Latest news with #SueDevaney
Metro
21-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Corrie's Debbie makes decision as dementia diagnosis officially confirmed
Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney)'s world is shattered in upcoming Coronation Street episodes when she gets the diagnosis she's been dreading – she has vascular dementia. Debbie sought medical advice after noticing some worrying symptoms. She was becoming forgetful, misplacing her purse, forgetting appointments and making mistakes at work. Added to this she was experiencing mood swings and also suffered blackouts, one of which ended in a fall. The doctor explained the blackout could have been a TIA or mini-stroke and sent her for some more tests, including to a memory clinic where she would be assessed. Debbie was determined to keep this to herself until things were confirmed. Sue Devaney explained the reasons for this. 'I think Debbie is in denial and wants to pretend everything is alright until it's not,' she stated. '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.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Her brother Carl (Jonathan Howard) found a letter from the neurologist in her bag and Debbie was forced to tell him what was going on, so at least she has the support of one member of her family as she goes to the appointment at the hospital. She makes Carl promise he won't tell another soul – though he doesn't believe this is the right approach. 'He thinks it's something that should be shared and she should include her family in it,' actor Jonathan Howard explained. 'Which is a little bit hypocritical because I'm sure he's got secrets he doesn't want to share with his family. 'With his sister, I think he struggles with just keeping that to himself and not being able to share it with anyone else, not having a support system around for his sister. Knowing that things are going to change for Debbie, the quicker her family knows about it the quicker they can support her and come together and help her through this.' At the appointment the neurologist confirms the diagnosis. Debbie has vascular dementia, but she's told that as long as she maintains a healthy lifestyle she can carry on as normal for now. Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks told us, '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.' Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! For Debbie, the reaction on hearing the diagnosis is that she's not ready to share it with anyone else until she's had the chance to come to terms with it herself, and she makes it clear to Carl that she doesn't want him telling anyone. She's further shaken when she meets a woman with dementia outside the hospital and it's like she's been given a glimpse of her possible future. More Trending Meanwhile, Ronnie (Vinta Morgan) is excitedly planning a future for him and Debbie and he puts in an offer for number 6. He's heartbroken when Debbie calls with his things and tells him he's done nothing wrong, but her feelings have changed. Will Carl persuade his sister to be honest with Ronnie about what's going on? Or will she insist on handling everything herself and cutting off the man she truly loves? If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. View More » MORE: Coronation Street exit officially ruled out as character declares he's staying after all MORE: Baby rushed to hospital as panic erupts in Coronation Street MORE: Coronation Street confirms who discovers shocked Debbie's dementia battle in early ITVX release
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Coronation Street's Sue Devaney reveals big decision over Debbie story: 'I don't want to know'
Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has explained the decision she made regarding Debbie Webster's dementia storyline. Debbie has started to show signs of the memory loss disease, with the story set to culminate in her exit, despite fan outcry. In order to more accurately portray real life, and to make things more exciting for her as an actor, Devaney has asked soap bosses not to let her known plot details in advance. "I have decided that I don't want to know what is coming up for Debbie," she said. "I want to wait for the scripts because in real life you don't know what is coming. I think it's more interesting to play it like that." She also explained what research she did for the storyline, stating that: "I've spoken to my friend who works with dementia patients. She's got a clinic where she sees patients with early onset dementia so I speak to her a lot. "We have been working with Dementia UK, when we had our initial meeting they told me a lot about the tests you have to do and how you are diagnosed with it and where you go from there." Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025 The actor added that Debbie feels incredibly scared when the specialist refers her to the memory clinic, after initially thinking she was just going through the menopause. "It makes her think it's something more serious," she said. "Menopause is a scary time for any woman, with hormones all over the place and doing bizarre things. It changes your brain. Related: "I spoke to a support worker from Dementia UK, and she said many women think it's just menopause and don't get tested, even though the symptoms can be similar, like brain fog, but on a much bigger scale with dementia." According to a press release, this storyline will unfold "over the coming months and years", so Debbie may not be going anywhere anytime soon. Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX. Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage at at Pandora at at at at at Apple at at at You Might Also Like PS5 consoles for sale – PlayStation 5 stock and restocks: Where to buy PS5 today? IS MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 THE BEST IN THE SERIES? OUR REVIEW AEW game is a modern mix of No Mercy and SmackDown
