Coronation Street icon to be killed off after 40 years - and fans are devastated

A Coronation Street legend is being killed off the show after over 40 years - and fans are distraught.

There will be heartbreak in the cobbles next year as fan favourite Debbie Webster will be diagnosed with dementia.

It's believed Debbie will live with the condition for some time before sadly passing away in scenes which is sure to devastate viewers of the ITV soap.

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Actress Sue Devaney initially joined Corrie 40 years ago in 1984. She made a permanent return in 2019 and her beloved character will be diagnosed with dementia in the coming months.

Corrie bosses have yet to comment on the reports, but insiders say this moving storyline will play out beyond 2025, adding it will be one of the biggest plots of the year under new boss Kate Brooks.

A source told Metro: "It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.

"It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house. There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years."

The news has left Corrie fans with mixed feelings, with some labelling the decision as a mistake, while others feel Sue will portray the storyline brilliantly.

One fan posted on social media: "That's actually really sad. Such a horrible condition too. I can imagine its going to be played beautifully."

Another shared: "Love her!! This will break hearts! But she will smash it, amazing actor!"

A third wrote: "Gutted they’re killing Debbie off in Corrie," while a fourth person fumed: "One of the most criminally underused characters on the show and now they're killing her off. Massive mistake IMO."

Another fan said: "I'm really gutted about this. Debbie is one of my favourite characters. Sue will absolutely smash this as always," while a sixth complained: "When we said we wanted more Debbie Webster, this isn't QUITE what we meant."

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV and Virgin Media One.