Sue Devaney was given a major boost alongside a familar face before being flooded with more support from her ITV soap co-stars
Coronation Street star Sue Devaney and Doctor Who legend Russell T Davies(Image: Russell T Davies Instagram)
Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has been hailed by a Doctor Who legend before being flooded with more support from her soap co-stars as they shared their thoughts on social media.
There was a big moment for the actress, who is best known for playing Debbie Webster in the ITV soap, and the BBC sci-fi series’ showrunner, Russell T Davies, in Manchester over the recent Bank Holiday weekend.
The pair were revealed as the joint recipients of the the Your Manchester Icon award at Manchester Pride 2025. The prize recognises outstanding contributions to Greater Manchester and its LGBT community.
Ahead of the big moment, Your Manchester founder, drag queen Belinda Scandal, said: “Sue has captured the hearts of soap fans for the last four decades, bringing a camp flair to the cobbles and more recently, heartbreak through Debbie’s young-onset dementia storyline.
“She has worked on a number of projects alongside Your Manchester in the last seven years, supporting our media training scheme, and it’s only right that our second award should go to her.
“Russell – although being a Welshman – has Mancunian blood running through his veins with thanks to Queer as Folk, which was groundbreaking television for 90s viewers. He projected our little backstreet to the global stage, and for that we are immensely grateful.
“We’re overjoyed to have their careers and contributions to Manchester’s gay village recognised. It will be a very special occasion for the people of Manchester to see them both being celebrated in a special on-stage ceremony. A surprise star guest, who has roots in the projects of both of our icons, will be joining myself and Mark to hand over the gongs.”
The pair have since had their moment on-stage, and taking to Instagram on Wednesday (August 27), Russell hailed Sue in a sweet social media post.
Sharing a selfie of the pair on Instagram, he wrote: “Sue Devaney! I’ve worshipped her from afar for 40 years. Seriously. She’s wonderful. When I first came to Manchester, she was in a band called the Dunky Dobbers.
Sue and Russell were jointly given an award by Your Manchester at Manchester Pride 2025(Image: Russell T Davies Instagram)
“I thought they were so cool and so funny. I then kept an eye on her career- what a talent! – and we kind of moved in the same circles but never met. Sue was in Years and Years as a woman who’d invented a self-heating school dinner (no really) but we still didn’t meet. But finally! On Sunday!
“And it’s entirely appropriate after all these years that I took a photo in which we look INSANE. We look like we could eat a car. But she is, as I suspected, absolutely wonderful. Oh we hooted. Love you Sue!”
And it was Sue’s Corrie co-stars who were quick to respond. Jane Danson, famed for playing Leanne Battersby, said: “She is without a doubt sunshine in human form . Loved by everyone. I adore working with her and love our chat. Lovely you finally met.”
Billy Mayhew star Daniel Brocklebank replied: “I adore that woman! Beautiful that you’ve both finally met.” Sally Carman-Duttine, who plays Abi Webster, commented: “Sunshine Sue.”
Lauren Bolton actress Cait Fitton shared: “What a beauty she is inside and out. You can always rely on sue for a smile.” Former Corrie star Colson Smith also added: “She is truly the best. Hilarious.”
Sue herself also responded to Russell’s post, as she wrote on the comments section: “It was an absolute honour to share that stage with you Russell and to finally give you the biggest hug! I love you and everything you stand for! Date soon please! You, me and the fridge!”