Actress Molly Rainford has hinted at the possibility of returning to the iconic BBC soap, EastEnders, just weeks after her character’s exit. Rainford, who portrayed Anna Knight since her debut in the summer of 2023, expressed her openness to revisiting her role during an interview with New! Magazine.
Introduced as the daughter of George Knight and a character known as Rose Sawyer, Anna quickly resonated with audiences. Throughout her time on the show, she was embroiled in significant storylines, including a love triangle involving Bobby Beale and Freddie Slater. Rainford’s portrayal garnered her a considerable following, with over 295,000 followers on Instagram.
Reflecting on Her Journey
In her final scenes, Anna departed for Australia alongside Freddie Slater, played by Bobby Brazier. Before leaving, she focused on healing relationships with fellow characters Kojo Asare, Gina Knight, and Harry Mitchell. Additionally, she emphasized the theme of forgiveness in her conversation with her father, George.
Despite her recent exit, Rainford remains hopeful about the future. She stated, “What’s so amazing about EastEnders is that you get to do what you love every day. I feel like I’m blessed that I was a part of it. Hopefully, the door’s still open for me to go back. But, yeah, I just want to get out there and experience more.” This sentiment reflects her desire to explore new opportunities while cherishing her time on the show.
Skills Gained and Future Prospects
Rainford also highlighted the invaluable skills she acquired during her time on EastEnders. She noted, “I learned how to be a professional by being around so many amazing actors all day long. I want to use those skills and do something new.” This commitment to personal growth suggests that her next steps may take her in an exciting direction.
Outside of her acting career, Rainford participated in Celebrity Race Across the World with her fiancé, Tyler West. The couple, who met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, completed the challenging journey in South America, finishing just two minutes behind the winners, siblings Roman and Harley Moon Kemp.
Reflecting on the experience, Rainford mentioned that the show has significantly boosted her confidence. She explained, “Talking to strangers, asking people for help – those are things you just don’t do anymore, but the race forces you into it. It’s given me so much more confidence that now I’m thinking, ‘What have I got to lose?’” This newfound self-assurance could play a vital role in her future endeavors.
Despite not winning the Glitterball while competing on Strictly Come Dancing, where she partnered with Carlos Gu, Rainford’s journey led her to a meaningful relationship with West. The couple announced their relationship in March 2023 and moved in together in London in January 2024. West proposed during a romantic getaway in Mykonos this summer, marking another chapter in their shared journey.
As Molly Rainford contemplates her future, her openness to returning to EastEnders leaves fans eager for what lies ahead. With her talent and drive, it is clear that she is poised to make a significant impact, whether on the cobbled streets of Albert Square or beyond.
