Charley Webb Opens Up About Autism and ADHD: “It Finally Makes Sense”
A Personal Revelation Begins
Former Emmerdale star Charley Webb has shared a deeply personal insight into her health journey, revealing that she has begun the process of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Best known for her long-running role as Debbie Dingle on the ITV soap, the 37-year-old actress opened up during a candid appearance on the Girls Next Door podcast.
Speaking with openness and honesty, Charley explained that she’s only in the initial stages of formal medical investigation, but many of the symptoms she’s dealt with throughout her life now seem to align with neurodivergent conditions.
“I’ve sort of just been diagnosed with that,” she said of ADHD. “I don’t want to confirm it because I’m only at the initial stages. More autism—autistic/ADHD. I’m like, what? I’ve just started the process.”
Misunderstood for Years
Charley revealed that certain personality traits—ones she’s been criticised for her whole life—may actually be linked to traits associated with autism. “People think I’m cold,” she said, “but that could just be like a little bit of the autistic side of me.”
She added that she’s never been one to fake emotions or offer a smile unless it feels genuine. “I’m not the biggest smiler… I only smile if I really mean it,” she shared. “People just smile because they think it’s the thing to do, whereas I don’t.”
Over the years, this has caused people to misread her character. But now, she’s learning to own her authenticity, adding:
“I don’t need to be all over everyone and love everyone immediately. It takes me a minute. I’m very like, yes or no. I like you or I don’t like you. There’s never an in-between with me.”
Sensory Overload and ADHD Awareness
Discussing ADHD more broadly, Charley spoke about how overstimulation in noisy environments has always been a struggle.
“Noise for me—it’s a trigger. I go from nought to 60 in one second. If I go somewhere really busy, I find it so overwhelming.”
She reflected on how little awareness there was around ADHD when she was younger and expressed relief that these conversations are now more common. “Years and years ago, nobody talked about it,” she said. “Now it’s everywhere. And I think that’s really important.”
Charley also noted that ADHD often runs in families, and understanding it may help not only her—but also those close to her.
A Voice of Understanding and Honesty
Though she’s still awaiting a formal diagnosis, Charley’s decision to speak publicly about her experience is already making an impact. Her words offer comfort and visibility to those who may have experienced the same confusion or misinterpretation of their behaviours.
“It’s something within you… It’s something that is genetic,” she said, emphasizing the importance of self-understanding and acceptance.
By speaking up, Charley Webb is helping to de-stigmatize the conversation around autism and ADHD—one honest voice at a time.