Coronation Street legend breaks silence on exit 41 years after debut in dementia twist

A Coronation Street legend has spoken out following the confirmation of their heartbreaking dementia new storyline.

Debbie (Sue Devaney) first appeared on the cobbles way back in 1984, as the sister of Kevin (Michael Le Vell). She ended up leaving a year later, only to make a return in 2019.

And it’s fair to say Debbie has become a firm favourite with fans and has played a part in several big storylines - from her financial struggles to her recent romance with Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan).

However, it was claimed late last year that the character is set to be killed off. According to reports, Sue will deliver a gut-wrenching performance as her character faces a dementia diagnosis.

And now, the soap has confirmed that Debbie will be diagnosed with young onset dementia. Debbie has already been showing signs of memory loss and in Monday's episode (March 31), she suffered a nasty fall outside - but was unsure of what exactly happened.

And in next week’s episodes Debbie grows concerned about her memory loss. She books an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause. After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a black out and fall, the doctor advises her that he wants her to have further tests.

This is because he is concerned she is showing symptoms of early onset vascular dementia. A shocked Debbie decides to keep the potential diagnosis to herself and initially says nothing to her friends and family.

Coronation Street producers and the story team are working closely with Dementia UK on this long term storyline which will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie and those close to her.

Talking about the storyline, actress Sue Devaney said of the storyline: “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.”

Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks also said: “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 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.”

Young onset dementia is any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65. As dementia is frequently considered a condition of old age, the early symptoms of young onset dementia are not always recognised and may be attributed to other causes.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX