Coronation Street: Sue Devaney Defies Axe, Stays on Cobbles Until 2027!

The world of Coronation Street has been hit by a seismic shockwave as one of its most beloved stars, Sue Devaney, who portrays the iconic Debbie Webster, has sensationally revealed she will remain on the show for at least two more years, despite being brutally axed by bosses last year! This defiant stance against her initial exit has set the stage for an extended, emotional journey for her character and a dramatic turn of events behind the scenes.

The Axe That Almost Was: A Devastating Diagnosis

Last year, Coronation Street fans were heartbroken when it was confirmed that Sue Devaney would be leaving the soap. It was soon revealed that her poignant exit would form a central part of a long-running and devastating dementia storyline for her character, Debbie Webster. When this tragic news emerged in late 2024, it was widely believed that Sue’s departure would play out in early 2026, with her character succumbing to the condition.

On-screen, Debbie discovered earlier this year that she is living with early-onset vascular dementia, a heartbreaking diagnosis that only her brother Carl is currently aware of. Her condition has already manifested in erratic behavior, severe mood swings, forgetfulness, and clumsiness, painting a bleak picture for her future on the cobbles. Fans had braced themselves for a painful farewell as Debbie’s condition was expected to worsen over the next 24 months, leading to her eventual exit.

A Star’s Defiance: “Debbie is Not Going Anywhere!”

However, in a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, Sue Devaney herself has confirmed that her stint on Coronation Street will be MUCH longer than anyone anticipated! Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV breakfast show, the Debbie Webster actress clarified that she would be staying with the show until 2027 before her character ultimately succumbs to the tragic condition.

With a powerful statement, Sue declared to the Scottish TV host: “Well, I know this story is going to go on well into 2027. Debbie is not going anywhere!” This defiant confirmation is a massive win for fans, who had launched petitions when her axing was first revealed, insisting that Debbie was one of Coronation Street’s strongest characters amid an ongoing period of criticism for the fledgling soap.

Behind the Scenes: Shock, Fury, and a Long Fight Back

The Sun previously reported on the intense emotional toll Sue experienced when she first learned of her character’s fate. News of her exit left the actress blindsided, with a source revealing: “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.”

This deeply personal battle against her character’s brutal axing, combined with the immense fan support, underscores the power and influence of a beloved star. While the dementia storyline is set to be a tear-jerker, Sue’s unexpected extended stay promises even more dramatic depth and an extended period for viewers to connect with Debbie’s heartbreaking journey.

This remarkable turn of events comes amidst a period of significant cast changes for Coronation Street, with many other names confirmed to be leaving, including Colson Smith, Luca Toolan, Shelley King, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Daniel Brocklebank, Helen Worth, Paddy Bever, and Katy Cavanagh. Sue Devaney’s fight to stay is a powerful counter-narrative, suggesting that even against the odds, a star’s passion and fan devotion can influence the future of the cobbles.

Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and ITVX.