Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) and Ronnie Bailey's (Vinta Morgan) relationship in Coronation Street has hit a crisis point. In the episode dated October 23, Ronnie accidentally revealed that the version of Debbie he sees now isn't the one he fell in love with, leaving Debbie devastated and telling him to leave.
Ronnie's Fear About Intimacy
The couple's dynamic shifted recently when it became clear that Ronnie didn't want to engage in any sexual activity with Debbie. At first, Debbie thought it was because Ronnie was having an affair. When she pushed him to explain, he admitted he wasn't sure how her dementia would impact their sex life.
Ronnie didn't want to risk doing something with Debbie, only for her to suffer a memory lapse during their time together. Star Vinta Morgan explained: 'She could be in a situation that seems normal, then suddenly she says something or relates to something in a way that's different to what the situation is.'
'For instance, to give you an example: there could be a situation where they're getting intimate, so to speak, and then she happens to call him a different name or think he's a different person, and then finds out it's not that person. Ronnie's just very scared.'
The Fallout
Debbie struggled to process Ronnie's news and took to flirting with a man in the hotel as a distraction. She told the man that her husband doesn't fancy her anymore, and she enjoyed his attempts at making her feel better. All of this was witnessed by Ronnie and Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott).
At the flat, Debbie and Ronnie had a huge row about their relationship. Ronnie has had another stressful week looking after his wife, and it was clear by this point he was at the end of his tether, and really not sure how to cope.
On edge, he accidentally revealed that the version of Debbie he sees right now isn't the one he fell in love with. Debbie told Ronnie to leave, and as soon as the door clicked shut, she broke down in tears.
What's Next for Debbie?
The episode, which hasn't aired on ITV1 yet but can be viewed on ITVX and YouTube, leaves Debbie facing an uncertain future without Ronnie by her side. The couple's relationship now hangs in the balance as they confront the challenges posed by Debbie's dementia.
