Coronation Street icon reveals her hopes for Debbie Webster ahead of heartbreaking dementia changes
Sue Devaney spoke with RadioTimes.com on the red carpet for the National Television Awards.
As Debbie Webster continues to learn to live with her dementia diagnosis in Coronation Street, actor Sue Devaney has revealed her biggest hopes for the character going forward.
Devaney spoke with RadioTimes.com exclusively on the red carpet for the National Television Awards 2025, and explained what viewers can expect to see over the coming months.
"I think, really, it's the journey of dementia and where that takes the character," she said. "So I think there'll be a lot of ups and downs with the story.
"But also showing the relationship between her and her family and how they change, as well as the character - because obviously Debbie's going to change, her personality is going to change - so how the family adapts to that. So I'm sure they'll show all the sides of dementia."
Devaney was then asked whether we would see another wedding on the cobbles soon, following on from Debbie's engagement to Ronnie.
"We always need a little bit of happiness, don't we, with the tragedy?" Devaney said. "We always need a little bit of brightness. So hopefully, yeah."
Debbie's dementia storyline is eventually expected to lead to Devaney's exit, but thankfully the actor confirmed earlier this year that that won't come for some time yet.
"We wanted to do the diagnosis and get that sorted and then do the journey of living with dementia…", she said.
"She’s not going anywhere yet! I know the story is going to go on well into 2027, so Debbie’s not going anywhere."
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
