ITV Coronation Street's Jenny Connor star 'hasn't changed' a bit in heartwarming picture

ITV Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews
-Credit: (Image: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)


ITV Coronation Street's Sally Ann Matthews received remarks that she 'hasn't changed a bit' as she celebrated a very special anniversary with an rare photo alongside her husband. The soap star, famed for portraying the Rovers Return’s Jenny Connor, usually keeps her personal life under wraps, although it is well known that she has been blissfully wed to esteemed barrister Nicholas Rhodes since 1999.

Sally Ann previously revealed how her screen commitment made it difficult to strike up romantic relationships at the start of her career. She said: "I never even went to a nightclub and snogged somebody because I thought they might sell a story."

However, over two decades ago, the actress stunned her loved ones with a secret marriage on the same day as both her birthday and her son’s christening. During a chat on White Wine Question Time with fellow co-star Sally Carman, hosted by Kate Thornton, Sally Ann shared her own soap-opera-like experience when discussing her impromptu nuptials to QC Nick following their son James’ birth, the MEN reports.

She explained: "I never wanted to get married, ever. I wanted to be with somebody and for me, the decision to have a child was a much bigger commitment. So we decided that we would start a family and we did. Then as soon as James was born, I kind of went: 'Oh I want the same name as everybody else. So all right, I'll marry you now but I don't want a fuss and you're rubbish at remembering dates. So we'll get married on my birthday at James's christening.' So that's what we did."

Sally Ann has since offered fans a peek into that memorable day by posting a throwback photo with Nick on Instagram in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. She captioned it: "19/9/99 My 29th birthday, our eldest's christening and our surprise wedding. Happy 25th wedding anniversary Nick Rhodes (not of Duran Duran fame), I love you."

Her Coronation Street colleague Charlotte Jordan commented: "I am obsessed with this photo! ! ! " along with numerous heart-eyed emojis.

Sally Dynevor also chimed in with a "Happy anniversary." while Paddy Bever remarked: "Beautiful."

Fans and followers joined in to congratulate the couple and shower Sally Ann with praise. @niklaird70 posted: "Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary to you both." @rhonadavis remarked: "You haven't changed at all! " @denise.

livesey celebrated with: "Congratulations to you both on your silver wedding anniversary." One fan, @hhayloup, responded: "Happy Birthday/25th Anniversary you haven't changed @sallyannmatthews."

Another user, @pammie_g, posted: "Happy anniversary and here's to many more." A third follower, @technomad123, chimed in with: "Congratulations to you both, lovely picture."