Coronation Street fans have said they're 'not prepared' for the impending loss of Debbie Webster as Carla Connor-Swain was seen stepping in to help the hotel owner as her memory deteriorates.
Debbie's Memory Struggles Continue
Viewers of the ITV soap, which is filmed in Salford, know that last year, Debbie, played by Sue Devaney, was seen growing concerned about her memory loss and booked an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause.
However, after discussing a series of incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a blackout and fall, the doctor advised her that he wanted her to have further tests as he was concerned that she was showing symptoms of early-onset vascular dementia.
Since then, Corrie has documented the progress of Debbie's diagnosis, including the impact of being wrongly imprisoned for the death of Weatherfield vicar Billy Mayhew in a multi-vehicle crash which involved guests from her and Ronnie Bailey's wedding being held in Yorkshire.
Carla Steps In
In recent weeks and months, Debbie's behaviour has continued to be of concern to her husband and her loved ones, with fans seeing recently that the beloved character thought she was back in the 80s working as a hairdresser, and slapping her brother Kevin after thinking he was bad-mouthing Carl to Steve McDonald and Ross Wilkes.
During Thursday's (September 24) episode of Corrie, viewers saw the latest sign of Debbie's ill health. At the flat, over breakfast, Debbie was determined to help Carl celebrate landing a new job. She checked in on him at Street Cars and arranged to meet him after work for some celebratory cocktails.
Later, Debbie went to Street Cars looking for Carl, and Steve McDonald said he was in the Rovers. Leaving to find him, she walked down the street, stopped a woman and asked for directions to the Rovers Return. The woman told her it was around the corner and asked her if she was ok.
When Debbie asked how she knew her name, the woman offered to take her to the pub herself, but she appeared startled and asked her not to touch her. It was only when Debbie went to walk off, and the camera angle changed, that viewers saw it was Toyah Battersby the hotel owner had been talking to.
Debbie's confusion then continued during Friday's (September 25) edition of Corrie. Still on her search for Carl, Debbie bumped into Sam Blakeman, who pointed her in the direction of the Rovers. But what Debbie didn't know was that Eva Price was lying unconscious at the bottom of the stairs in the cellar, having been knocked down by Sam.
Debbie ended up finding Eva, and, keen to get help, she headed outside, only to get into a confrontation with Will Driscoll, leaving her in the middle of the street, confused. Carla Connor-Swain spotted Debbie as she returned from the Chariot Square Hotel with her Underworld colleagues, heading over, Carla spotted Debbie's state and offered to walk her home.
Fans React
Debbie quickly took comfort in Carla's support and having headed back to the flat, Carla tried to keep Debbie company before realising Carl was at home. Carla decided to head off, but not before saying bye to Debbie, who held and stroked her hand. It was when she had left that it emerged Debbie hadn’t recognised Carla, telling Carl how kind she was before asking if she was his girlfriend.
And the progression of Debbie's memory struggles struck a chord with Corrie fans, who flocked to social media with their comments. @AllAbout_Swarla said: "I really didn’t expect Carla to care for Debbie like this, and I’m really not emotionally prepared for it… [broken heart emoji] #Swarla #Corrie." @supergirl6396 commented: "Two legandery queens of the show. It reminded me of the way carla cared for hayley. She has always had a hearts of gold #corrie."
@JenniferD92 shared: "This [crying face and broken heart emojis]. Sue Devaney [clapping emojis]. Alison King [clapping emojis]. If Sue doesn’t walk away with awards at the end of this storyline, I will rage. An individual storyline of a well-established and developed character, but with moments of community woven through! Now that’s Corrie. #corrie #suedevaney #alisonking #swarla."
@SwarlaMoments wrote: "I really didn’t expect Carla to care for Debbie like this, and I’m really not emotionally prepared for it… #Swarla #Corrie." @kelliebroono posted: "Those Carla and Debbie scenes are when #Corrie is at it's very best! They do comedy brilliantly and then those heartbreaking and touching scenes"
@swarlacn added: "I know we have another year left, but nothing will prepare me for the loss of Debbie Webster!!! [crying emoji] #Corrie."
