Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has revealed she is set to take control of her own scenes in upcoming episodes of the ITV soap as Debbie Webster's dementia storyline continues to unfold. The actress, from Ashton-under-Lyne, plays the eccentric hotel owner whose diagnosis of early-onset vascular dementia has been documented on screen since last year.
Debbie's dementia journey
Viewers will recall that last year Debbie was seen growing concerned about memory loss and booked an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms might be related to the menopause. After discussing a series of incidents shown in flashback scenes, including a blackout and fall, the doctor advised further tests as he was concerned she was showing symptoms of early-onset vascular dementia.
Since then, the soap has followed the progress of Debbie's diagnosis, which was severely impacted during her prison stint earlier this year after she was put behind bars for causing the death of vicar Billy Mayhew, when it was her son Carl at the wheel at the time of the crash. More recently, Debbie's behaviour has continued to concern her husband Ronnie Bailey and her loved ones, with Ronnie telling Debbie this week that he had been attending a dementia support group.
Point-of-view episode planned
Sue has now revealed that soap bosses are planning to delve deeper into Debbie's dementia story. She told Inside Soap: "We're planning an episode where it's all from Debbie's point of view..." She went on to say: "I'm going to be the camera woman, so I'm very excited about that. I've said that I'll be like [ski jumper] Eddie the Eagle – running around with a camera on my head!"
Sue added: "I've got to do training beforehand. We have a brilliant camera woman called Lisa. She's working on the scenes as well, so she'll be teaching me!"
Fan reaction
Corrie fans have been sharing their heartbreak on social media over Debbie's recent scenes. @sadlatimer said: "Debbie and Tonnie are already breaking my heart so much and we still have months of this sl to go and it will only get worse." @Audz32129841 wrote: "Debbie's dementia is going to break Ronnie's heart #Corrie."
@Momrocks50 shared: "Aww Debbie and Ronnie. Corrie covering her dementia journey well as that is one of the problems no one really thinks of #Corrie." @RyanSoapKing25 added: "I'm not ready for the moment Debbie forgets Ronnie #Corrie."
