Coronation Street viewers have hit out at the ITV soap following the news that Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) is to be

killed off, 40 years after her debut.

Earlier today,  exclusively revealed that the fan-favourite will receive a heartbreaking dementia diagnosis in the

coming months, that will dominate storylines throughout 2025.

‘It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and 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’ a source told us.

‘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.’

Debbie arrived on the cobbles in 1984, though only lived at No. 11 Coronation Street for six months before her dad Bill (Peter Armitage) sold up and moved to Southampton with his new wife.

In the intervening years she was often mentioned, though wouldn’t return on-screen until 2019. Her short reprisal proved popular and she was re-introduced the following year in a regular capacity – this time working with ruthless property tycoon Ray Crosby (Mark Frost).

Now, ahead of the hotelier’s emotional exit storyline, readers have expressed their upset at soap boss’ decision to kill her off.

Over on X, user @michellepryde wrote: ‘NO. This cannot be. Debbie is one of the BEST characters on the soap. Completely underused. Absolutely gutted about this news.’

@phabianz reflected: ‘I’ve had time to reflect. Sue will absolutely nail this storyline and it gives Debbie, Kev and Abi a big storyline over 2025.

‘Deb is kind of isolated but she always fits in anywhere and [Kate Brooks] was behind the Ashley dementia storyline [in Emmerdale]. It will be a truly good storyline.’

Soap fan @adjalf1 echoed the above comment, writing: ‘I dont watch Corrie anymore but i will definitely tune in to watch this storyline. I really hope they do it justice like Ashley’s dementia in #Emmerdale.

‘Cant wait to see Sue portray Debbie with dementia, shes going to do such a good job.’

‘Ngl I’m crying a little just reading the article, shes such a fun character, seeing this happen to her & the actress is fantastic so she’ll play it well but its going to be so sad to watch’ wrote @Blockbustargal.

With devastated reactions from viewers climbing by the minute in response to our soap’s editor Duncan Lindsay’s initial post, it’s safe to say that this isn’t a decision that has gone down well with the fanbase!