Coronation Street Fans Express Outrage Over Debbie Webster’s Dementia Storyline
Coronation Street has been left reeling from the latest development in Debbie Webster’s storyline, as the character’s signs of vascular dementia continue to worsen. Played by Sue Devaney, Debbie has been a much-loved star on the cobbles since her reprised role in 2019. However, fans have taken to social media to express their upset and frustration with the ITV soap’s handling of the storyline.
In recent episodes, viewers have seen Debbie struggle with memory loss, forgetting things and experiencing blackouts. The character’s decline has been swift and heartbreaking, with Monday’s episode showing Debbie visiting Dee-Dee and blanking from their conversation, staring vacantly into space. As the storyline continues to unfold, fans have taken to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their dismay at the soap’s portrayal of dementia.
According to Manchester Evening News, fans are "fuming" over the handling of Debbie’s storyline, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. One fan, @Cafi2k, wrote: "I really don’t think #corrie know what they’re throwing away by killing off Debbie, she embodies what it means to be corrie! Sue Devaney could have gone down as a legend." Another fan, @KellyFog79, replied: "She’s one of my favourites! I’ve always thought she wasn’t in it enough."
The storyline, which has been developed in conjunction with Dementia UK, aims to raise awareness about young onset dementia and the effects it has on those close to the sufferer. Corrie producers and the story team have worked closely with the charity to ensure an accurate and sensitive portrayal of the condition. As Sue Devaney explained, "I was a bit frightened. It’s not like a drama series where you might be doing it for six weeks. This is playing someone with dementia for one, two, three years. It was a case of, ‘Can I do it? Am I ready?’ I don’t do things by halves. I’m all in or all out."
In an interview with the publication, Sue Devaney discussed her approach to playing Debbie, who will be diagnosed with vascular dementia in upcoming episodes. The actress revealed that she was approached by Kate with the idea of taking on the storyline, and after a thorough discussion, she agreed to be a part of it. She said: "Our first chat [with Kate] was really thorough. She said, ‘I love Debbie, and I want you to tell this story.’ It’s going to be a heartbreaking journey of emotion and honesty. Sad, hopeful, uplifting and truthful. Will you do it?’".
Debbie’s diagnosis will see her keep her condition to herself, at least initially, as she focuses on her loved one’s health issues. Her storyline will explore the early signs of dementia and how it affects not only the sufferer but also those around them.
Sue Devaney also spoke about the importance of raising awareness about TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks) and the similarities with menopause symptoms. She noted: "Menopause is a scary time for any woman, with hormones all over the place and doing bizarre things. It changes your brain. 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."
The storyline has sparked a reaction from viewers, with some praising the soap for tackling a difficult subject. However, others have expressed their outrage, with @bosdovja92 penning: "I will never, ever forgive #corrie for this." Despite the upset, it’s clear that Coronation Street is aiming to tackle the condition in a realistic and sensitive manner, working closely with Dementia UK to ensure that Debbie’s journey is portrayed accurately and with care.
Coronation Street’s decision to tackle vascular dementia comes as a welcome move for those looking to raise awareness of the condition. Vascular dementia is a type of dementia that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, often as a result of a series of small strokes. According to Dementia UK, vascular dementia is one of the most common types of dementia, accounting for around 10% of all dementia cases.
The storyline is set to continue in upcoming episodes, with Debbie’s condition expected to worsen. Coronation Street has a long history of tackling difficult subjects, and its portrayal of vascular dementia is set to spark a wider conversation about the condition and its effects on those who suffer from it.
The storyline comes at a time when dementia awareness is at an all-time high, with charities and health professionals working tirelessly to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of the condition. By working closely with Dementia UK, Coronation Street producers are hoping to shed light on a condition that affects thousands of people across the UK.
As the storyline continues to unfold, fans will be watching with bated breath to see how Debbie’s journey plays out. With many expressing their love and admiration for the character, it’s clear that Coronation Street has struck a chord with its audience.
Debbie’s decline will undoubtedly be a challenging and emotional storyline for fans to watch, but by working closely with charities and health professionals, Coronation Street is hoping to shed light on the condition and encourage viewers to seek medical attention if they recognise the signs.
Whilst Coronation Street often tackles difficult storylines, this latest development has struck a chord with fans. Debbie’s storyline serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of raising awareness about vascular dementia and the impact it has on those who suffer from it, as well as their loved ones.
Sources:
Manchester Evening News: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/
Image: ITV
This article was reported by Manchester Evening News.
