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Fans expressed their upset as Debbie’s signs of vascular dementia continue to worsen
Coronation Street fans announced they won’t “ever forgive” the ITV soap for “throwing away” Debbie Webster in its latest dementia storyline.
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.
In scenes set to air this week, the much-loved star will be diagnosed with young onset dementia. Corrie fans will see Debbie grow concerned about her memory loss as she books an appointment at a private clinic, assuming her symptoms may be related to the menopause.
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. In upcoming scenes, the character will be diagnosed with vascular dementia, but chooses to keep this to herself as she focuses on Kevin’s cancer recovery.
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?'”.
After Monday’s episode, fans took to social media as they reacted to the heartbreaking storyline. On X (formerly known as Twitter), @Cafi2k wrote: “I really don’t think #corrie know what they’re throwing away by killing off Debbie, she embodies what it means to be corrie! Sue Devaney could have gone down as a legend.”
@KellyFog79 replied: “She’s one of my favourites! I’ve always thought she wasn’t in it enough” as @bosdovja92 penned: “I will never, ever forgive #corrie for this.”
However, @VeronicaPullen responded: “I don’t like that they’re doing this to Debbie but I’m glad they’re showing the TIAs to raise awareness. If people recognise TIAs then more people will seek medical attention faster.”
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.
Corrie viewers will see Debbie blame her symptoms on the menopause before her refferal to the memory clinic. “Menopause is a scary time for any woman, with hormones all over the place and doing bizarre things,” Sue said. “It changes your brain.
“I spoke to a support worker from Dementia UK, and she said many women think it’s just menopause and don’t get tested, even though the symptoms can be similar, like brain fog, but on a much bigger scale with dementia.”
Published: 2025-04-08 07:33:03 | Author: [email protected] (Elizabeth Cotton) | Source: MEN – News
Link: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Tags: #Coronation #Street #fans #forgive #soap #throwing #Debbie #Webster #star
