UPDATE: |Coronation Street fans ‘destroyed’ after harrowing Debbie Webster twist News

Debbie was told she could have vascular dementia in a heartbreaking episode and demanded the actress receives awards

Coronation Street fans were left feeling “destroyed” as Debbie Webster was officially diagnosed with vascular dementia during Wednesday’s episode.

Played by Sue Devaney, the actress took on the role aged just 16, but left the cobbles after a short stint when her on-screen family moved to Southampton. The actress then reprised the role in 2019.

During recent episodes, viewers have seen glimpses of Debbie forgetting things here and there, and in a more serious scene she blacked out and fell on the cobbles with no recollection of what happened.

On Monday’s (April 7) instalment, Debbie paid a visit to Dee-Dee but viewers showed concern after she blanked from their conversation and stared vacantly into space.

Later in the episode, Debbie could be heard making a phone call asking to see someone as she’s waited far too long to ask for help.

Previously speaking about taking on the diagnosis, Sue shared: “I was a bit frightened. It’s not like a drama series where you might be doing it for six weeks.

“This is playing someone with dementia for one, two, three years. It was a case of, ‘Can I do it? Am I ready?’ I don’t do things by halves. I’m all in or all out.

“Our first chat [with Kate] was really thorough. She said, ‘I love Debbie, and I want you to tell this story.’ It’s going to be a heartbreaking journey of emotion and honesty. Sad, hopeful, uplifting and truthful. Will you do it?'”.

This storyline comes as Corrie producers and the story team work closely with Dementia UK on the long-term storyline which will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie as well as those close to her.

Wednesday’s episode kicked off with Debbie sitting down as she said: “Thanks for seeing me. Well, there’s been a catalogue of incidents. Yeah, and it’s starting to become a real problem.”

The soap then showed flashbacks of Debbie’s “incidents” including finding her “stolen” purse in the fridge, shouting angrily at Jack, staring vacantly into space, and falling on the cobbles.

As Debbie reflected on everything, she said: “I hate to say this, but I lied. Because, it’s me. I put the purse in the fridge, must’ve been at breakfast, been in a rush or something.

“The truth is, I just collapsed and it scared me. I’m scared. That’s why I’m here Doctor.”

The doctor responded that she must have had some sort of TIA, but the shock didn’t end for Debbie there.

As he expressed his concern and denied it was menopausal, he referenced she’s been struggling with “brain fog” for some time now, and said: “My concern is that the body of your symptoms together with the TIA might indicate the early onset of dementia.”

In complete shock, Debbie expressed: “That’s not right, you’re wrong. I’ve not got dementia.” As the emotional scenes aired, Debbie chose to keep the potential diagnosis to herself.

Fans were heartbroken, and on X (formerly known as Twitter), @Kelly_GSDs wrote: “Halfway through today’s @itvcorrie and I’ve had to pause it because I’m proper snotty crying… Sue Devaney is just… She’s going to break my heart into a million tiny pieces with this Debbie dementia storyline.”

@clotimms added: “Today’s #Corrie is heart-breaking. I don’t want to lose Debbie, she’s an icon, but Sue Devaney did an incredible job.” as @Beckixsmith1 praised the star: “Wow Debbie in tonight’s corrie give her all the awards”.

@swarlanations wrote: “Kate Brooks told Sue Devaney it was “her time to shine” and this is exactly what she meant. Come next awards season, it will be no contest over who is taking home the trophies”

Another viewer, @Her_EvilQueen expressed: “This is why i need to watch this in the comfort of my own home with a blanket and some tissues and can watch it at work ! She is going to absolutely destroy me”.