Coronation Street fans lash out as ‘best character’ set to die

| Soaps Reporter Published September 29, 2026 11:01am Updated September 29, 2026 11:11am Coronation Street fans are up in arms (Picture: ITV/Danielle Baguley/Shutterstock) Coronation Street is set to kill off a major character and fans are less than impressed by the decision. Last year, Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) was diagnosed with young-onset dementia in a controversial move by the ITV soap. When Metro broke the news about the plans for Debbie to be killed off, fans were instantly up in arms about the idea of losing her from the cobbles. More than a year on, they are still beside themselves. The news that actress Sue Devaney would have stayed on the show for the rest of her career has reignited fans’ upset, with Metro readers expressing their sorrow on Facebook. ‘I truly cannot believe that they are going forward with killing Debbie off it’s really heartbreaking,’ Vickey wrote, while Jean said: ‘It’s a shame, she brings a bit of sunshine to the program.’ Fans love Debbie Webster (Picture: ITV) Other fans branded the move a ‘huge mistake’, pointing out what a brilliant soap character Debbie is. ‘Stupid decision! She’s the stand out act on the street! It’s a very pertinent storyline, extremely well written and acted by her! But it will be a much duller Corrie without her character!’ Elaine said, while Lynne added: ‘What a shame she should have been kept. Huge mistake from the writers!’ ‘Why say goodbye to a wonderful actress with expert comic timing? The Street won’t be the same without her. Bad decision,’ Jan agreed, while Danielle penned: ‘Massive mistake they’ve made letting her go. She’s one of the best ones in it now.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘Big mistake to let her go. She is brilliant at bringing comedy moments as well as the more serious scenes. What on earth are they thinking?’ Clare wrote. Debbie was diagnosed with young-onset dementia (Picture: ITV) Other fans are already thinking up ways to keep Debbie on the cobbles, with some calling for the story to be scrapped and brushed off as a misdiagnosis, while others think actress Sue should return as a different character. ‘Big mistake axing Sue she is a brilliant actress maybe bring her back as her twin who was adopted as a baby or they could say they thought her twin died at birth but didn’t and was sold. Anything is possible in soap land,’ Brenda suggested, while Julie echoed: ‘Maybe she could come back as an estranged twin sister?’ As it stands, Debbie will remain on the show until at least 2027. Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale In recent scenes, her condition has deteriorated, with Debbie finding herself unable to recognise her neighbours and needing directions to places she visits often. Arrow MORE: The tables have turned! Coronation Street’s Debbie ready to take down cruel son Carl Arrow MORE: Jodie makes her next wicked move as new Coronation Street spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: Debbie’s decline intensifies in Coronation Street and hearts will shatter GameCentral Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.