The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries fans can sleep soundly at night, safe in the knowledge that Anna is back for all eternity — well, for Season 3 at least — and you can thank yourselves for her safe return to Mystic Falls!

Wetpaint Entertainment caught up with Malese Jow at the VH1 Do Something Awards and the petite bloodsucker revealed how a Twitter campaign secured Anna’s spot on the show.

“It was part of a fan campaign, I definitely believe that 100 per cent,” Malese exclusively told us. “I love all the fans because they were totally just freaking out on Twitter — it’s amazing.”

Despite her "death," Anna was back in Mystic Falls for the last episode of Season 2, and is (almost) alive and kicking when the third season premieres Sept. 15 on The CW.

“I know that after I departed from the show, the uproar online was out of my control,” explains Malese. “It was insane and overwhelming. I really do feel the fans had a huge influence on them bringing me back in terms of the Internet petitions and the outcry.”

The actress is clearly shocked at the devotion of the viewers, and it sounds like The Vampire Diaries creators were, too.

“I wasn’t expecting it and I don’t think the writers were either,” said Jow. “They were like ‘Wow, this character became really beloved and I guess she deserves a second chance.’”

Anna’s troubled soul and conflicted personality is what most appeals to viewers, she believes. “She just touched on a lot of things, she started out threatening and sly, and then revealed a lot of her strength,” Malese explains.

“We learned that she just wanted her mom and wanted to be loved and there was a vulnerability underneath like the years of wisdom, so she was appealing in a lot of ways. I’m hoping that she keeps her loving side, she didn’t really pull off bad girl,  I like playing the loving Anna the most. “

Now that Anna is back, Wetpaint Entertainment naturally asked what we can expect from the resurrected vamp.

While she refuses to give any spoilers, Malese says to expect the unexpected.

“People won’t be disappointed, it’s going to be great. You will thank me for not saying anything because it is going to be a shocker!”