Coronation Street actress Sue Devaney is set to leave the soap in 2027, bringing an end to her character Debbie Webster's young-onset vascular dementia storyline. The 59-year-old, who has played the role for more than four decades, revealed the toughest part of filming her final scenes.
Method Acting and a Blackpool Plan
Looking ahead to life after the cobbles, Devaney joked about following in the footsteps of Daniel Day-Lewis. She told the Mirror: "I'd like to be like Daniel Day-Lewis, because he's a bit of a method actor – I didn't realise how method I am, I am very method – so I might go and make clogs in Blackpool for a bit!"
Devaney first appeared on Coronation Street in 1984, aged 16, before returning in 2019 and becoming a permanent cast member the following year. Her character Debbie has long been known for her bold personality, love of designer clothes and glamorous appearance, but viewers are now seeing the devastating impact of dementia on the once fiercely independent businesswoman.
Portraying the Reality of Dementia
Speaking about the storyline, Devaney said: "I think I wanted to show what this illness is like in all its ugliness. And we want to show it correctly." She added: "[Debbie is] this flamboyant, in-your-face, strong Northern woman, businesswoman, and then all of a sudden, she's hit with this diagnosis. Where does she go from here? What's going to be left of Debbie?"
The actress admitted it will be particularly sad watching the condition affect Debbie's love of dressing up and wearing high heels. As she films her character's final Christmas, Devaney is already noticing the significance of the festive scenes.
Final Christmas on the Cobbles
"We were on the Christmas set, we had snow on the cobbles, and I was just like walking around on me own, going, 'Ooh, look at this! We've got snow on the cobbles,' and it's magical," she said. "But it's weird because I think 'I'm not going to be here next Christmas, I'm not going to be here next year.' There's an end to it."
Debbie's diagnosis is young-onset vascular dementia, meaning her symptoms develop before the age of 65. The storyline began after she experienced memory problems and blackouts, initially believing they could be linked to the menopause. Coronation Street has worked with Dementia UK to ensure the story reflects the realities of living with the condition.
Devaney added that she would also love to do a comedy series, saying she fancied "something a bit comical".
