Opinion: Jenny Connor deserves more screentime in Coronation Street

Jenny is a fan fave (Credit: ITV)

Over the years, no role in Coronation Street has been more prolific than the landlady of the Rovers Return. Annie Walker, Bet Lynch, Liz McDonald...all larger than life characters, who brought bags of personality to the boozer. Jenny Connor fits seamlessly into that list...so where is she these days?

In 2023, Jenny and her stepdaughter Daisy appeared in more episodes than any other character that year, with Jenny utilised in Daisy's stalker storyline, Stephen's serial killing rampage, and of course, the theft of £250k to reopen the Rovers.

So far this year, Jenny has appeared in a mere 60 episodes, dropping from #1 to #47 in Corriepedia's appearances list. While she's far from the only character to appear so rarely, her role on the street is one that should afford her the opportunity to be in far more scenes.

The lack of busy pub scenes these days isn't something that's gone unnoticed. Often when the pub does feature, we see a small number of characters — and seldom more than one member of staff serving. Despite Carla technically owning the boozer at present, Jenny is still in charge, and more scenes featuring her wouldn't go amiss.

Jenny has a close relationship with her step-daughter Daisy (Credit: ITV)

More Jenny scenes are need on Coronation Street

Over the last four years, Jenny's relationship with step-daughter Daisy has been one of the best familial bonds we currently have on screen. The journey from butting heads over Johnny, to Daisy asking her stepmum to walk her down the aisle, has been beautiful to watch — and it could be explored so much further.

We have, of course, all of the unresolved stalking and acid attack trauma, something Jenny could most certainly help Daisy with. There's also been a recent mention of Jenny's deceased son Tom, due to Kit's manipulation of Daisy, and this could certainly be explored on a deeper level.

While arguably the cast is currently large enough (as perhaps proven by the lack of screentime afforded recently), the introduction of Daisy's dad could provide some brilliant material for Jenny. The breakdown of their relationship centered around grief, and we saw back in 2015, how deeply this affected Jenny.

A new Jenny storyline would be more than welcome (Credit: ITV)

A talent that needs to be used more

Sally Ann Matthews has proven time and time again what a powerhouse she is, with the aforementioned kidnapping storyline in 2015, the sinkhole disaster and subsequent loss of Johnny in 2021, and in the downfall of Stephen Reid & the aftermath of his demise.

On top of pure talent for drama, we've seen how well Sal plays comedy, as Jenny's gossipy nature often has her centre stage of comedic pub scenes.

With the promise of 'Swarla' in the coming months, there's also the relationship between Jenny and her other step-daughter, Carla. While things are naturally strained between them at present, due to the small matter of a quarter of a million pounds, it would be an excellent opportunity for them to mend bridges. Though Carla has both Roy and Ryan to speak with, Jenny could offer the motherly perspective, and they could finally make amends.

A character like Jenny Connor lends herself to fitting in with any storyline necessary. She's a long-standing character, with plenty of connections within Weatherfield, she's still the landlady of the most affluential business on the street, and Sal's talent would allow her to take on any storyline necessary.

As we come to the end of 2024, I hope the winter months bring us a resurgence of pub scenes aplenty, with a storyline for Jenny in 2025 — just perhaps not one that involves a love interest, unless he's keen to end up six feet under...

Would you like to see more of Jenny?

• Definitely!
• Not really bothered