Anna’s on the run...

...and is desperate to prove her innocence

When Anna Windass is taken from prison to hospital after collapsing, she spots an opportunity to escape – and grabs it! Actress Debbie Rush tells us more about the cafe worker’s quest for justice.

How does Anna escape?

She sees an overcoat, puts it on, and calmly walks out of an open door. Security isn’t great, and I think the staff don’t think little Anna will run away.

What is her state of mind?

We all know that she didn’t push Seb off that ladder, so her whole world has caved in. You’ve seen her unravel and that will continue as she escapes.

What is Anna’s end game?

Anna feels that Pat Phelan has won by framing her for Seb’s accident, and it’s fight or flight – and she decides to run. From inside the prison, she can’t get people to believe what he has done, so she thinks that even if she’s out for just a short time, she can make inroads into getting people on her side and try to find information that could help prove her innocence.

Phelan is Anna’s nemesis. What is Connor Mcintyre, who plays him, like to work with?

Connor is lovely. When we finish a scene, we always have a cuddle. He’s a giant and I’m a midget!

You’re leaving the soap early next year. Why is that?

I’ve been here nine years and loved it – it’s time to move on. I want to be creative somewhere else.