It definitely wasn’t what they were expecting.
Coronation Street fans were left heartbroken after Anna Windass was found guilty of pushing Seb Franklin off of a ladder.
She was found guilty of GBH in the dramatic double-bill on Monday, as Phelan – who had framed her for the crime – sat calmly in the gallery.
Even though Seb gave evidence in court supporting Anna, and insisting that she wasn’t the one who pushed him, his testimony was discounted after it was discovered Gary Windass and Tim Metcalfe had pressured him into defending her.
Phelan is trending – he'd love that! 😈
(We're not convinced Anna would feel the same…)https://t.co/lyo2U0ZeuzWhat did you think of tonight's dramatic ending? #Corrie #TeamCorrie
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) January 22, 2018
As she headed into the dock to be told the jury had reached the unanimous verdict, Anna screamed:
“No, I didn’t do it.
“I didn’t push Seb. He’s made fools of you all. He’s the one, him. He’s the one that should be in here not me – he should be locked up.
“Patrick Phelan is pure evil, I didn’t do it.”
The café worker continued to sob – and Phelan couldn’t resist taking a dig at her situation.
He taunted:
“Twelve jurors Anna, unanimous verdict, Anna. It’s called justice Anna.”
Fans rushed to social media to voice their disappointment and anger at Anna being sent down.
Poor Anna! They will all regret not listening to her when Phelan gets caught out! #Corrie
— Kim Carberry (@LifeAsKimBlog) January 22, 2018
Poor Anna Windass …that Phelan is a very bad lad #corrie
— rach22uk (@rach22uk) January 22, 2018
Poor Anna has been sent down ! #Corrie #coronationstreet @itvcorrie
— Roberto Diniro (@RobertoDiniroUk) January 22, 2018
I can’t deal @itvcorrie we need Anna free n phelan in prison I can’t take this no more 😂😂😂
— Cally Jane Beech (@MissCallyJane) January 22, 2018
My heart is broken for Anna @debbie_rush 💔 #corrie @itvcorrie
— Shaun Eley (@Eley01) January 22, 2018
Phelan thinks all is going his way now while Anna is headed for the big house. I hope his comeuppance is soon.
The music at the end just seemed so out of place for this show. It would have worked just fine without it. #Corrie
— Bobbie (@Bobbie_robron) January 23, 2018
But the verdict may not have been a total surprise to some viewers, after the actress confirmed last year that she would be leaving the long-running soap.
Debbie Rush first appeared on the cobbles as Anna in 2008, before confirming her exit last summer.
The show’s official account tweeted a video message from Rush following the dramatic scenes, where she detailed her time in Weatherfield.
With Anna's fate sealed, we say a fond farewell to our fabulous @debbie_rush after nearly a decade on the the cobbles.
If you've loved Anna's story, show your support for #TeamCorrie: https://t.co/9uoFCKCybY ❤️ #Corrie #Phelan pic.twitter.com/a8ooQDuozx
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) January 22, 2018
She said:
“It’s been so hard to walk off the cobbles and leave them behind, and I’ll miss everyone millions.”
@debbie_rush TY my fantastic co-conspirator, for all the drama we have collaborated on in #Corrie. An intelligent,committed and truthful actor,it has been a privilege.I will miss your contribution.May the road rise to meet you. 😘🙏 #Anna #Phelan #Corrie pic.twitter.com/KaSJEzyXzZ
— Connor McIntyre (@connor9mcintyre) January 22, 2018
Connor McIntyre, who plays Phelan on the soap, later added his own tribute to his co-star.
He wrote:
“Thank you my fantastic co-conspirator, for all the drama we have collaborated on in
#Corrie.“An intelligent,committed and truthful actor,it has been a privilege.I will miss your contribution.May the road rise to meet you.”
