Corrie character’s bad behaviour is following actress Debbie Rush

Coronation Street star Debbie Rush has told how her character’s awful behaviour has followed her everywhere.

Anna slept with crooked business partner Pat Phelan to ensure her family was left alone and son Gary was kept out of jail.

And members of the public gripped by the storyline haven’t been slow to share their feelings.

“A lot of people have been shouting in the streets: ‘We told you he was a bad ’un’,” confides Debbie.

“They said they were shouting: ‘Please don’t do it!’ at the telly. So everybody, women especially, really understand what she’s done and why she felt she had to. People have been really supportive of the storyline.”

Anna tells Gary tomorrow that she’s kicked Owen (Ian Puleston-Davies) out. But not knowing how to break the news to daughter Faye, she instead tells Owen that he should move back in.

“Gary is very concerned for his mum because he knows how badly Owen has reacted,” explains Debbie, 48.

“We have such a surprise from Gary when he finds out about Phelan. I think the public probably expected him to go off his head about what Anna has done, but he’s actually very supportive and feels really guilty.

“He doesn’t want his mum feeling any worse by having Owen in the house making her feel even more disgusted with herself. Anna feels in some way it’s her own fault.

“She feels guilty and violated and the last thing she wanted was for her family to know what she’s done, even if it was for them.”

While there has been public backing, Debbie’s in no doubt that Anna should have stayed clear.

“She tried!” laughs Debbie.

“Inside Anna was screaming: ‘Don’t do it!’ but in the end she didn’t have a choice. Phelan is a bad man.”

Having her character go through the mill has meant a tough schedule of harrowing scenes. So Debbie was hoping to get some chill out time at home.

“At the moment it’s been far from relaxing as I’ve been filming and then busy decorating at home. We’re in the middle of doing up our house, so relaxing has been with a paint brush and a glass of wine.”

Debbie managed a few days away with her family in Barbados last month. While things are looking grim for Anna and Owen, Debbie reckons viewers want a happy ending.

“I think the public really like them together,” she adds.