Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has broken her silence on her upcoming exit from the iconic ITV soap, sharing how life took an unexpected turn despite her happiness on the show. The actress, who portrays the much-loved Debbie Webster, recently revealed she had no plans to leave Weatherfield until producers approached her with a storyline she simply couldn’t turn down.
Sue, who first stepped into the role of Debbie over four decades ago, has addressed the real-life emotions behind her character’s controversial departure, confirming it will be tied to a major health storyline that’s already begun to unfold on-screen.
Fans will remember that back in April, Debbie began to worry about symptoms, including memory lapses. Assuming it might be related to the menopause, she took the proactive step of booking an appointment at a private clinic.
However, by the end of that month, viewers learned the news was far more serious. A neurologist formally diagnosed her with a life-changing illness, one with no current treatment.
The storyline has since been confirmed to revolve around dementia, marking a significant and sensitive arc for the character that will eventually lead to her departure from the show.
Speaking candidly to The Sun at the National Television Awards, Sue explained how content she was with her life on Coronation Street, especially after finding balance in her personal life.
‘The thing with life is you end up thinking one thing and then it pulls you another way,’ she shared.
‘I was quite happy at Corrie as I’d just got married last year and I knew I didn’t want to go on tour and do all that sort of stuff anymore, and at Corrie I’m with all my mates. This was the next closest thing to a normal job.’
The 57-year-old, who is originally from Ashton-under-Lyne, went on to explain that it was the opportunity to truly act, to embrace a powerful and meaningful storyline, that ultimately changed her mind.
‘So I loved being here for that, but then Kate the producer did come and say “look we’ve got this storyline”… I had to think, “I’m an actor and I want to act.” And this then became a perfect opportunity to really do that.’
Debbie Webster originally made her Coronation Street debut back in 1984 as the younger sister of Kevin Webster. Though she exited after a brief stint in the ’80s, she returned decades later in 2019 and quickly re-established herself as a fiery, sharp-witted and deeply loyal character, and a firm favourite among viewers.
Her current storyline has already begun resonating with fans, many of whom have praised the show for its thoughtful portrayal of early dementia symptoms. The decision to explore Debbie’s journey over a long period is also part of the show’s wider effort to raise awareness and handle the condition with depth and sensitivity.
In a previous appearance on Lorraine, Devaney reassured viewers that although Debbie has received her diagnosis, she won’t be disappearing from the cobbles just yet.
‘We wanted to do the diagnosis and get that sorted and then do the journey of living with dementia… She’s not going anywhere yet! I know the story is going to go on well into 2027.’
She added: ‘So Debbie’s not going anywhere.’
This long-term commitment to the storyline is in keeping with Coronation Street’s tradition of exploring complex issues over time, giving the audience a fuller, more human look at life’s challenges.
Sue’s enthusiasm for the role and her willingness to take on such an emotionally charged arc has only increased admiration for her both on and off screen.
Although her exit from the show will eventually arrive, it’s clear that her departure won’t be rushed. Instead, viewers can expect to see a thoughtful and realistic portrayal of living with dementia.
For fans, the news is bittersweet. While the idea of losing Debbie is difficult to process, knowing she’ll be on-screen for the foreseeable future and at the heart of a powerful storyline offers some comfort.
As for Sue, her focus is now on honouring the role and giving this important storyline the depth and care it deserves. Despite not planning to leave when she did, she’s embraced the challenge as an actor.
And judging by the early reaction, viewers are already behind her all the way.
