Heart-Wrenching Role Affects Home Life

Coronation Street star Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie Webster, has opened up about the impact her latest end-of-life storyline has had on both her personal life and her marriage. Speaking exclusively to Daily Star at the National Television Awards, Sue admitted that the emotional weight of the plot has been challenging both on and off the cameras.

“I think with the diagnosis we know it’s going in one direction,” Sue explained. “It’s the highs and lows of that journey. I know when somebody is terminally ill you have less time than you had time, so we say, ‘What are we going to do in those moments that we have left?’ For Debbie, she will grab every opportunity she can.”

The Strain on Sue’s Marriage

While committed to portraying Debbie’s journey authentically, Sue revealed that the intense subject matter has affected her family life.

“It is emotional, it’s been hard sometimes, but I think it hits harder on my family and my friends, especially my husband, because I never see him at the minute,” she said. “The work-life balance is tough, and as an actor you never really get that. You have to live, sleep, eat and breathe it – especially with a heavy storyline. You want to do it right, so sometimes it can be really emotional but you just have to go with it. Nothing lasts forever though, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to do this story.”

Lighter Moments and Future Twists

Despite the heavy drama, Sue teased lighter moments ahead for Debbie. Fans can expect humor and hope as the storyline continues, including a potential new musical venture.

“All I know at the minute is she likes a sing-song,” Sue said. “She’s been chucked out of her choir, so I think her and Glenda are going to get together and form another choir, maybe, who knows.”

As Debbie’s journey unfolds, viewers can look forward to a blend of heartbreak and hope, with Sue promising a compelling mix of emotional highs and lows.