There was a surprise in store in the ITV documentary as Sally Ann found out she was related to a Corrie legend! This story has been updated - find out who it is!
Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthews, aka Jenny, got a big surprise in Coronation Street’s DNA Secrets, which saw Nick Campbell investigate the ancestry of the soap’s best loved actors.
Sally Ann, 47, is convinced she’s a northern lass through and through – and she’s not wrong, as her DNA results prove.
But there was a shock in store. Experts discover Sally Ann is a blood cousin of a former cast member. In fact, she worked alongside this Corrie legend from 1988! Who could it be?
“I did a project in my history O Level, which [traced] five generations on my dad’s side and we all came from Oldham! I’m so surprised, but thrilled,” laughs Sally Ann.
“I’m desperate to know who it is. It’s like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” Well it turned out to be none other than Amanda Barrie, who played Alma in Coronation Street. Sally tweeted as the show went out, "Just me and my cuz."
Sally Ann also excitedly tweeted: "I'm related to frickin Cleopatra! x", as she made reference to Amanda's role in the classic film Carry On Cleo.
Sally Ann revealed that they both share the same the sense of humour.
Also taking part in the one-off 90 minute special was Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor in Corrie. Kym’s convinced her DNA roots will prove she’s a northerner. But the results connect her to the Iberian Peninsula. So, Kym heads to Cornwall to find out more.
“I’ve always thought I was quite boring!” says Kym, 42, who uncovers far-reaching home truths in Cornwall. “I was thinking maybe there might be a Spanish sailor that’s come into my family’s lives, but actually it’s something much bigger than that!”
Coronation Street's DNA Secrets was shown on ITV.
Kym Marsh pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
