Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks has revealed details of a special festive episode centred on Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney), describing it as 'insanely good and powerful.'
The episode, which Brooks says she viewed recently, comes as Debbie's dementia storyline reaches a more serious stage. Brooks praised Devaney's performance, stating that with every episode she is 'completely blown away' and that the Christmas instalment features 'a performance like you've never seen before.'
Debbie's dementia storyline deepens
The story has followed Debbie since her release from prison, where she was sent for a car crash she did not cause. Since then, the focus has shifted to her day-to-day life with the disease, including how her marriage to Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) will survive her condition.
Her close friends, known as Debbie's Angels, include Abi Webster (Sally Carman-Duttine), Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove), Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins), Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) and Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger). Brooks said the family will become key in rallying around Debbie, adding that while there will be 'fun along the way,' the story is now 'getting a bit more serious.'
Abi Webster's return to focus
Abi Webster is also set for significant storylines. After her affair with Debbie's son Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) ended, Abi was left without a husband or partner. Brooks teased that the 'old Abi reemerges in the Christmas period,' with questions over whether her family and friends can help her 'get back on the right track.'
Brooks described it as 'a bit of a bumpy ride' with 'a few curveballs,' adding that her friendship with Debbie remains important. She also mentioned 'big stuff coming up in the spring' that puts them at the heart of the story.
Christina and Sally's secret
Christina Boyd and Sally Metcalfe are also set to feature prominently. The pair are linked through troubled teenager Lucy Parkinson (Anya Dewin), the cousin of Sally's husband Tim (Joe Duttine), whom the couple took in after Lucy's mother Rachel was seemingly murdered by her husband Richie (Nathan Sussex). Lucy is also revealed to be Christina's secret grandchild.
Brooks said the Lucy story 'does reach a big climax soon' and puts Christina and Sally at the heart of it, while their friendship remains a constant. She noted the unpredictability of their dynamic, saying it is unclear whether they will 'end up exploding' or 'hugging and telling each other how wonderful they are.'
