Former Coronation Street actress Sally Ann Matthews has announced a major new stage role, just months after her departure from the iconic ITV soap. The star, best known for playing Jenny Bradley, is set to join the cast of the hit jukebox musical Here & Now, based on the songs of pop group Steps.
From the Rovers Return to the Supermarket Floor
Sally Ann Matthews, 55, will take over the role of supermarket boss Patricia in the touring production from 23 January 2026. The musical, which premiered in Birmingham in late 2024, is set in a supermarket called Better Best Bargains and follows a group of employees on a summer quest for love. Matthews steps into a part recently played by Finty Williams, daughter of Dame Judi Dench.
The news was confirmed on the official Instagram account for the musical, which posted: "Coronation Street's Sally Ann Matthews swaps the cobbles for the dancefloor as she joins the cast of HERE & Now. Sal is your Patricia from 23 January 2026." The actress herself responded simply and enthusiastically: "So excited!"
A Fond Farewell to Weatherfield
Matthews's new venture follows her exit from Coronation Street last year, where her character Jenny Bradley – who had become landlady of the Rovers Return Inn – left for Tenerife after a series of failed relationships. Her departure disappointed many loyal fans of the long-running serial.
Reflecting on her time on the cobbles, Matthews told the Bolton News: "I had the best time creating a character that could be absolutely bonkers and over the top, to sensitive and vulnerable." She highlighted the unique emotional range of the role and paid tribute to the "best crew in the business".
She originally joined the show for a five-month stint in the late 1980s but ended up staying for an extra decade because she "loved it so much." Speaking of her decision to leave, she confessed: "After being held hostage four times, losing the love of her life every October for three years on the trot, I think Jenny has been through enough!"
Stepping into a New Spotlight
Here & Now follows the successful jukebox musical formula of shows like Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You, weaving a narrative around the back catalogue of Steps. The score features the group's classic hits such as Tragedy, 5,6,7,8 and One For Sorrow, as well as newer material like Scared of the Dark and What The Future Holds.
Matthews is no stranger to musical theatre, having performed in numerous touring plays. Corrie fans may also remember her singing What I Did For Love from A Chorus Line in a 1986 episode of the soap. Her other TV credits include appearances in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road.
Looking ahead, the actress stated that after working away from home for nearly 11 years, spending time with her family and dog is a priority. However, she remains optimistic about her career: "I’ve been very fortunate in my career to work across all mediums and hopefully that will continue!"
Fan reaction to her Corrie exit was one of sadness, with supporters on social media describing it as "the worst news" and expressing they were "gutted." Now, those same fans have a new opportunity to see the performer in a dazzlingly different role, trading Weatherfield's pub for a supermarket dancefloor.
