Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) acted quickly in Coronation Street on October 12 to save Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) from a potentially fatal accident. As Debbie's dementia progresses, she is determined to maintain her independence, which occasionally leads to clashes with Ronnie, who she feels has become her carer.
Ronnie tries to accommodate Debbie's condition without being overbearing, while respecting her wish not to be defined by it. Days earlier, when Debbie announced she was going to work, Ronnie had already informed Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) of her plans.
Ronnie's quick intervention
In the episode, which is available on ITVX and YouTube but has not yet aired on ITV1, Debbie was preparing toast for Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard). She grabbed a fork and went to adjust the bread in the toaster, forgetting the appliance was still on. Ronnie spotted what was happening and reminded her she could have electrocuted herself, but Debbie felt patronised by his concern.
Later, in the café, Ronnie tried to clear the air with Debbie, but she wanted time alone. He then spoke to Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) about caring for Debbie, and she encouraged him to attend a dementia support group. Despite some hesitation, Ronnie went, and afterwards told Carl where he had been. Carl thought it would be beneficial to attend a group session as well.
Storyline's tragic end
The storyline is set to conclude when Debbie's dementia claims her life. Earlier this year, Jonathan Howard, who plays Carl, confirmed that Sue Devaney is contracted with Coronation Street until August 2027.
Speaking to The Sun at the Inside Soap Awards 2026, Jonathan said: 'Sue is contracted to August, but already they are ramping up the dementia storyline. It’s going to be very sad, so sad, I love Sue so much.' He added: 'I’m so happy she gets to play my mum and I get to play her son. It’s going to be really emotional because since I started, she’s always held my hand and been there for me.'
He also mentioned: 'Yesterday, I had lunch with her, Michael Le Vell [Kevin Webster] and Sally Carman who plays Abi, it’s a nice little family we’ve created. So knowing that at some point, it’s still a year down the line, it’s going to come to an end, it’s so sad.'
