DEBBIE’S SHOCK ROLE

CORONATION Street star Debbie Rush has revealed that she cuddled Connor McIntyre before she stabbed him to death last night.

Soap fans finally saw serial killer Pat Phelan get his comeuppance.

But it was a surprise to see Anna Windass – who had been raped, abused, blackmailed and framed for GBH by the villain – return for a final showdown.

And after Phelan shot and wounded both his daughter Nicola Rubinstein and innocent bride-to-be Michelle Connor, it was Anna who grabbed a knife and plunged it into his chest.

The builder and con artist – who had previously killed three Corrie stars – cruelly teased that she would now go down for his murder as he pulled the knife from his chest and bled to death.

But Michelle (played by Kym Marsh) said it was self-defence and she would make sure the police knew. Shooting the final dramatic scenes on the ITV soap was a challenge for both Debbie and Connor.

Debbie said: “I have been thrown around by Connor so many times.

“I’ve had bruises for real but before we do anything we have a little cuddle and then go for it. It’s always been a joy working with him.”

Shocked viewers last saw Anna at Christmas after she was framed by Phelan and sent to jail.

Debbie had to keep her return a secret to avoid spoilers but she said: “Without a shadow of a doubt, Anna was the right person to kill Phelan.

“There would have been uproar if someone else did it, especially after what he’s done to her over the last five years.

“I always knew I was going to see him off but Connor didn’t know. He was told later on but not initially. It was easy to keep the secret – I’m good at it!”