In an exclusive revelation, Coronation Street actress Sue Devaney has shared a shocking piece of advice she received early in her career: a casting director suggested she undergo limb lengthening surgery to increase her height, claiming she would never secure acting roles otherwise. The 5ft star, now 58, disregarded this guidance and has since enjoyed a successful television career, including prominent roles in Dinnerladies and Casualty, and currently stars as Debbie Webster in one of the soap's major storylines.
Defying Industry Pressure
Reflecting on her younger years in London, Sue Devaney recalled the casting director's proposal to insert extra bone in her knees to gain a couple of inches. "What this industry says to you is crazy," she stated. "Especially when you're young, because you think 'maybe he's right, maybe I'm not going to work at this height and with this accent.'" To fit in, she even adopted a posh RP voice during auditions, believing it was expected. However, with age, she has grown comfortable in her own skin, embracing her Northern identity and focusing on roles that suit her strengths, such as Northern comedy.
Current Storyline and Personal Struggles
On Coronation Street, Sue's character Debbie Webster is embroiled in intense drama, having been diagnosed with early onset dementia and imprisoned for a car crash that led to the death of vicar Billy Mayhew. In recent episodes, she suffered a TIA mini-stroke in her cell, adding to her woes. Her secret son, Carl, whom she protected by taking the blame, is now angry and refusing to speak to her, though he later visits her in prison to manipulate her emotions. Sue explained, "Carl comes to see her and decides to turn the situation to his advantage. He pulls on Debbie's heartstrings, and she says she'll do everything she can to make it up to him."
Behind the scenes, Sue enjoys a harmonious relationship with her co-stars, often dining out with the Webster family actors. She humorously noted that Michael Le Vell, who plays her brother Kevin, sometimes teases her about overusing props during scenes. Off-screen, Sue's life has been marked by resilience; she has taken various jobs, including playing a Christmas robin elf at a garden centre, to make ends meet when acting work was scarce. She has also downsized her home multiple times to manage finances, highlighting her practical approach to life.
Personal Growth and Future Outlook
Sue's personal life has brought stability, as she married former BBC journalist Jim O'Farrell in 2022 after meeting on a plane in 2019. This relationship has alleviated some of her anxieties about the future, though she acknowledges that her role on Coronation Street may be limited due to Debbie's dementia diagnosis. She expressed gratitude for the security the show has provided, allowing her to focus on her craft without financial worries. "I've realised that 95 per cent of my anxiety comes from not knowing how I'm going to pay my bills and not knowing what my next job is," she said. "One of the things that has been brilliant about Corrie is that I've not had to think about that for five years."
Looking ahead, Sue remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of making the most of each day. Her journey from a young actress pressured to change her appearance to a confident performer serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry.
