In a devastating turn of events on Coronation Street, beloved resident Debbie Webster is staring down the possibility of a prison sentence. The fan favourite, portrayed by Sue Devaney, has been formally charged following the catastrophic multi-vehicle pileup that was the centrepiece of the soap's historic 'Corriedale' crossover episode with Emmerdale.
A Fatal Crash and a Fateful Decision
The chaos unfolded as characters returned from Debbie's wedding to Ronnie. Debbie was in the passenger seat while a heavily intoxicated Carl Webster was driving. The ensuing collision claimed the life of long-serving vicar Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, who was behind the wheel of a minibus.
When Carl regained consciousness in hospital, doctors revealed an underlying heart condition had sent him into shock after the accident. In a moment of misguided loyalty, Debbie, who is battling dementia and was herself unconscious after the crash, immediately claimed she had been the driver.
The Web of Lies Unravels
During a subsequent police interview, Debbie stuck to her story, insisting she had swapped seats with Carl because he was unwell. "I thought he was a little merry, we wanted to be on the safe side," she stated. However, the interviewing detective was sceptical, pointing out that Debbie's dementia would likely have impaired her ability to drive safely.
The officer was unequivocal in her accusation: "If not for your unpredictable driving, everybody would have exited that mini-bus. You hadn't seen what was in front of you. You weren't concentrating. Now somebody's dead." It was later revealed that Debbie faces three serious charges: death by dangerous driving, excess alcohol, and a related driving offence.
Family Fury and a Shocking Revelation
Debbie's brother, Kevin Webster, is furious and convinced of Carl's guilt. He raged, "Why would she get behind the wheel if she'd had that much to drink?! What's he got over her?" Kevin warned his sister that if she is lying, she could be charged with perverting the course of justice and wasting police time. "Either way, she'll be screwed!" he exclaimed.
In a further twist, Michael Bailey confessed to his family that he was the one who initially reported the erratic car to the police, unaware Debbie and Carl were inside. Meanwhile, in a move that horrified Kevin, a vulnerable Debbie offered Carl a place to stay in her home, which he readily accepted.
Kevin's suspicions were rooted in physical evidence; he argued that the bruises from Debbie's seatbelt were on the wrong side of her body if she had been driving. In a final, poignant scene, Debbie was seen looking in a mirror, confronting the truth that her bruises were indeed on the right-hand side, proving Kevin correct. A court date has now been set, leaving Debbie's future hanging in the balance.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX.
