Coronation Street trailer launched for Debbie Webster’s dementia plot

It’s the storyline viewers have hated since it was announced…

The much maligned dementia storyline for Debbie Webster is to begin ITV have confirmed this evening. Despite protests that Debbie is one of the ‘best characters’ currently on The Street and a fan petition to save the character, the plot must go on Coronation Street bosses believe. They also note it won’t be a quick exit for Sue Devaney who plays Debbie, the plot has ‘years’ to play out.

“Not since the axing of Martha Longhurst in 1964 has there been such viewer distaste to a character being ditched.” – TV critic Vivian Summers

Tonight, chucking all criticism of the story aside, Coronation Street has revealed a dramatic new trailer giving viewers a first look at Debbie Webster’s dementia storyline. In next week’s episodes Debbie grows concerned about her memory loss and books an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause.

After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a black out and fall, the doctor advises her that he wants her to have further tests as he is concerned, she is showing symptoms of early onset vascular dementia.

A shocked Debbie decides to keep the potential diagnosis to herself and initially says nothing to her friends and family. The Street’s producers and the story team are working closely with Dementia UK on this long term storyline which will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie and those close to her.

Over the coming months and years the soap will follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and the family.

Actress Sue Devaney said of the storyline: “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. 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.”

Young onset dementia is any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65. As dementia is frequently considered a condition of old age, the early symptoms of young onset dementia are not always recognised and may be attributed to other causes.

“Personally, it’d be more believable to have Debbie as lesbian rather than Carla, who’s had more men than Camden’s Gent’s Toilets. There’s plenty of others who could have done this story; like Maria, who is just there busily doing nothing interesting.” – TV Critic Vivian Summers

Coronation Street airs on ITV1, STV, STV Player and ITVX every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8 pm. First look episodes launch on day of broadcast in the morning on ITVX and STV Player.