Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney)’s world is shattered in upcoming Coronation Street episodes when she gets the diagnosis she’s been dreading – she has vascular dementia.
Debbie sought medical advice after noticing some worrying symptoms. She was becoming forgetful, misplacing her purse, forgetting appointments and making mistakes at work.
Added to this she was experiencing mood swings and also suffered blackouts, one of which ended in a fall.
The doctor explained the blackout could have been a TIA or mini-stroke and sent her for some more tests, including to a memory clinic where she would be assessed.
Debbie was determined to keep this to herself until things were confirmed. Sue Devaney explained the reasons for this.
‘I think Debbie is in denial and wants to pretend everything is alright until it’s not,’ she stated. ‘She’s a protector of her family, even though she doesn’t have children. She doesn’t want to worry them. It’s like her world is being exploded. Also, people will treat you differently.
‘She wants people to see her as the Debbie they know, the one who is in control and running a business. She doesn’t want them to see her as someone else.’
Her brother Carl (Jonathan Howard) found a letter from the neurologist in her bag and Debbie was forced to tell him what was going on, so at least she has the support of one member of her family as she goes to the appointment at the hospital. She makes Carl promise he won’t tell another soul – though he doesn’t believe this is the right approach.
‘He thinks it’s something that should be shared and she should include her family in it,’ actor Jonathan Howard explained. ‘Which is a little bit hypocritical because I’m sure he’s got secrets he doesn’t want to share with his family.
‘With his sister, I think he struggles with just keeping that to himself and not being able to share it with anyone else, not having a support system around for his sister. Knowing that things are going to change for Debbie, the quicker her family knows about it the quicker they can support her and come together and help her through this.’
At the appointment the neurologist confirms the diagnosis. Debbie has vascular dementia, but she’s told that as long as she maintains a healthy lifestyle she can carry on as normal for now.
Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks told us, ‘We felt this was such an important story to tell for the simple reason that it resonates with so many people. Having a character as vibrant as Debbie Webster, and an actor of Sue Devaney’s incredible talent and calibre, at the heart of this storyline, was key to unlocking the many emotions that come with navigating this diagnosis.
‘We’re working closely with Dementia UK to ensure this story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible – whilst never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis. This is a story about family, about community, but ultimately this is a story about love, and how love can provide light, even through the darkest of times.’
For Debbie, the reaction on hearing the diagnosis is that she’s not ready to share it with anyone else until she’s had the chance to come to terms with it herself, and she makes it clear to Carl that she doesn’t want him telling anyone. She’s further shaken when she meets a woman with dementia outside the hospital and it’s like she’s been given a glimpse of her possible future.
Meanwhile, Ronnie (Vinta Morgan) is excitedly planning a future for him and Debbie and he puts in an offer for number 6.
He’s heartbroken when Debbie calls with his things and tells him he’s done nothing wrong, but her feelings have changed.
Will Carl persuade his sister to be honest with Ronnie about what’s going on? Or will she insist on handling everything herself and cutting off the man she truly loves?
