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Coronation Street star axed after 39 years on the show

Sally Ann Matthews has reportedly been let go from Coronation Street as ITV enacts budget cuts.

August 1, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Coronation Street icon axed after 39 years on ITV soap in bombshell latest cull

Sally Ann Matthews faces exit from Coronation Street after 39 years amid budget cuts.

Coronation Street cuts impact long-standing stars and show profits

Sally Ann Matthews, known for her role as Jenny Connor, has reportedly been let go from Coronation Street after nearly four decades. Debuting in 1986, Matthews became a central figure in the ITV soap. Sources indicate she is devastated by the news, with one stating that her late-night Instagram rants may not have helped her case. The decision aligns with ITV's effort to cut costs, as the network's profits have fallen sharply. Reports suggest that ITV plans to reduce its cast numbers significantly, with one in ten stars potentially facing the axe between Coronation Street and Emmerdale. This reflects a broader strategy to control production expenses amid a difficult financial landscape for the network.

Key Takeaways

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Sally Ann Matthews has been part of Coronation Street for 39 years.

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Budget cuts at ITV prompt significant cast reductions.

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The show may lose one in ten actors, altering its core dynamics.

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Viewers are likely to react strongly to the removal of long-standing characters.

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Financial pressures seem to prioritize cost-cutting over storytelling.

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Other cast members express concern about their job security.

"The decision hasn’t gone down well. There’s a lot of people going to be sitting there worried about their own futures."

This highlights the uncertainty felt among the cast and crew after Matthews' exit.

"They’re really cranking it up now and it’s across the soaps."

This reflects the widespread nature of the cuts affecting multiple programs.

"Sal’s devastated by the decision. She was central to the soap for so long as Rovers landlady."

This quotes a source expressing Matthews' significance to the show.

"The amount of cast has spiraled out of control."

This points to the systemic issues within ITV's budget management.

The departure of such a well-loved figure as Sally Ann Matthews raises questions about the future of long-running television shows. With ITV's profits dwindling, it seems that even beloved characters are not immune to budgetary constraints. Such cuts are not just a matter of finances but can impact viewer loyalty. This situation highlights a possible shift in television where budget considerations may outweigh narrative continuity and character development. As cast changes occur, the delicate balance of a show's heart and history risks being disrupted.