RONNIE MAKES A HEARTBREAKING PROMISE AS DEBBIE’S DEMENTIA BATTLE TAKES ANOTHER EMOTIONAL TURN

Coronation Street star Vinta Morgan has revealed what the future will look like for his character Ronnie Bailey and his wife Debbie Webster, as Debbie’s dementia continues to progress.

Debbie was diagnosed with dementia last year, and although she initially pushed Ronnie away, she eventually told him everything and the pair got married ahead of the Corriedale episode. As the disease advances, there have been more and more heartbreaking scenes of Debbie forgetting those around her and experiencing times of confusion.

Chatting exclusively to Inside Soap at their Coronation Street Inside Soap Awards photoshoot, Vinta says that although things are set to get more difficult for the lovebirds, Ronnie will stay by Debbie’s side throughout it all.

“Obviously, there are going to be more and more moments where the disease shows its face,” Vinta explains. “Also, you’ve met Debbie, she’s a person who’s been able to live life by her own means, not needing anybody.

“Being in a position where she knows that she’s going to need people is not a place she wants to be. However, when Ronnie made his vows, he meant them.”

Debbie’s dementia came as a huge shock to viewers, given the fan favourite status of the character. However, Vinta argues that this, plus the true love shown between Ronnie and Debbie, worked to make the emotional storyline even more powerful.

“It’s been great as we’ve taken our time and that’s allowed the story to really make an impact,” he enthuses. “We let the audience embrace this relationship that is full of love and togetherness, but there’s this elephant in the room, something that’s going to redirect things into a different territory.

“It’s a very humbling and harrowing experience for Ronnie because he’s the kind of guy who takes on all challenges with strength and conviction, but this is showing a vulnerable side that he’s not as accustomed to.”