New Coronation Street boss faces major backlash as controversial storyline leaks and fans launch petition
CORONATION Street fans have launched a petition to change an upcoming storyline, after it was leaked that a character would be ‘killed off’ after four decades in the soap.
News emerged this week that Debbie Webster, played by actress Sue Devaney, will die as part of a long-running new storyline in Coronation Street in 2025.
The harrowing health plot hasn’t been well received by fans, who have reacted to the news by launching a petition to keep Debbie as part of the cast.
Debbie is the sister of Kevin Webster, who made her debut in the programme 40 years ago, and she is set to be diagnosed with dementia according to the Metro.
A source told the publication: “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.”
They added that bosses are planning for her exit to go down in the history books with some of the most emotional scenes ever set to grace the soap.
Yet fans are not ready to say goodbye as one Coronation Street fan wrote in a forum: “The story of Debbie having dementia is HUGELY unpopular with long term, loyal viewers.
“Sue is like a breath of fresh air and frivolity amongst the moaning and murder and she’s also a superb actor and has been very underused since her welcome return in 2019.
“I can’t speak for others but after 45 years I feel done with the show (I’m only 50).
“The chances of you reading this is slim and the chances of my moan making you change your mind is even slimmer – but I feel like I need to vent somewhere.”
Another added: “Another #issue based storyline. Can’t they do a more minor one for once, maybe have a character with diabetes or something, something they talk about in the background.
“A bit like EastEnders with Kojo’s autism, not something put in a major announcement.”
“This storyline should not be for Debbie,” argued another.
Some fans also referred to new Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks as one fan pointed out: “Kate Brooks is focussing on turning Carla and DS Swain into the street’s power couple.”
Another shared: “Kate Brooks has ruined her tenure already, I don’t care what ridiculous plots she conjures up, Corrie is done for.
“Even if it transpires Sue herself has made the decision to leave, killing her character off should be out of the question.
“I’ll also sign and support any online petitions or campaigns. I think the audience could only accept this development if Sue herself has requested that Debbie be killed off to prevent any future return.”
Fans have now launched their petition to see if they can have the storyline changed.
Launched on Change.org soap fans have urged: “We are asking the producer of Corrie, Kate Brooks, to reconsider this story now, before work on this begins.
“The departure of a character like Debbie Webster, especially under these circumstances, is not just a creative choice—it’s a statement about the direction of the show.
“We want Coronation Street to be the cornerstone of TV schedules, a place where we can come home to each episode for many years to come.
“We are urging those behind-the-scenes to have a rethink, for the good of the soap opera that we all love, and all wish to see thrive once again.”