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Tuesday 31 July 2018

Sally Ann Matthews interview: Jenny as Rovers landlady


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 on the factory, secondly she was supposed to be swanning it up in Spain with the villa, the swimming pool and the beach-pine table 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 Connor 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 runs to the moon with the 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. She wants it to be a cut above everything else. 

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 because they have both been brought under Rita’s wing. She knows how much the Rovers means to Gemma and the thought of telling her is heartbreaking. Jenny can see the pain in Gemma’s face and she feels really bad but Johnny needs this more.

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.

Did Jenny have to pull pints when she worked in the pub with Bet Lynch?
We only had two pumps, I don’t think we had great big ones like we do now. I am only 5”2, even though I wear heels in the show, so I have to try not get masked by the pumps and be pouring the pint and be saying my lines so it is a different thing altogether.

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. She will boss it and take no nonsense. 

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.’

What will buying the Rovers do for Johnny and Jenny’s relationship?
Jenny is going in to it certainly with the intention that it is what Johnny needs and it would be good for their relationship to help heal from what has happened. She is able to understand and forgive all of Johnny’s behaviour because of his grief. She’s not delusional or naive but she is ready to move forward. 







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