There’s even more heartache for Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) in upcoming episodes of Coronation Street, as she realises the chance of her and former partner Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) ever getting back together again are vanishing.
Debbie was recently devastated by a diagnosis of young-onset dementia. She saw a doctor after becoming worried about various symptoms – forgetfulness, mood swings and blackouts. After various tests it was confirmed that she has dementia.
One of the saddest aspects of this story is the way that Debbie has decided to try to cope with everything on her own. Her brother Kevin (Michael Le Vell) is undergoing cancer treatment and she doesn’t want to burden him with more worries.
And, although she loves Ronnie dearly and planned to marry him, she took the decision to break off their relationship, believing it wasn’t fair on him to end up being her carer.
She didn’t tell Ronnie the real reason for her actions and has told him she no longer loves him. But it’s clear she really does still love him and she’s regretted her decision.
Previously she went to the bistro to find him and tell him she wanted to give their relationship another chance – but he happened to be sitting with a drunken Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Debbie assumed they were on a date and walked out again.
A similar situation arises in an upcoming episode. In the shop, Debbie is confused and struggling to count out her change. Ronnie comes to the rescue, offering to help. Embarrassed, Debbie snaps at him that she can manage without his help.
Debbie’s pride and independence won’t let her accept help from Ronnie, even though his support could improve her life if she gave him the chance. So far the only person who knows about her diagnosis is her brother Carl (Jonathan Howard), and that’s only because he found out by chance.
Statistics and facts about early-onset dementia
According to Dementia UK:
- An estimated 7.5%, 70,800 of the estimated 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK have early-onset dementia.
- Someone develops dementia every three minutes in the UK.
- One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, whether that be through caring for a loved one with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.
- 53% of people in the UK know someone who has dementia.
Early-onset dementia support groups and help can be found on the Dementia UK website.
But the depth of feeling that Debbie still has for Ronnie is revealed when she sees another interaction between him and Leanne. Ronnie has loaned Leanne a drill to do some DIY, and Debbie sees her returning it to him. That’s all that happens, but Debbie feels like there’s more going on between them than that.
As leanne walks away, Ronnie notices that Debbie has been watching the encounter. Will this prompt him to say something to Debbie and prompt her to finally open up?
