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Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The real-life dementia signs Debbie from Coronation Street has shown
Warning: The article contains spoilers for Friday night's episode of Coronation Street. Tonight on Coronation Street, Debbie Webster's loved ones will finally learn she has been diagnosed with young onset dementia, following a series of concerning symptoms. Played by Sue Devaney, Debbie, 56, was diagnosed earlier this year after she began experiencing forgetfulness. Despite these signs, she kept her diagnosis a secret, but her condition has become increasingly difficult to hide. Her behaviour has become increasingly erratic, including mood swings and alarming blackouts. The storyline was developed with guidance from Dementia UK, which also advised EastEnders on a similar plot involving Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), to ensure an accurate portrayal. According to the charity, young onset dementia affects those under 65 and impacts approximately 70,800 people in the UK, roughly 7.5% of the estimated 944,000 living with dementia. Experts Hannah Gardner, a dementia specialist and admiral nurse for Dementia UK, and Professor Paresh Malhotra, group leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute, say Debbie's storyline accurately sheds light on the experience of younger individuals with dementia. Speaking to Yahoo UK, Professor Malhotra explains that dementia affects a person's ability to carry out everyday tasks due to problems with cognitive processing. This can include difficulties with managing finances, using a computer or navigating familiar places. In Debbie's case, she has been making mistakes at work. "Sometimes we all have the occasional lapse where we forget something we've said, or we forget something we've heard," he explains. "But it's when people start to have increasing difficulty doing the things that they've always been able to do, and increasing difficulty taking on new tasks, when it's more likely that there's a brain condition underlying." Professor Malhotra says people may struggle planning a complicated meal, hosting friends and organising a holiday. If someone is experiencing younger onset dementia, they often struggle with tasks associated with work, such as setting up a new phone or email address. He adds: "So whether it's to do with planning, whether it's to do with concentration, whether it's to do with the ability to come up with the right word, these are all things that can be affected." Gardner agrees, explaining how people may have concentration problems as well as difficulty making decisions and "slower thought processing." She says: "So if someone asks someone a question, it can take longer for them to process and respond." Debbie's first sign of trouble came when she booked theatre tickets for herself and her then partner, Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan), forgetting he already had plans. Her increasing forgetfulness soon led to misplaced items and missed appointments. According to Professor Malhotra, forgetfulness is one of the most common and recognisable early symptoms of dementia. "People won't remember having spoken to someone recently. They won't remember having organised to meet at the pub on a particular day, or that they plan to go to the cinema or that they agreed to do something at work," he says. "So it often shows itself in something having gone wrong, or not having recalled something important for carrying out a task." Gardner explains that this forgetfulness can permeate throughout different aspects of someone's life, adding: "It could be forgetting recent events, misplacing items or putting them in the wrong place, forgetting appointments, forgetting to do things and forgetting names of people, objects and places. It could also be struggling to find the right word and repeating themselves." In Wednesday night's episode, Debbie's distress escalated when she confronted 16-year-old Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) and a friend drinking at the hotel she manages. When Brody refused to show his ID, Debbie lashed out, smashing their beer bottles and demanding they leave. Professor Malhotra says people don't bring up mood changes and aggressiveness as much as they should, considering they can be early symptoms, especially for young onset dementia. "People can often be misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety in the year or two beforehand, and it's part of the onset, as it expresses itself through mood swings and behavioural changes," he shares. Gardner says that people can also often be misdiagnosed with anxiety or menopause, which causes a delay in a dementia diagnosis. "You don't expect someone in their 50s to have dementia if there's no family history, you put it down to the pressures of work, the changes in women, a mental breakdown. But with Dementia UK, we're trying to raise awareness," she explains. Since her diagnosis, Debbie has experienced blackouts. In young onset dementia, these cognitive blackouts can involve periods of amnesia, disorientation, or confusion. Professor Malhotra notes that such episodes may also occur in specific types, like Lewy body dementia. "Some types of dementia are associated with epileptic seizures, which are essentially blackouts,' he says. 'And in other conditions, blackouts can also occur, so these more physical symptoms can sometimes be part of the diseases that cause dementia." Gardner explains that "dementia isn't a disease itself, it's a symptom." It results from various underlying conditions, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause. Other major types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@ You can also book a free video or phone appointment to get expert dementia support from an Admiral Nurse at Read more about dementia: Study reveals how long people with dementia live after diagnosis (PA Media, 4-min read) 'I answer dozens of calls about dementia a day - here are 7 things most people ask' (Surrey Live, 4-min read) 8 things you can do to cut your risk of dementia (Yahoo Life UK, 2-min read)
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Axed Coronation Street star confirms she's staying on the cobbles for over TWO years despite falling victim to cast cull
ONE of Coronation Street's axed stars has revealed that she will be staying put with the show for a number of years despite being binned off by bosses. Actress Sue Devaney was confirmed to have been axed last year and it was soon revealed that her exit would form part of a long-running dementia storyline. 3 3 When the news was revealed in late 2024, it was thought that Sue's exit could play out in early 2026 after it was said that she would still be in the programme beyond 2025. However, in a new interview, Sue has confirmed that her stint is MUCH longer than anyone anticipated. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV breakfast show, the Debbie Webster actress clarified that she would be with the show until 2027 before her character succumbs to the tragic condition. Sue said to the Scottish TV host: "Well, I know this story is going to go on well into 2027. "Debbie is not going anywhere!" On-screen, Debbie found out she was living with early on-set vascular dementia earlier this year. At present, only her brother Carl is aware of the devastating diagnosis. It has so far been seen to impact Debbie heavily causing her to act erratically, suffer severe mood-swings as well as forgetfulness and clumsiness. Debbie's condition is expected to worsen over the next 24 months before her eventual exit from the ITV soap - much to the dismay of fans. Petitions began to circulate when her axing was revealed in order to reverse the decision by bosses with many insisting that Debbie was Coronation Street 's strongest character amid an ongoing period of criticism for the fledgling soap. Devastating moment Coronation Street icon Debbie Webster discovers she has dementia The Sun previously told how Sue was left devastated over being axed from the show. News of her exit left the actress blindsided, with a source telling The Sun: 'Sue was very shocked when she discovered she was being killed off. 'She was initially very sad and then furious and then upset again. It's taken her a long time to come to terms with it. 'She had no intention to leave the show and couldn't believe it when they called her in and broke the news.' She is one of many names to leave the programme alongside Colson Smith, Luca Toolan, Shelley King, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Daniel Brocklebank, Helen Worth, Paddy Bever and Katy Cavanagh. Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025 ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap. This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama. Colson Smith - Craig Tinker The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig's on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role. Sue Cleaver - Eileen Grimshaw After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I'm A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she's already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future. Luca Toolan - Mason Radcliffe Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him. Sue Devaney - Debbie Webster In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline. Charlotte Jordan - Daisy Midgeley The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she's hungry to see what other opportunities await. Shelley King - Yasmeen Metcalfe The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Corrie star reveals how long Debbie will be around for amid dementia story
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has confirmed that Debbie Webster will still be on our screens for some time yet, following her dementia diagnosis. Viewers first noticed that something was wrong when Debbie began forgetting dates and muddling up appointments. Things got more serious when she began to suffer random blackouts. The character saw a doctor about her symptoms earlier this year and was informed that she had young-onset dementia. The show icon was understandably shaken by the news, and chose to keep it a secret from her family for a number of weeks. 'She wants to keep it to herself for as long as possible,' actress Sue Devaney explained on Lorraine. 'She's going, 'I've been diagnosed with this, so how am I going to cope with it? I'll find out how I cope with it and then I'll tell my family.' She's gone about it that way.' Debbie has been so determined to keep her secret that she even went so far as to dump boyfriend Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan), as she didn't want him to end up caring for her. In upcoming scenes, Debbie will finally reveal all as her storyline continues. Though fans were worried that Debbie would be killed off in the coming months, Sue has set minds at rest by confirming that this isn't the case at all. More Trending Speaking to Lorraine, she said: '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, so Debbie's not going anywhere.' View More » The actress also teased the possibility of Debbie starting a choir as the ITV soap explores how she lives with the condition. MORE: All 37 Coronation Street spoiler pictures for next week as tragedy is confirmed MORE: All Coronation Street spoilers for next week as legend 'disappears' MORE: Debbie reacts in Coronation Street as Ronnie reaches out with unexpected request
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street legend in shock collapse as she finally admits devastating diagnosis
CORONATION Street legend Debbie Webster is going to suffer a shock collapse this week. The businesswoman - who is played by actress Sue Devaney in the ITV soap - has been hiding her serious health issues for quite some time. 3 3 3 Viewers known Debbie was diagnosed with young onset dementia earlier this year much to her devastation. Now this week things will get on top of her as she struggles with the aftermath of breaking up with Ronnie Bailey to spare him from watching her decline. When Debbie admits to Bernie that she finds it hard being in the same room as Ronnie, Bernie suggests they head to her hotel and have a few drinks there instead. Debbie and Bernie arrive in the Chariot Square bar to find Brody there enjoying a drink with a mate but when the troublesome teen fails to provide ID, Debbie loses her temper and, picking up his drink, smashes it on the bar. Later in the week Bernie worries for Debbie as she forgot to pay in the cafe. Meanwhile Debbie breaks the news to Ronnie and Leanne that she needs to cancel the awards ceremony as there's a flood at the hotel, but Leanne offers to host it at Speed Daal. As Ronnie and Leanne share a laugh, Debbie watches. Later Debbie makes a disturbing discovery, when she sees Carl telling Abi that they're meant to be together. With horror they realise Debbie is watching them - but what happens next is a shocker. Suddenly Debbie collapses and as she regains consciousness, Kevin and Abi tell her she's going to hospital. But Debbie reveals that she already knows what's wrong and she's got dementia. How will her family react and will Carl and Abi use her illness to hide their affair?
Metro
21-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Corrie's Debbie makes decision as dementia diagnosis officially confirmed
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.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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.' Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 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. More Trending 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? If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. View More » MORE: Coronation Street exit officially ruled out as character declares he's staying after all MORE: Baby rushed to hospital as panic erupts in Coronation Street MORE: Coronation Street confirms who discovers shocked Debbie's dementia battle in early ITVX release
