Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) has faced her dementia diagnosis with characteristic defiance, but next week on Coronation Street she gets a stark reminder of the disease's inevitable progression. After meeting a woman named Sadie who also has dementia, Debbie is horrified to see a glimpse of her own future.
Debbie's battle so far
Since her heartbreaking diagnosis, Debbie has refused to let dementia define her. She continues to manage the Chariot Square hotel, sings in the dementia choir, and enjoys adventures with her friends Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor), Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger), Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove), and Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins) – known as Debbie's Angels. She even married Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) despite her condition.
However, her time in prison – where she took the blame for her son Carl Webster's (Jonathan Howard) dangerous driving that killed Billy Mayhew – took a toll. Her condition deteriorated, causing mistakes at work and memory lapses.
A sobering moment
This week, Debbie temporarily forgets who Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) is during a garden party, accusing him of being a pervert. The incident prompts her to give up alcohol to protect her brain, even her beloved vodka.
But next week brings a more painful reminder. Outside the cafe, Debbie encounters Sadie, who is lost and searching for her daughter. Sadie snaps at Debbie when she offers help. Sadie is the mother of newcomer Sienna Milburn (Charlotte Tyree), who is romancing Asha Alahan (Tanesha Gorey). When Sienna arrives, Sadie doesn't recognise her and lashes out – because she has dementia too.
As Asha tries to help, Sienna rejects her and gently leads her mother away. Debbie watches, horrified, realising she is seeing her own future.
What's next for Debbie?
Confronted with the awful truth about where her story must end, Debbie faces a difficult path ahead. According to Metro, this glimpse into her future may change her approach to her condition.
