Coronation Street 's Sue Devaney, who plays the character Debbie, has opened up about her character's upcoming storyline involving a heartbreaking dementia diagnosis.
Debbie first graced the cobbles in 1984 as Kevin's sister and made a return in 2019 after leaving a year later.
Over the years, she has become a fan favourite, featuring in several major storylines, including financial struggles and a recent romance with Ronnie Bailey, played by Vinta Morgan. However, late last year, rumours circulated that the character would be written out of the show.
Now, it has been confirmed that Debbie will face a young onset dementia diagnosis. In Monday's episode (March 31), viewers saw Debbie experiencing memory loss and suffering a fall outside, but she couldn't recall what happened.
In the coming week, Debbie becomes increasingly worried about her memory loss and books an appointment at a private clinic, suspecting her symptoms might be menopause-related. After discussing recent incidents, including a blackout and fall, the doctor suggests further tests.
Debbie is keeping a worrying secret from her loved ones on Coronation Street after the alarm bells ringing about her displaying symptoms of early onset vascular dementia. The long-serving Weatherfield resident resolves to conceal the distressing suspicions and refrains from confiding in her friends and family, reports Plymouth Live.
Coronation Street's creative team are collaborating with Dementia UK for this impactful storyline centred on young onset dementia, which aims to shed light on its impact on Debbie and those around her.
Sue Devaney, who portrays Debbie, expressed her thoughts on taking on such a challenging plot: "It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline. A lot of people are saying, why give it to Debbie?".
"She's so vibrant and she's so full of life. But I think that is where a good story lies because it's somebody that has everything and also words are important to Debbie. She has a quick wit and everything is so important, money and success. She's been dealt this hand of this illness and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey."
Kate Brooks, Producer at Coronation Street, highlighted the significance behind the narrative: "With one in two people being affected by dementia, 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 centre of this storyline, was essential to conveying the array of feelings associated with this difficult 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."
Young onset dementia is any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65. As dementia is frequently thought of as an older person's condition, the initial signs of young onset dementia might not be identified and could be mistaken for other reasons.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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