Weatherfield is set to witness a heartbreaking departure as Debbie Webster’s character faces a devastating diagnosis of dementia, leading to her eventual demise. Sue Devaney, the actress behind the iconic character, has broken her silence on the upcoming storyline, revealing her initial concerns and her determination to portray the sensitive subject with justice and authenticity.

Months after the announcement that Debbie Webster would be diagnosed with dementia, a storyline that would inevitably lead to her exit from Coronation Street, Sue Devaney has finally addressed the news. The revelation sent shockwaves through the fan base, with many expressing their devastation and even attempting to halt the storyline.

Debbie’s recent struggles, including a fall, misplacing possessions, and experiencing memory lapses, will culminate in a doctor’s referral for tests. The spoilers reveal that Debbie may have suffered a mini-stroke and could be facing vascular dementia. This diagnosis marks the beginning of a poignant and challenging journey for the character, ultimately leading to her tragic end.

Sue Devaney, in her first public statement since the announcement, shared her initial reaction to the news. “A mixture of things,” she confessed. “Kate Brooks, the Corrie producer, called me into the office and she said, ‘We’ve got this brilliant story and we want to give Debbie dementia, and obviously, down the line, you don’t survive dementia, so I knew that the story would eventually come to an end and my character would come to an end.'”

The actress acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation, reflecting on her long history with the show. “This was my first job when I was 16, and I left after a year, and now it will be coming to an end again,” she said. However, she also recognized the importance of the storyline and the opportunity to raise awareness about young-onset dementia.

Contrary to reports of her being “furious” about the storyline, Sue Devaney clarified that her concerns stemmed from a desire to do the subject justice. “The only reason I was concerned about the storyline was because I wanted to be sure I could do it justice,” she explained. “It is an honor and privilege to be given this sort of storyline.”

The storyline will see Debbie initially keeping her diagnosis a secret from her loved ones, adding another layer of emotional complexity to her journey. Sue Devaney emphasized the significance of portraying a vibrant and successful character facing such a debilitating illness. “A lot of people are saying, ‘Why give it to Debbie? She’s so vibrant and she’s so full of life,'” she said. “But I think that’s where a good story lies because it’s somebody that has everything, you know? And words are important to Debbie. She has a quick wit, and everything is so important: money and success. And actually, she’s been dealt this hand of this illness, and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey.”

The upcoming storyline promises to be a poignant and impactful portrayal of dementia, raising awareness about the condition and its devastating effects. Sue Devaney’s commitment to portraying the sensitive subject with authenticity and respect will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on viewers, as they witness Debbie Webster’s heartbreaking journey to its inevitable conclusion.