Coronation Street spoilers follow.
It’s official – Coronation Street favourite Debbie Webster is heading to prison next week. The popular character remains determined to take the blame for the dramatic Corriedale crash that killed Billy Mayhew, even though she knows that her secret son Carl was responsible.
Next week’s episodes see Carl confess to Debbie that he was the one driving when they had the devastating road accident earlier this month. Debbie confirms that she already knew and has been trying to protect Carl because she’s his mum, not his sister.
On the day of Debbie’s sentencing, she and her husband Ronnie Bailey prepare for court. At the Chariot Square Hotel, Ryan Connor hands Debbie the key to her flat, explaining that Carl dropped it off at the hotel reception.
Heartbroken, Debbie announces that there’s one last thing that she needs to do. Having hurried out, Debbie tracks Carl down and confesses that it would mean everything to her if he showed up for her at court.
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“I don’t think she’s thinking about prison,” explains Sue Devaney, who plays Debbie. “She’s just thinking, ‘I’m the one that’s done it, and I’m going to take this blame and it’s not Carl’.
“So, it’s like, ‘Right, do what you want with me’. But I think that part of her thinks, ‘Well, they’re not going to send me down because I’m a woman with dementia’.”
After taking the stand, Debbie is relieved to see Ronnie, Kevin, Abi and Ryan in the gallery. That said, Debbie can’t help but feel disappointed that Carl ignored her plea.
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Debbie is then called to hear the verdict, which turns out to be a custodial sentence. But how long will Debbie be sent down for – and how will she cope in Weatherfield nick?
“Debbie’s frightened,” admits Sue. “She’s so frightened. She’s never been anywhere like that; everything’s going to be stripped from her. Debbie’s mask is going to be gone, isn’t it?
“The dementia is taking every last bit from her, but also the prison is going to be taking everything from her. It’s how she survives that…”
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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