It was the exclusive that I never wanted to land in my lap – the revelation that Coronation Street is going to kill off the myth, the legend that is Debbie Webster.
My heart sank as I discovered the news, and I wrote it up with a heavy heart given that Sue Devaney and her alter-ego are by far my Corrie favourites.
Debbie will be at the centre of a heartbreaking storyline that sees her diagnosed with dementia and it will eventually lead to her leaving the show for good.
However, it is my understanding that we will have her on our screens for some time to come, with the storyline dominating the entirety of 2025 and playing into 2026.
It is that, and the fact that Sue will deliver the performances of a lifetime, that are the small mercies in this whole situation.
But there are few characters quite like Debbie and even the prospect of finally seeing her at the heart of a meaty storyline can’t take away the sting of losing someone who is easily one of the only classic-style Corrie characters left.
I, along with many others, have long been banging the drum that Sue and Debbie deserve to be at the forefront of the show – it has been my wish to have her and Ronnie Bailey take over the Rovers and be right at the hub of all of the action.
When my demand of getting some Debbie screentime was finally granted, it was far from my mind that her first big storyline would be her last. Oh cruel fate!
Debbie epitomises the northern charm that Corrie is known for – she exudes warmth and wit and delivers her acerbic and cutting dialogue with finesse.
Sue plays comedy like a pro and, since her 2019 return, she has become more and more grounded as a character, integrating into her family circles and the wider community.
In a show that currently has the police station practically as its main set, the more fun and realistic characters not shrouded by crime, misery and tragedy are necessary to remind us that, yes, that identity that Corrie has long been famous for is still there amid the murders, drug barons and dead babies being dug up.
And, as someone who recently shared the misery porn as my biggest Corrie bugbear of late, I can’t help but worry that a dementia storyline is too much too soon, particularly coming off the end of a two year terminal illness story for Paul Foreman (Peter Ash), which was sublimely done but naturally exhausting.
Still, I do see the reasons why Corrie has chosen Debbie for this storyline.
Sue Devaney is an electrifying actress and the character’s illness would also bring the Websters to the forefront, providing great support material for Kevin (Michael le Vell), Abi (Sally Carman) and Sally (Sally Dynevor) as well as Ronnie.
For a storyline like this to be invested in, the viewers truly have to love a character and care for the journey they are on – the impact of losing a beloved character will hit so much harder, so I see the temptation.
That said, and without getting into the murky waters of suggesting a different character should be ‘axed’ instead, there are others the story would work for, with very capable actors and even wider circles around them for it to have strong, emotional repercussions.
It’s a decision that isn’t sitting well with me but it doesn’t mean that I am not enjoying Corrie as a whole more these days than I have the rest of the year.
I am absolutely sold on the chaotic Christmas we have ahead and I am also firmly on board the Swarla train.
When new boss Kate Brooks discussed her plans for Corrie and 2025, having arrived at the show following a successful, award-winning tenure at Emmerdale, I was enthused.
I obviously can’t go into specifics yet, but there are some great storylines in the pipeline and I also vibed with her view that there should be more classic Corrie, with a modern twist.
But that’s exactly what Debbie is. She’s pretty much THE classic Corrie character we have who can still move with the times and feel relevant.
For a storyline that is obviously going to hit home hard, deliver impeccable drama and win awards, the sacrifice still seems a bit too huge long-term.
