Sue Devaney hints at New Year 'turn for the worse' for Debbie Webster in Coronation Street dementia storyline
Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has suggested that her alter ego Debbie Webster will take a "turn for the worse" in 2027 as the character's long-running dementia storyline heads towards a conclusion.
Sue Devaney has hinted that her Coronation Street alter ego Debbie Webster's dementia battle will take a "turn for the worse" after Christmas.
The 59-year-old star has been at the centre of the long-running storyline on the ITV soap after Debbie was diagnosed with vascular dementia in April 2025 and has suggested that things will go "downhill" in 2027 following a "beautiful" festive celebration.
Speaking to Inside Soap magazine, Sue said: "I think Debbie takes a turn for the worse after Christmas. She has the most beautiful Christmas, and then from the New Year she goes downhill."
However, the Dinnerladies star isn't sure if Debbie's personality will disappear as the illness tightens its grip.
Devaney said: "I keep asking our producer Kate Brooks, 'Is that it now? Is this where Debbie goes?'
"But she says no, we're still seeing Debbie as she is. Even with the people that I know with dementia, they might not remember things, but their personality is still there.
"I do wonder if Debbie will lose her personality completely, but I don't know. Maybe she will.
"I just want to ask if she can be buried with the feathers. That's what I want."
Sue praised the Corrie writers for the dynamic they have created between Debbie and her husband Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) and is keen for the couple to remain together until her character passes away.
She explained: "I think it's important to show it from both sides. I think that's more of a realistic story to tell, to show it warts and all, from the side of how they're coping as well. It doesn't mean that you've stopped loving somebody, it just means that it's hard.
"I love the way Corrie have written it. They put all the proper relationship stuff in, which is what you want to see in a couple. You want to see what they're like at home, in their onesies and having a laugh together. That's been really nice to see, and for us both to play."
Sue also revealed that a special episode of the soap from Debbie's perspective will be shown after Christmas.
She said: "We've done it! It goes out after Christmas, and it was Matt Hilton directing. It was amazing. It was like working on another job completely.
"I was so involved in it, seeing everything from Debbie's point of view. It was absolutely fascinating to film."
