Coronation Street is currently experiencing a period of significant cast changes, with both long-standing fan favourite Sally Ann Matthews and newer star Channique Sterling-Brown making headlines for their departures. Matthews, known for her iconic role as Jenny Connor, recently made an emotional exit after nearly 40 years on the ITV soap, while Sterling-Brown, who plays lawyer Dee Dee Bailey, is also set to leave in the near future.

Sally Ann Matthews first graced the cobbles in 1986 at the age of 16, portraying Jenny, the daughter of villain Alan Bradley. Her character was notably taken in by Rita Tanner, who became a mother figure. After an initial five-year run, Sally briefly returned in 1993 before making a major comeback in 2015. She had initially planned to stay for five months but ended up extending her tenure by an additional ten years, expressing her love for the role and the show.

Her emotional farewell scenes aired on Wednesday, October 1, where Jenny, contemplating her life after leaving the Rovers Return, decided to visit a friend in Tenerife. After a heartfelt discussion with Rita, who handed her cash for a one-way flight and encouraged her to find happiness, Jenny departed. The moving moment saw Rita become tearful, promising to visit, while Jenny took one last look at her former pub before heading for her new life in Spain.

In a sweet and sentimental gesture, Sally Ann Matthews later revealed on Instagram that she had taken a piece of Coronation Street history with her: the sign that hung above the entrance of the Rovers, now proudly displayed above her own door. This post garnered warm responses from former co-stars including Georgia Taylor, Sally Carman-Duttine, Samia Lognchambon, and Andy Whyment, all expressing their love and well wishes.

Meanwhile, Channique Sterling-Brown, 28, who has portrayed the big-hearted lawyer Dee Dee Bailey since 2022, is also preparing for her exit. After a three-year stint, her departure is reportedly common knowledge behind the scenes, with cast members already informed. Prior to joining Coronation Street, Channique had a career rooted in short films and extensive theatre work across Manchester, the city where the soap is both filmed and set.

During her time on the show, Dee Dee Bailey has been central to several dramatic storylines. Most recently, viewers watched her navigate the complexities of motherhood after giving birth to daughter Laila, whom she had with villain Joel Deering. Her character faced a significant emotional dilemma, initially intending for her brother James to adopt Laila, only to waver on that decision over many episodes.

Off-screen, Channique has embraced the platform provided by Coronation Street. A committed Christian, she was approached by Tearfund, a Christian charity partnering with churches in some of the world’s poorest countries, and became an ambassador. She expressed gratitude for her role and the opportunity to use her profile to help and care for others, stating her belief in spreading love and empowering people through the church.

Channique’s impending departure follows a string of recent exits from the famous Weatherfield backstreet, including Sally Ann Matthews's Jenny Connor and Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan). The show also saw PC Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) axed and killed off in a storyline, highlighting a period of significant change for the beloved ITV soap.