Distraught Coronation Street fans launch petition to save iconic character being killed off
Devastated Coronation Street fans have launched a petition to save Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) after it was revealed the character is set to be killed off after 40 years.
Earlier this week, Metro exclusively revealed Debbie will be at the centre of a heartbreaking final storyline after she is diagnosed with dementia.
The news was met with a big reaction from fans of the ITV soap online at the time, with some now going further by gathering signatures to halt the plot.
On the Change.org page called ‘Save Debbie Webster’, they make a direct plea to Corrie’s new executive producer Kate Brooks to ‘reconsider this story now, before work on this begins’.
They noted how the storyline ‘will not only rob fans of a beloved character but also further erode the heart and soul of Coronation Street’.
‘Debbie is not just a character, she represents the warmth, humour and resilience that Coronation Street has been celebrated for since its inception,’ they wrote.
‘Losing her in such a devastating way sends a clear message that the show has abandoned its roots in favour of shock value and relentless bleakness.’
So far, the petition has gathered nearly 250 signatures, at the time of writing.
‘This story is one of many ruining this once great show for sensationalism,’ commented one fan.
Another wrote: ‘It’s too soon for Debbie to go and while Sue will do a cracking job with the storyline, let’s have her lighting up our screens for a good while longer yet. Please.’
‘Come on! This actress lightens up the Soap. You need more not less,’ said a third.
Sue first appeared as then 15-year-old Debbie 40 years ago and stayed for a year, before making an unexpected comeback in 2019.
Metro understands that Debbie’s final storyline has a long way to play out, with Sue staying on our screens beyond 2025.
A source told us: ‘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.’
When approached for comment, a Coronation Street spokesperson said: ‘We do not comment on future storyline speculation.’
