation Street and the direction of the long-running soap opera. The actress, best known for her portrayal of Jenny Bradley, voiced concerns about the indicate’s evolving storylines, suggesting it stray from its core identity. Matthews’ comments reach four months after her character’s exit from Weatherfield, leaving for a fresh life in Tenerife.
Matthews, who first appeared on the cobbles in 1986, returned to the role of Jenny Bradley in 2015, becoming a central figure in several storylines, including a marriage to Johnny Connor and the management of the Rovers Return pub. However, the actress explained that a growing disconnect with the show’s creative direction ultimately led to her decision to leave. She emphasized the importance of enjoying her work, stating, “I’m 55 now, I don’t wanna waste my time doing stuff that I’m not enjoying with people that I am not enjoying doing it with.”
Shifting Focus and Studio Constraints
According to Matthews, her waning enthusiasm coincided with a shift in Coronation Street’s focus towards police procedural and hospital drama storylines. She revealed that her character’s planned appearances in The Kabin, a local newsagents, were curtailed due to a lack of studio space, which was prioritized for sets related to these newer storylines. “I was supposed to go into The Kabin and then they couldn’t get The Kabin set in because there were lots of hospital sets and police station sets,” she explained.
This change in focus wasn’t well-received by the cast, with Matthews noting that conversations about the show’s direction had been ongoing for “three or four years.” She shared that both cast and crew members had expressed concerns, with feedback from the public indicating confusion and disinterest in the increasingly crime-focused narratives. “They said ‘Oh it’s all about the police, I don’t know who anybody is,’” Matthews recounted.
Balancing Tradition with Modern Audiences
Despite acknowledging that ITV research suggested audiences were seeking storylines with elements of crime and suspense, mirroring popular true-crime dramas, Matthews believes Coronation Street should remain true to its roots. “But all the research was coming back saying audiences want spoilers, non-linear storytelling, they watch true crime dramas on Netflix, so they want a lot of crime,” she said. She argued that the show’s strength lies in its portrayal of everyday life on the street and that straying too far from this formula could alienate its core audience.
Matthews ultimately believes that Coronation Street needs to “stay in its lane and be what it is – which is a soap!” She acknowledged the show’s importance to ITV, noting its contribution to the network’s overall viewership figures, but emphasized the demand to prioritize the essence of what makes Coronation Street successful.
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Viewers can find more information, interviews, and spoilers on the Radio Times dedicated Corrie page.
Matthews’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the show. Her decades-long association with Coronation Street, spanning from the 1980s to 2024, has cemented her status as a beloved figure in British television. As the show navigates its future, the debate over its direction – and whether it should embrace change or remain faithful to its origins – is likely to continue.
What do you believe? Should Coronation Street evolve with changing audience tastes, or stay true to its classic soap opera format? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
