Coronation Street’s Debbie Webster breaks down as she receives life-changing diagnosis
Debbie Webster’s (Sue Devaney) whole world turned upside down in tonight’s Coronation Street when she was officially diagnosed with vascular dementia.
The soap icon had noticed signs that something wasn’t quite right and booked an appointment with a doctor a few weeks ago.
Following their discussion, he referred her to a neurologist for further tests, believing that her symptoms could be a sign of dementia.
Debbie’s world came crashing down as the neurologist confirmed the doctor’s suspicions, before explaining that there was no medication to treat the illness.
Instead, the neurologist told Debbie to keep on top of her cardiovascular health before sending her on her way with a stark warning not to look up the life expectancy online.
Outside the hospital, Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) urged her to share the news with the rest of their family, like the leaflet she’d been given suggested, but Debbie made it clear that she wasn’t ready to tell them yet.
She told Carl she needed some time to think, and spent a while longer sitting alone in the car park.
It was there that she was approached by a distressed and confused woman, who was unable to recognise her daughter.
The daughter thanked Debbie for her kindness, before revealing that the woman has vascular dementia, leaving Debbie horrified.
Terrified Debbie soon returned to the Chariot Square Hotel, where Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) excitedly told her that he’d put in an offer for them to buy No.6, and it had been accepted.
However, Debbie revealed that she wasn’t going to move with him, and broke off the engagement, claiming that she didn’t love him anymore.
In reality, she just wanted to protect him from her illness, but he didn’t know this.
It didn’t take long for the news to spread around the Webster clan, and soon Abi and Kevin (Sally Carman and Michael Le Vell) were confronting her about the decision.
Overwhelmed, Debbie rushed out of the Bistro, before breaking down outside in Carl’s arms, admitting that she still loved Ronnie but didn’t want him to have care for her.
Carl once again tried to convince her to tell him the truth, but Debbie remained firm in her decision, declaring the relationship officially over.
