Georgia Taylor has praised the ‘comic genius’ of fellow Coronation Street star Sue Devaney, after it was confirmed she will be leaving her role as Debbie Webster.
Last month, Metro exclusively revealed Debbie will be at the centre of a heartbreaking final storyline when she is diagnosed with dementia next year.
Fans were in uproar at the news she is being written out of the ITV soap 40 years after she was first introduced, with some even setting up an official petition to save the beloved character.
It seems actress Sue will be equally missed by many of her castmates when she leaves.
Georgia, who plays Toyah Battersby, recalled fond memories of Sue as the cast filmed some of Helen Worth’s final scenes as Gail Platt, which are set to air on Christmas Day.
On the day of Gail’s nuptials to Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), Toyah is working in the Bistro, where a fight breaks out between her and sister Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).
Georgia revealed what she loved filming about the ‘physical, old school Battersby brawl’ was seeing the reactions from other characters, including Debbie.
‘[They] were just absolutely brilliant,’ Georgia said. ‘Sue Devaney is just hilarious. At one point there was a camera just purely on her watching all her reactions, we were all creasing up.
‘She’s a comic genius.’
Georgia continued: ‘It was a lot of fun to film… It was such a great atmosphere and energy having us all together in a big group.’
Sue first appeared as then 15-year-old Debbie 40 years ago and stayed for a year before making an unexpected comeback in 2019.
Metro understands that Debbie’s storyline has a long way to play out, with Sue staying on our screens beyond 2025.
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.’
When approached for comment, a Coronation Street spokesperson said: ‘We do not comment on future storyline speculation.’
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or stream first from 7am on ITVX.
