Coronation Street star Sally Ann Matthew's has shared a rare glimpse into her personal life with a post of her on-screen husband alongside her 'real one' to mark the character's departure during dramatic death scenes.
The actress, who plays Jenny Connor, was left heartbroken after hubby Johny - played by Richard Hawley - drowned in a sewer drain beneath the cobbles after trying to save her during a sink hole collapse.
The on-screen duo had recently split after Jenny's affair when Johny was behind bars, but viewers saw the former publican admit he was still in love with her as he rushed to her rescue.
But during Friday night's dramatic episode Johnny, who suffers from MS, passed out - as he couldn't hold on long enough for the fire service to get to him.
“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.”
In a nod to the character's late son Aidan, Johny can hear his voice calling him dad.
But after telling Jenny he loved her too, Johnny slipped away under the water leaving Jenny screaming in anguish.
Paying tribute to actor Richard she captioned the picture: “ 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 married in surprise ceremony in 1999.
The actress also shared behind the scenes shot of her and co-star Shona Platt played by Julia Goulding in wet suits larking about in the water after filming.
She added: ''We grafted let me tell ya. It truly was one of the best experiences of my professional life. Months and months of preparation from every department at @coronationstreet and then we got to have the best six days ever x''
