Debbie’s heartbreaking fresh struggle revealed in Coronation Street as help is offered
In tonight’s episode of Coronation Street, Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) was diagnosed with vascular dementia.
The beloved character visited a doctor a few weeks ago and explained that she had suffered some worrying health incidents, and wasn’t sure why. It was suggested in the meeting that Debbie might have dementia, news that left her stunned.
Debbie swerved a lunch date with Ronnie (Vinta Morgan) tonight so she could go to the hospital with her brother Carl (Jonathan Howard). There, the neurologist confirmed Debbie’s diagnosis, and said that if she leads a healthy lifestyle, things will be able to carry on as normal for now.
Poor Debbie was heartbroken. She told Carl that she wants to keep her diagnosis to herself, and that she’s not ready to tell the family.
In upcoming episodes, Carl pops by the hotel and finds Debbie attempting to organise a wedding fayre, but she’s struggling. Given the fact he’s the only person who knows about her secret, Carl tells Debbie that she could do with some help, but how will she feel about this?
‘I think Debbie is in denial and wants to pretend everything is alright until it’s not,’ star Sue Devaney said.
‘She’s a protector of her family, even though she doesn’t have children. She doesn’t want to worry them. It’s like her world is being exploded. Also, people will treat you differently.
‘She wants people to see her as the Debbie they know, the one who is in control and running a business. She doesn’t want them to see her as someone else.’
Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks added, ‘We felt this was such an important story to tell for the simple reason that it resonates with so many people. Having a character as vibrant as Debbie Webster, and an actor of Sue Devaney’s incredible talent and calibre, at the heart of this storyline, was key to unlocking the many emotions that come with navigating this diagnosis.
‘We’re working closely with Dementia UK to ensure this story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible – whilst never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis.
‘This is a story about family, about community, but ultimately this is a story about love, and how love can provide light, even through the darkest of times.’