Toyah Battersby recast by Coronation Street for heartbreaking reason

| Deputy Soaps Editor Published September 24, 2026 2:20pm Updated September 24, 2026 2:21pm Toyah is played by a different actor (Picture: ITV) Coronation Street spoilers follow for Thursday’s (September 24) episode that is now available to view on ITVX and YouTube. The episode in question will air on ITV1 on at 8:30pm. Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) was played by another actor in the latest episode of the ITV soap – and it’s for a very sad reason. A woman is approached by Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney), who asks for directions to the Rovers Return as she struggles to recall where the Weatherfield boozer is located. The supposed stranger, played by Anya Williams, recognises Debbie and instructs her on how to find the pub – before offering to take her herself. Debbie, however, doesn’t recognise this woman and tells her to stay away, making her own way to the Rovers. But as Debbie moves out of shot and we cut to a different angle, the woman in question is revealed to be Toyah – with star Georgia Taylor back in the role – looking on emotional over the fact that Debbie did not recognise her. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Toyah looked different as we saw what Debbie saw(Picture: ITV) Debbie, as viewers know, was diagnosed with early-onset vascular dementia last year and the symptoms of the condition have started to progress rapidly in recent months. The recast highlighted Debbie’s perspective as, due to her illness, she didn’t recognise Toyah, a friend and neighbour who she has known for years – and therefore neither did we. Emmerdale used a similar technique in 2017 for a special episode devoted to mainstay Ashley Thomas’ (John Middleton) battle with dementia, with the former vicar’s loved ones played by different actors to demonstrate the impact the disease has on someone. Debbie spoke to Toyah while looking for the Rovers – but did not recognise her (Picture: ITV) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Debbie’s storyline is set to run for some time yet, with star Jonathan Howard – who plays her son Carl Webster – telling The Sun: ‘Sue [Devaney] is contracted to August, but already they are ramping up the dementia storyline. ‘It’s going to be very sad, so sad, I love Sue so much.’ Deals of the Day 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 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX and YouTube. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Coronation Street star reveals when Debbie dies with ‘poignant’ final Christmas confirmed Arrow MORE: Glenda’s beautiful gesture leaves thrilled Debbie on Cloud 9 in Coronation Street Arrow MORE: Carl’s new passion confirmed on Coronation Street as woman emerges from his bedroom The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.