CORONATION Street icon Sue Devaney is said to have been furious when she discovered she was being killed off.
Debbie Webster, who Sue has played for 40 years, will die as part of a long-running new health storyline that is set to take centre stage in the ITV soap opera for 2025.
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Corrie’s Debbie Webster is being written out of the soapCredit: ITV
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Debbie has appeared on the cobbles on and off for four decadesCredit: ITV
The sister of Kevin Webster will be diagnosed with dementia in harrowing upcoming scenes.
And it seems news of her exit left the actress blindsided, with a source telling The Sun: “Sue was very shocked when she discovered she was being killed off.
“She was initially very sad and then furious and then upset again. It’s taken her a long time to come to terms with it.
“She had no intention to leave the show and couldn’t believe it when they called her in and broke the news.”
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An insider added: “Sue is a total professional and is already putting her all into what she sees as hugely important long running storyline.
“She saw the positive impact of the MND storyline and hopes that her dementia story can have the same effect and raise awareness of the condition.”
Debbie originally joined the cast in 1984 at 15 years old but remained for only a year.
Actress Sue then reprised the role in 2019 and has remained with the programme ever since.
She has become a firm favourite with fans over the past few years with many heralding her as one of the soap’s greatest comedy characters of recent years.
She is best known for being the owner of the Charriott Square Hotel and for her involvement with evil businessman Ray Crosby and his once planned takeover of the entire street.
Watch as Helen Worth breaks down in tears leaving Coronation Street as cast share inside look at her last day on set
Sue has made no secret about how much she loves the job and back in 2021 told The Sun: “I absolutely love playing her.
“When I first came back, I never imagined I would be around for that length of time and I am delighted.
“Every day when I drive into work, I have a big grin on my face. I am so happy to be here.
“When I get to work with new people I haven’t worked with before that I have watched on screen, I am so excited.
“She is such a fun character to play.”
The news of Sue’s shock exit comes as budget cuts across the soaps have meant bosses have been forced to take tough decisions regarding cast members.
The stars are becoming increasingly worried about paying their mortgages as permanent contracts are now few and far between.
A source said: “The cast of Corrie is huge and some aren’t getting enough episodes.
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Actress Sue Devaney is devastated by the decisionCredit: Alamy
“A few paid per episode are struggling to pay mortgages are having to supplement income with personal appearances and ads on Instagram.”
They went on: “A lot of cast members are now on ‘guest contracts’ like Maureen Lipman and Kate Ford.
“These are short term, so they can come and go and take extended breaks.
“The cast have been told they can’t guarantee any contracts beyond the end of 2025.
“Bosses are trying to use a lot of the younger cast who are on less money so the episodes are cheaper to make.”
Coronation Street Christmas and New Year schedule
ITVX won’t host early episodes for some days, but soap bosses have yet to confirm which dates won’t have an early release
Monday December 23 – 8pm ITV1 & ITVX
Tuesday December 24 – 8:45pm ITV1 & ITVX
Christmas Day – 7pm ITV1 & ITVX
Boxing Day – No episode
Friday December 27 – 8pm ITV1 & ITVX
Monday December 30 – 8pm ITV1 & ITVX
Tuesday December 31 – 8:15pm ITV1 & ITVX
New Year’s Day – 7pm ITV1 & ITVX