Coronation Street has officially confirmed Debbie Webster’s upcoming exit plot, despite a fan petition appealing to keep the character in the soap long-term.

It was reported late last year that fan-favourite character Debbie will be diagnosed with dementia this year, with the long-running plot set to lead to Debbie’s eventual exit from the show.

Upset fans launched a petition to try to save Debbie, “urging ITV to reconsider this idea” and asking producer Kate Brooks to “reconsider this story now, before work on this begins”.

“If this storyline goes ahead, it will not only rob fans of a beloved character but also further erode the heart and soul of Coronation Street,” the petition reads. “Debbie Webster is a symbol of what makes Corrie unique: relatable characters with depth, humour, and a sense of family.”

However, a new Q&A with Abi Webster star Sally Carman, which has been released by Corrie, confirms that the storyline will be going ahead, with the actor responding to a statement about “a big year for Abi” coming up.

The question specifically references Kevin’s testicular cancer storyline and “the upcoming dementia storyline with Debbie”, confirming that the plot is on the way.

“Corrie is an absolute dream job anyway but then to think it could get better than that,” Carman said of her involvement in the big storylines. “Just being on the show, actually being involved in the Websters’ lives and being central to that just blows my socks off daily.

“Absolutely it does. I still have ‘pinch me’ moments all the time.”

Sue Devaney, who first joined Corrie as Debbie in 1984, hasn’t yet spoken publicly about her impending departure. The petition to save her has attracted over 900 signatures at the time of writing.

This year will also see Kevin and Debbie’s younger half-sibling, Carl Webster, make his debut, as the Websters take centre stage.