Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has received a wave of support from castmates and fans after her nomination for a National Television Award was announced.
NTA Nomination for Debbie Webster Portrayal
Devaney, who plays hotel owner Debbie Webster on the ITV soap filmed in Salford, has been nominated in the Serial Drama Performance category. She first took on the role more than three decades ago at age 16, hailing from Ashton-under-Lyne.
Debbie Webster originally arrived on Coronation Street as a 15-year-old in 1984, with Devaney being the only actress to portray the character. She played the role from 1984 to 1985, returned briefly in 2019, and made a full-time comeback in 2020.
Storyline Impact and Cast Support
Last year, it was confirmed that Devaney's time on the cobbles would end after Debbie was diagnosed with early-onset vascular dementia. The soap has since documented the progression of her condition, which was severely impacted during a prison stint earlier this year after she was imprisoned for causing the death of vicar Billy Mayhew, though her son Carl Webster was driving at the time of the crash.
Devaney's nomination places her alongside co-star Gareth Pierce, who has been at the forefront of a domestic abuse storyline. Coronation Street itself is also nominated for Serial Drama. The awards will be hosted by comedian Joel Dommett for the sixth time at The O2 in London, broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX from 8pm on September 8.
Fan Reactions
Coronation Street shared the news on Instagram, with a caption reading: "It's that time again! Shortlist nominations for the National Television Awards have been announced and voting is official open. Serial Drama - Coronation Street. Serial Drama Performance - Gareth Pierce. Serial Drama Performance - Sue Devaney. Vote now - link in bio!"
Co-star Sally Carman-Duttine, who plays Abi Webster, commented: "Absolute LEGEND [flame emojis]." ITV's own Instagram account praised: "We love you Sue!"
Fans also cheered for Devaney. @disney_danielle1992 said: "Sue has definitely got my vote. What a woman! Good luck!" @archiechapman98 commented: "COME ON @suedevaney13, such an ICON. hope you win!!!!" @rktovey wrote: "Congratulations to both Sue & Gareth on the shortlist, good luck Team Corrie." @carolinelindamclardie added: "Sue is an incredible lady, she's got my vote."
