Interview: Jenny's Top Job

The Connors are taking over the Rovers! We asked Sally Ann Matthews what that means for Jenny and Johnny and what will happen to poor Gemma!?

How does the idea about buying the Rovers come about for Jenny and Johnny?

Jenny and Johnny are now at a loose end because they are not going to Spain and they have not got the factory because Johnny doesn’t particularly want anything to do with the factory. But he is a businessman, he is always looking for an opportunity and suddenly they are presented with the possibility of getting the Rovers which Johnny thinks would be a great idea.

What does Jenny think about the idea?

Jenny is not up for this. Firstly, she was supposed to be Queen of the Factory, secondly she was supposed to be swanning it up in Spain but suddenly she is going to be working in a poxy backstreet boozer... not what she had in mind for herself.

But she recognises that Johnny needs this to take his mind of Aidan and her heart belongs to Johnny so she will do whatever makes him happy.

How long will it take for Jenny to come round to the idea?

Jenny is pretty adaptable, she sulks for two minutes then thinks it is a great idea, then runs to the moon with that idea so as soon as Johnny persuades her about the Rovers she goes for it big style and she starts to make all kind of plans for it.

What does Jenny think Gemma will make of this?

The one spanner in the works is Gemma because Jenny and Gemma are kind-of-sisters, they have both been brought up under Rita’s wing. She knows how much the Rovers meant to Gemma and the thought of telling her is heartbreaking.

How does Jenny try to smooth things over?

Jenny offers Gemma a job thinking this will make it all better which Gemma is not too happy about. But I am looking forward to working with Dolly behind the bar because it will just be chaotic and fun.

Do you have a favourite Coronation Street landlady?

It’s got to be Bet Lynch. I joined the show in 1985 and Bet was the landlady and then in the early ‘90s Jenny worked in the pub and Bet was her boss, so for most of my viewing and acting time on Corrie, it’s been Bet Lynch. And I loved Bet and Alec’s relationship.

What was your reaction when you found out you were going to own the Rovers?

I was terrified! I am completely inept… trying to pull a pint the other day, I got more beer on my hand than in the glass! I am getting better but it’s also the timing of pulling a pint, I would be rubbish if I had to work in a real pub.

What sort of landlady do you think Jenny will make?

I think she will be incredibly capable because she became an expert seamstress overnight and when she sets her mind to it she can achieve anything. She wants this and a lot of people wanted her to fail when she first came back to the Street, so she is not about to look foolish in front of anybody.

What do you think the other residents of Coronation Street will make of Jenny the landlady?

Most residents on the Street have a healthy disregard for Jenny, they all know she is a nutjob.

The secret is ‘Don't cross her.’