Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) narrowly escapes death by toaster in upcoming episodes of Coronation Street, in a nod to a similar fate that befell a character in 2012.
Debbie's dementia battle
The Queen of the Chariot Square Hotel is fighting a losing battle with vascular dementia, and her symptoms are getting worse by the day. Viewers have already seen Debbie injure herself while attempting to do a job she is no longer capable of doing. She is desperate to maintain her independence, and is railing against her husband Ronnie Bailey's (Vinta Morgan) attempts to do everything for her.
While the heart-breaking end to Debbie's story has already been hinted, fans are hoping for a tear-jerking bedside goodbye for one of Weatherfield's finest, as she passes away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. And Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard), of course.
A nod to Lesley Kershaw
However, it wouldn't be the first time a toaster has caused a death on the Cobbles. Viewers may remember that Lesley Kershaw (Judy Holt), wife of Eileen Grimshaw's (Sue Cleaver) love interest Paul Kershaw (Tony Hirst), electrocuted herself to death with a toaster in May 2012. Like Debbie, Lesley suffered from vascular dementia.
After a set-to with Eileen, Lesley was left momentarily unattended and decided to make herself cheese on toast. Unfortunately, she became confused and disorientated, dropping a switched on, plugged-in toaster into a bowl of water. Paramedics were unable to save her, and she tragically died. It is frequently remembered by fans as one of the most bizarre accidental deaths in the soap's history.
Ronnie saves the day
Now it seems Corrie writers are giving a little homage to Lesley's passing by having Debbie narrowly escape the same fate. When Debbie announces that she's off to work, Ronnie reminds her she booked the day off. Not wanting to admit that she'd totally forgotten, Debbie makes out she's got back-to-back meetings and couldn't cancel them. Ronnie plays along, heart breaking for Debbie inside.
At the Chariot Square, Ronnie thanks Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) for finding some work for Debbie to do and keeping her busy. Debbie watches them and senses they're discussing her. Later, Debbie sets about making some toast for Carl. But she soon becomes frustrated, and in the throes of dementia, starts poking a knife into the toaster.
Fortunately, Ronnie catches her just in time. Horrified, he quickly rips the plug out of the socket. Debbie gets upset and accuses him of treating her like a toddler. So later, when Asha (Tanisha Gorey) urges Ronnie to join the local dementia support group, he's got food for thought.
