Novels by Coronation Street Blog Editor Glenda Young

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Watch new Coronation Street trailer: Debbie's dementia


ITV have released a dramatic new trailer showing the upcoming storyline of Debbie's dementia.

In next week’s episodes Debbie grows concerned about her memory loss and books an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause.

After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a black out and fall, the doctor advises her that he wants her to have further tests as he is concerned she is showing symptoms of early onset vascular dementia.

A shocked Debbie decides to keep the potential diagnosis to herself and initially says nothing to her friends and family.

Coronation Street producers and the story team are working closely with Dementia UK on this long term storyline which will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie and those close to her.

Over the coming months and years the soap will follow Debbie’s journey as she comes to terms with the diagnosis and what it will mean for her and the family.

Actress Sue Devaney said of the storyline: “It is an honour and privilege to be given this sort of storyline. A lot of people are saying, why give it to Debbie? She's so vibrant and she's so full of life. But I think that is where a good story lies because it's somebody that has everything and also words are important to Debbie. She has a quick wit and everything is so important, money and success. She's been dealt this hand of this illness and it is going to be interesting to follow her journey.”

Coronation Street Producer Kate Brooks said: “With one in two people being affected by dementia, we felt this was such an important story to tell for the simple reason that it resonates with so many people. Having a character as vibrant as Debbie Webster, and an actor of Sue Devaney's incredible talent and calibre, at the heart of this storyline, was key to unlocking the many emotions that come with navigating this diagnosis. 

We're working closely with Dementia UK to ensure this story is told as truthfully and sensitively as possible - whilst never losing sight of the person behind the diagnosis.  This is a story about family, about community, but ultimately this is a story about love, and how love can provide light, even through the darkest of times.”

Young onset dementia is any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65. As dementia is frequently considered a condition of old age, the early symptoms of young onset dementia are not always recognised and may be attributed to other causes.

Comment from Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK :

“We are pleased to be working alongside Coronation Street on this storyline, which we hope will help debunk the myth that dementia is a condition just associated with old age.

“Our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses support many people like Debbie who are living with young onset dementia and understand the challenges that living with the condition can bring.

“The production team has worked closely with our Consultant Admiral Nurse for Young Onset Dementia to deliver a sensitive depiction of what it’s like to live with the condition. We hope this will encourage people to start having more conversations about dementia and to reach out for support from our Admiral Nurses when they need it.”


Glenda Young
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Coronation Street Episode Review Friday 30 May 2025


Good evening.  Tonight we say bon voyage to Julie and and I shall not carp about the send off she is given with funeral car and a right royal drinks session in the Rovers later.  We open with George in touching mode telling Julie that the day is about her and that Eileen will pull through.  There is a pot bellied pig to accompany Julie as she was mad for them and for the Beautiful South.  Apparently Theo is tied up with a job so will not join them at the wake (he is needed in Ambridge for his 40th birthday party next week too, but the rumour is that he will not make it).  [I had not previously noticed that Hays Travel has gone and the unit is boarded up with only Sainsburys having a presence.]  Eileen has found a letter for Brian in Julie's documents.  After the service, back in the Rovers, we discover that whilst in Wrexham Julie was playing netball and learning Welsh.  Eileen is kicking herself for not seeing her.  There is a special memory book behind the bar.  Theo arrives.  Brian confronts Eileen with the contents of the letter - which includes the life assurance policy which previously Eileen did not admit to receiving.  Why did Eileen lie?  Tracy weighs in suggesting the Eileen buy them all another round.  An argument blows up out of nothing.  Tracy reminds everyone about the attempted embalming - so the money was to be split three ways.  This winds up Eileen enough to throw a glass of prosecco over Tracy.  George advises that the Wrexham Girls have gone home for a match and all of the funeral plans are worthless observes Eileen her tone of voice blaming George who is feeling like a punchbag.  Anyway Julie has a game she wants them to play.  Tracy whispers something in Steve's ear about her and Tommy and he departs immediately.  On the next round George turns to Eileen and proposes marriage.  She does not respond as there is a new rover returning - Jason has arrived and Eileen gives him a huge hug.


Brody and his mother discuss Mick's plea hearing.  Mick does not want Brody present.  Apparently Brody is about to sit his GCSEs and should be revising.  The hearing is also discussed between Kit and Sarah - the former only wants to hear Mick confirm that he is guilty as he cannot deny it.  Mick reveals to Lou that Kit hired the hit men who did him over.  Kit will want to get to know Brody and then rekindle matters with Lou - which seems unlikely to me.  Later Lou is able to tell Bernie that Mick is pleading not guilty.  She also tells Bernie that Kit had Mick beaten up.  Lou tells Brody she will deal with Kit.  Lou arrives at Kit's front door to deliver a piece of her mind.  She says that Brody is not Kit's so he is to stay away from Brody.  Sarah has not taken the news of Kit's fatherhood well.  Lou warns Brody to stay away from Kit and not exact any revenge, but he is not listening.      


Maria is surprised to hear that Liam is at the builder's yard as he should be revising for his GCSEs.  Gary is ambivalent.  He has Ed working for him from today and is not sure Ed will take well to having a kid around.  However it might be a better experience than with Mick and Maria suggests that Liam should be Ed's gopher.  Ed decides to send Liam to get a tin of elbow grease but Gary catches it before it gets out of hand and Lian reverts to hiding in his bedroom from all these workplace bullies.  Gary later phones Liam to apologise but it goes to answering machine.  Ed is able to reassure Gary that Liam looks up to Gary and his tool belt.  He adds Liam will be all right.  


Carl is suddenly under cars at Kev's garage and his new found colleague Fiona is soon on the phone saying that there is a car available for an MoT.  Tyrone is having to look after Dorin so Kev (who has had his hair cut short) is willing to have Carl working there.  Later Abi makes it clear that she does not believe Carl is doing this for Kev.  They argue and she goes to get him a pasty so he can phone Fiona and get the car delivered - FD61 DWY.  Abi returns with a very hot pasty and catches Carl looking at the MoT forms - as if he knows what he is doing.  Later she watches him not doing very much to the car and it seems Fiona has another car needing attention already.  


Noah, the clerk at St Saviour's who has helped Billy with the funeral arrangements, comes into the Rovers prompting Theo to leave to make a call.  It transpires that Noah was one those who prayed over Theo during his conversion therapy.  Theo and Todd are polite to Noah - although Todd is clearly seething.  Eventually Noah departs so Theo can calm down.  Todd follows Noah into the street and challenges him.  Noah responds that he hates the sin not the sinner but Theo is displeased by Noah and his holier than thou attitude.  Noah is taking a taxi home and asks Steve if he can hire the Community Centre and asks about embalming the body before the autopsy and that possibly Eileen did alright on the life insurance so it might look dodgy.  Steve takes his fare away.


George does not get his answer - Eileen thinks he is joking and later tells him that she has not wanted to hear the proposal because she does not want to marry him.  Jason has been dumped by Lynsey he reports and Mary is organising karaoke.  Jason does not appear likely to be waiting long for his next conquest as Glenda makes her availability abundantly clear.  Mary and Brian tunelessly launch into "Islands in the Stream".  Billy introduces Noah to Todd and Todd's boyfriend Theo and they all shake hands with neither Theo or Noah referring to past knowledge of each other.  Eileen makes a brief speech about Julie and then stumbles so Todd steps in to reference Julie's reunion with Brian and her support for Theo as Todd's boyfriend.  He finishes with saying Julie will be really missed. And proposes a drink in her honour.  After a failed apology by George, Eileen decides she has had enough and goes home.  George eventually follows her and promises not to talk about the proposal but cannot help himself.  Eileen is honest  in saying that she did not want to hear the proposal because she did not want to hurt him - but she does not want to marry him, she wants to feel that she should want to marry him - but she doesn't.  George is of course very hurt.

Good to see Jason back, obviously we all know that it is not going to last but I hope that he and Eileen can enjoy the next few days.  Noah is obviously the next baddie on the Street - for some value of "baddie".  And given all the people who know about Kit's involvement in Mick's assault you wonder how long the secret can stay that way.  Of course Gary murdered Rana and Rick Neelan and has yet to pay the price (unless you count being married to Maria).  It was also odd that Noah seemed to know about the allegations about Eileen / George etc as the contretemps happened prior to his arrival.

Before I go I may or may not be here for the next two weeks.  I am heading for a week in the Azores and fitting in writing these reviews may not be possible or at least one of them will be very short.

Written by Jan McVerry and Steven Fay.  Directed by Gary Williams.

Kosmo

An Audience with Coronation Street - tour dates and more


For the first time ever, the legendary stars of the world’s longest-running soap are stepping off the famous cobbles and onto the stage for an unforgettable evening! An Audience with Coronation Street is hitting the road, and it’s shaping up to be the must-see event of the year!

This is your exclusive chance to get up close and personal with your favourite Corrie stars as they spill behind-the-scenes secrets, share hilarious stories, and relive heart-warming moments from the iconic ITV show. Hosted by This Morning’s resident soap expert Sharon Marshall, this spectacular show will be packed with laughter, nostalgia, and more than a few jaw-dropping surprises!

Each event will feature five Coronation Street stars live on stage—including a surprise Corrie legend! The line-up will vary from show to show, with different fan-favourite cast members appearing at each venue. Some of the stars taking part in the tour include Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Jodie Prenger (Glenda Shuttleworth), Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne), Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), and Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)—with more names to be announced soon.

In the first half, you’ll enjoy an intimate and lively chat with the cast as they share backstage gossip, funniest on-set moments, and personal stories about life in Weatherfield. Ever wondered what really goes on between takes? Or which co-stars are best mates off-screen? This is your chance to find out!
Then, just when you think the night couldn’t get any better, a very special Coronation Street legend will take to the stage! But who will it be? That’s staying a secret—for now! Every show will feature a different surprise guest, making each night a one-of-a-kind experience for Corrie fans.

Whether you’ve been watching since 1960 or you’ve just discovered the magic of Weatherfield, An Audience with Coronation Street promises an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Tickets are expected to sell fast—don’t miss out! Grab yours now for an unforgettable night with the stars of the Street.



Glenda Young
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