Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews will exit the soap in tonight’s episode (Wednesday 1 October). Already available to stream, the latest instalment will conclude the storyline of Jenny Connor, as the character embarks on a fresh start away from Weatherfield.

Set to air on ITV1 at 8pm, Jenny’s bad behaviour will finally be exposed after George (Tony Maudsley) catches her lying about Rita’s (Barbara Knox) health. Forced to admit that she’d made Rita’s fall sound way worse than it really was, Jenny makes amends with George and comes clean to Rita before the latter hands her money and encourages her to get the fresh start she’d been searching for.

After promising Rita that she’ll visit, Jenny concludes her arc by gazing fondly at the street, before dumping her Rovers license plate and leaving the Cobbles behind.

Far from a surprise, Jenny’s exit has been on the cards since August, when Matthews confirmed her plans to depart on Instagram. Addressing fans, the actor wrote: “I was supposed to stay for five months but ended up doing an extra ten years because I loved it so much!

“It’s time, though, to play those parts I always hoped I would when I’d ‘grown up.’ Thanks Trafford Wharf Rd, for the memories and endless laughter.”

Joining The Bolton News for an interview, Matthews joked that Jenny had “been through enough” as she prepared to film her final scenes. “I had the best time creating a character that could be absolutely bonkers and over the top, to sensitive and vulnerable,” she said.

“There aren’t many jobs where you get to play a wide range of emotions- often in the same scene!”

Revealing what’s next, Matthews replied: “⁠I’ve worked away from home for almost 11 years, so having time in the garden with my dog and family is a priority right now! I’ve been very fortunate in my career to work across all mediums and hopefully that will continue!”