Coronation Street's Sue Devaney Praised for Powerful Debbie Story as 2027 Exit Approaches

Coronation Street star Sue Devaney is preparing for an emotional farewell to Weatherfield, with her portrayal of Debbie Webster's dementia attracting award nominations and extraordinary praise from producer Kate Brooks.

Sue, who first appeared on the cobbles in 1984 at just 16 years old, is expected to leave during 2027 as Debbie's young-onset vascular dementia storyline continues. While the circumstances of her final scenes have not been revealed, the actress has spoken openly about the responsibility of portraying the condition and her determination to give Debbie the story she deserves.

Sue's Performance Earns Awards Recognition

Sue received a nomination for Serial Drama Performance at the 2026 National Television Awards, recognising her work as Debbie during one of Coronation Street's most emotional storylines.

She was also included in the Best Actress longlist at the 2026 Inside Soap Awards.

Producer Kate Brooks has been particularly enthusiastic about Sue's performances, saying "Sue is incredible. Every single episode I see, I am just completely blown away."

That praise comes as the programme prepares another ambitious chapter in Debbie's story, with an unusual Christmas episode designed to place viewers directly inside her experience of dementia.

A Story Sue Wanted to Get Right

When Sue first learned that Debbie would develop dementia, she recognised both the acting opportunity and the importance of portraying a condition affecting thousands of families.

"It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline," she explained in an official ITV interview, having undertaken research into young-onset dementia and spoken with people who have personal experience of the condition.

Sue has worked alongside the production team and dementia specialists, including Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses, to understand the different ways the illness can affect somebody's memory, behaviour and independence.

In a conversation published by Dementia UK, she explained that she hoped Debbie's story would show viewers "a life well lived… with or without dementia".

The actress has also spoken about wanting Debbie to retain her distinctive personality, including her humour, glamorous appearance and determination to remain independent for as long as possible.

Debbie Faces a Difficult Goodbye of Her Own

Debbie's life has already undergone enormous upheaval since her diagnosis in 2025. Viewers have watched her struggle with memory problems, periods of confusion, difficult family relationships and the growing challenge of managing the Chariot Square Hotel.

Now she faces another significant decision as she prepares to retire from the business she has worked so hard to build. Debbie will tell Ronnie that she has signed over the hotel to him, while Ryan is offered the opportunity to become his right-hand man.

The scenes follow a special episode featuring Debbie's Angels, which brings Abi, Bernie, Christina, Sally and Glenda together to help create a photographic memory book for Carl's 40th birthday.

Although old disagreements surface during the gathering, the episode celebrates the friendships that have helped Debbie through some of her most difficult experiences.

A Christmas Episode Unlike Anything Before

Coronation Street is preparing a special point-of-view episode over the Christmas period, allowing viewers to experience the world through Debbie's eyes as her condition progresses.

Sue undertook additional camera training for the production, which promises an unusual approach to showing Debbie's perspective rather than simply observing her experiences from the outside.

Kate has described the episode as an exceptionally powerful piece of television, explaining that Debbie's family and friends will become increasingly important as her condition develops.

The programme has also worked with Alzheimer's Society on a campaign highlighting the effects of dementia, while Dementia UK has provided specialist advice throughout the storyline.

What Has Sue Said About Leaving Coronation Street?

Sue has made clear that Debbie's story is intended to explore living with dementia over an extended period rather than rushing towards her departure.

During an appearance on ITV's Lorraine, she reassured viewers: "She's not going anywhere yet!" She also explained that the storyline would continue well into 2027, giving the programme time to explore how Debbie and those closest to her adapt.

For an actress who made her television debut on Coronation Street more than 40 years ago, the eventual farewell will mark the end of a remarkable connection with Weatherfield. However, there are still important chapters ahead, and Sue's performance continues to give Debbie the humour, dignity and warmth that have made her such a memorable character.

Follow our Coronation Street spoilers and what's coming up guide for the latest developments.

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 at 8.30pm, with episodes also available from 7am on ITVX. Images: ITV.