Coronation Street Star's Shocking Early Career Revelation
Veteran actress Sue Devaney, currently captivating audiences with her powerful portrayal of Debbie Webster in Coronation Street, has revealed extraordinary pressure she faced as a young performer starting out in London. The acclaimed actress disclosed that a casting director once suggested she undergo a radical surgical procedure to increase her chances of landing acting work.
'Crazy' Industry Advice on Physical Alterations
In a candid reflection on her early career struggles, Devaney recounted being told she should consider having extra bone inserted into her knees to make herself taller. "When I was in London and I was starting out, I was told by a casting director that I could have an operation to put extra bone in my knees to make me taller, because I'd never work at my height," the actress revealed. "They said it would give me an extra couple of inches."
Devaney described this suggestion as emblematic of the unreasonable demands placed upon young actors, particularly those from regional backgrounds. "What this industry says to you is crazy," she stated. "Especially when you're young, because you think 'maybe he's right, maybe I'm not going to work at this height and with this accent.'"
From Self-Doubt to Self-Acceptance
The pressure led Devaney to adopt a posh Received Pronunciation accent during early auditions, believing casting directors wanted "a blank canvas" rather than her authentic Northern voice. This experience reflects broader industry challenges facing actors from outside traditional theatrical backgrounds.
Now, after a distinguished career spanning decades with roles in Victoria Wood's dinnerladies, Shameless, Johnny Briggs, and Casualty, Devaney has reached a place of professional confidence and self-acceptance. "At this age, I feel comfortable in my own skin," she explained. "I'm comfortable with the voice that I've got and I feel comfortable playing Northern women. When I was younger, I did anything to change that."
Current Coronation Street Triumph
Devaney's current performance as Debbie Webster has been widely praised by Coronation Street viewers, with the character navigating a complex storyline involving:
- Early onset dementia diagnosis
- Wrongful imprisonment for a crime she didn't commit
- Revealing her biggest secret: that she's Carl Webster's mother, not his sister
- Developing prison relationships while facing dangerous enemies
The actress returned to the role in 2019 after first playing Debbie Webster in 1984, demonstrating remarkable character continuity across three decades. Her current storyline sees Debbie suffering a TIA mini-stroke in prison while hoping for reconciliation with son Carl, who initially rejected her after learning the truth about their relationship.
Embracing Authentic Strengths
Reflecting on her journey from that shocking surgical suggestion to her current success, Devaney emphasized the importance of recognizing one's authentic strengths. "Now I think acting is about knowing your limitations and knowing what you can do," she said. "I love Shakespeare, but I didn't train, so give me Northern comedy and I know where I am with that."
Her experience highlights ongoing conversations about diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding regional accents and physical appearance expectations. Devaney's career success despite early discouragement serves as an inspiring example of artistic perseverance and authenticity triumphing over narrow industry standards.
