Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has opened up about her reaction to her on-screen character Debbie Webster’s brutal exit storyline.
The veteran soap star, 57, admitted that she had her reservations when she was told of the plan to give her character early onset dementia.
She told The Mirror: ‘I was a little bit frightened. It was a lot of information to process, because it’s not like a drama series where you might be doing it for six weeks.
‘This is playing someone with dementia for one, two, three years. So, it was a case of “Can I do it? Am I ready?”‘
‘I don’t do things by halves. I’m either all in or all out. I like to research and get the best I can out of a script, so it can consume my life for as long as the story lasts.’
Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has opened up about her reaction to her on-screen character Debbie Webster’s brutal exit storyline
Debbie, who is best known as the landlady of Chariot Square Hotel, has already started exhibiting signs of the illness on the show
Debbie, who is best known as the landlady of Chariot Square Hotel, has already started exhibiting signs of the illness on the show.
Sue said that ahead of the storyline, Corrie boss Kate Brooks ensured that she was thoroughly informed about what bringing it to life would involve.
Sue admitted that despite her reservations, she knew it was an important story to tell, especially as it may make others feel less alone.
She said she also has personal experience of dementia in her own family as her father-in-law has been battling Alzheimer’s for the past seven years.
The show is also partnering with the charity Dementia UK to ensure that the storyline is treated with the appropriate level of sensitivity.
It was reported last year that the news of her departure allegedly came as a shock to the actress, who had no plans to leave the show.
A source told The Sun: ‘Sue was very shocked when she discovered she was being killed off.
‘She was initially very sad and then furious and then upset again. It’s taken her a long time to come to terms with it.
Sue said that ahead of the storyline, Corrie boss Kate Brooks ensured that she was thoroughly informed about what bringing it to life would involve
Sue revealed that she also has personal experience of dementia in her own family too as her father-in-law has been battling Alzheimer’s for the past seven years
‘She had no intention to leave the show and couldn’t believe it when they called her in and broke the news.’
Despite the initial upset, Sue was said to be fully committed to the storyline, recognising its potential to raise awareness about dementia, much like the soap’s recent impactful motor neurone disease storyline.
Debbie’s death will take place 40 years after the character made her debut on the cobbled streets.
Talking about the upcoming storyline, a source told Metro: ‘It’s a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.’
The source confirmed that bosses have planned for her exit to go down in the history books as fans show expect to see some of the most emotional scenes played on the programme.
The insider added: ‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’
While the storyline will kick off this year, it is said that it will play out for a long time to come with Debbie remaining on screen until her death.
The news allegedly came as a shock to the actress, who had no plans to leave the show and took time to process the decision.
It comes as some of the stars ate thought to be worried about their futures on the show as permanent contracts are hard to come by
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Coronation Street star Sue Devaney ties the knot with former BBC journalist Jim O'Farrell
Debbie originally joined the cast in 1984 at 15 years old but remained for only a year.
Actress Sue then reprised the role in 2019 and has remained with the programme ever since.
Sue’s huge storyline in the soap comes months after she secretly tied the knot with former BBC journalist Jim O’Farrell, three years after the pair got engaged.
It was revealed by The Sun in July that Sue – for whom this is her first marriage – and Jim’s ceremony took place in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
The soap star looked stunning for her big day donning a red off-the-shoulder gown with ruched detailing, which she paired with a pearl tiara.
Jim matched with his wife as he sported a red tie and pocket square, as well as a boutonnière – a floral decoration attached to a suit.
Sue joined Coronation Street in 1984, but after six months she left the soap in 1985
Sue’s huge storyline in the soap comes just months after she secretly tied the knot with former BBC journalist Jim O’Farrell, three years after the pair got engaged
A source told the publication of their wedding: ‘It was a beautiful day. Sue looked a million dollars.
‘It was a lovely ceremony and very low key considering Sue’s fame. Everyone is really happy for them.’
Speaking in 2016, she told The Big Issue: ‘I never married because I was married to the job.
‘I never had any children and I’m now nearly 50 and I think I’ve missed that opportunity but it’s only because I was busy doing what I was doing.’
She added: ‘People think you can have it all – I don’t think you can.
‘I like to do one thing and not juggle about 25 plates.’
Sue joined Coronation Street in 1984, but after six months she left the soap in 1985.
Sue (pictured in 2021) also has an extensive stage career with rolls in London productions of When We Were Married, The Wind in the Willows, and The Land or the Living
In 2019, it was announced that Sue would be returning to the cobbles as Debbie after a huge 34-year absence
Then in 2019, it was announced that Sue would be returning to the cobbles as Debbie after a huge 34-year absence.
A year later it was revealed that Sue’s return would be a permanent one.
The Lancashire actress has also appeared in Jonny Briggs as Rita Briggs from 1985 to 1987.
Following that, Sue played Liz Harker in Casualty between 1994 and 1997 and later portrayed Jane in Dinner Ladies.
She also has an extensive stage career with rolls in London productions of When We Were Married, The Wind in the Willows, and The Land or the Living.
She also starred in the Mamma Mia! musical for a summer season in Blackpool Opera House.
In the early 1990s she appeared in a commercial for the Gateway supermarket chain; was in Shameless, and last November appeared on the BBC1 quiz programme ‘Pointless Celebrities’.