Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney has shown her support for a fellow cast member amidst mixed reactions to an upcoming storyline.
Sweeney, who portrays Cassie Plummer on the ITV soap, took to social media to respond to news about the forthcoming plot involving Debbie Webster, played by Sue Devaney.
Fans of the show have been aware that Corrie is set to tackle a challenging health storyline, with the much-loved character Debbie being diagnosed with young onset dementia. However, it was only this week that further details about Debbie’s journey were revealed.
In the episodes reported by the Manchester Evening News airing next week, viewers will see Debbie becoming increasingly worried about her memory loss and scheduling an appointment at a private clinic, suspecting her symptoms might be menopause-related.
After recounting a series of recent incidents, depicted through flashback scenes, including a blackout and fall, the doctor suggests she undergo more tests as he fears she may be exhibiting signs of early onset vascular dementia.
A stunned Debbie chooses to keep the potential diagnosis to herself, initially not disclosing anything to her loved ones. This comes as Coronation Street’s producers and story team collaborate closely with Dementia UK to accurately portray the impact of young onset dementia on both Debbie and those around her in this long-term storyline.
Sue, who stepped into the shoes of Debbie at just 16 years old, has expressed her feelings about her character’s latest challenge, affirming: “It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline. A lot of people are saying, why give it to Debbie? She’s so vibrant and she’s so full of life.”
She further elaborated on the paradox at the heart of the narrative by saying, “But I think that is where a good story lies because it’s somebody that has everything and also words are important to Debbie. She has a quick wit and everything is so important, money and success. She’s been dealt this hand of this illness and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey.”
Coronation Street has kept fans updated via social media channels with the latest developments in the storyline and offered glimpses through a fresh trailer showcasing the tension around Debbie’s closely guarded diagnosis.
As opinions among Corrie viewers remain split—with many applauding the show for its efforts in bringing awareness to the forefront, while others lament Debbie’s looming departure—support from within the industry is evident. Claire underscored her support by commenting on one of the updates, penning next to several red hearts: “Sue Devaney is Wonderful and will tell this story beautifully.”
Additionally, Corrie’s producer Kate Brooks has spoken on the significance of the young onset dementia plotline, stating: “With one in two people being affected by dementia, 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.”
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