Coronation Street fans cry ‘this is why’ as they double down on exit upset
There will eventually be an exit for one of the show’s most love characters
Kevin, Debbie and Carl Webster in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street fans are continuing to double down over their upset at what will eventually be an exit for one of the show’s most beloved characters following a fresh twist in their latest storyline.
Last year, fans were devastated to learn that Debbie Webster would eventually leave the ITV soap following a long-running health storyline for the hotel owner, played by actress Sue Devaney. In scenes aired in April 2025, viewers saw her growing concerned about her memory loss and booked an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause.
After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a blackout and fall, the doctor advised her that he wants her to have further tests as he was concerned that she is showing symptoms of early-onset vascular dementia.
But now, Debbie is facing another difficult time as she was charged in relation to the recent catastrophic multi-vehicle crash which claimed the life of Weatherfield vicar, Billy Mayhew. As fans saw during ITV’s epic Corrie and Emmerdale crossover, dubbed Corriedale, earlier this month, Debbie and her husband Ronnie Bailey were celebrating becoming husband and wife as they tied the knot in Yorkshire.
But the hotel owner became involved in the drama when her younger brother, Carl, took to drink-driving as he was determined to get away from Weatherfield for good after his sibling’s wedding. But not willing to give up on him, Carl was seen leaving the Yorkshire venue with her in the passenger seat. But when they were involved in a horror pile-up, Carl pulled Debbie into the drivers seat to make it seem like she was driving.
During the latest Corrie episode on Thursday (January 15), Debbie headed to court and pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and causing the death of Billy Mayhew following the recent multi-vehicle pile-up, despite her family wanting her to plead not guilty.
Debbie took responsibility for the crash before revealing Carl to be her son(Image: ITV)
She returned home, and with her family expressing her concern, Debbie ended up taking some time to herself, and as she did, she searched through a box of mementoes and pulled out a baby’s hospital band. The writing on the band read: “Carl, 15-12-1986. Mother: Deborah Webster,” confirming Corrie fans’ theory that she is in fact Carl’s mum – after they thought she was about to tell him before the crash.
But despite the major twist, it was Sue’s performance as Debbie that was once again getting Corrie fans talking, and again sharing their upset that she will eventually have to say goodbye to the cobbles.
@PinkWelshGirl11 said: “I WAS RIGHT! I knew it! My whole heart breaks for Debbie, Sue Devaney is incredible, so beautifully done. I do have 2 questions though? First carl was born in 1986 making him 39/40 so how old is Debbie? Surely she’s only in her 50s? Second why is it spelt Mutter? #Corrie.”
@frankham_joanne commented: “#Corrie Debbie finally revealing that she is Carl’s mum. Heartbreaking scenes from the incredible Sue Devaney.” @StaceysBoots shared: “This is why they should’ve kept Debbie for years she an iconic bombshell character that keeps on giving. #Corrie legend.” @midnightswarla added: “Aw I don’t want Debbie to leave, can’t she just stay?? She’s a brilliant character! #corrie.”
