CORONATION Street star Sally Ann Matthew has shared a rare picture of her real husband posing alongside her onscreen one, who was dramatically killed off in scenes that aired last night.
In a devastating moment, Johnny Connor – played by Richard Hawley – drowned after saving Sally’s character Jenny when she fell into a sinkhole.
Paying tribute to Richard, who has been by her side for years, she wrote: “The real one and the pretend one. I’m going to miss my Manchester husband terribly. Thank you Rich for a fab five years x #Corrie.”
In real life Sally is married to Nick Rhodes who she wed in 1999 during a surprise wedding.
Her character was estranged from Johnny but in his final moments he declared his love for her.
During last night’s dramatic episode Johnny’s body gave up and he passed out – drowning in the old sewer system after he saved Jenny.
“Something’s wrong, he’s not moving,” Jenny said as Johnny failed to grab the rope to be pulled out.
Jenny begged him to fight to stay alive, shouting: “Johnny say something – are you OK?
“Johnny listen to me, they’re here. They’re going to be with you soon. You don’t have to talk to me but look at me.
“Just raise your head Johnny. Johnny look at me. They’re here.”
But in a devastating scene Johnny began to hear the voice of his late son Aidan calling him dad.
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He had previously had visions of Aidan as a symptom of his MS.
The Celeb Report can reveal the soap used archive sound of actor Shayne Ward for the heartbreaking scene.
As she realised what was going on Jenny shouted: “Johnny please you just need to hold on. I love you.”
After telling Jenny he loved her too, Johnny slipped away under the water leaving Jenny screaming in anguish.
