Corrie's Claire Sweeney supports co-star after mixed reaction to soap update (2025)

The actress, who plays Cassie Plummer in the ITV soap, was reponding on social media to an updates about an upcoming storyline

Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney has supported one of her co-stars as the mixed reaction to her latest storyline continued.

The actress, who plays Cassie Plummer in the ITV soap, was responding on social media to an update about the upcoming storyline involving Debbie Webster, played by Sue Devaney.

Fans have been aware that Corrie is planning for the beloved character will be diagnosed with young onset dementia in a hard-hitting health storyline.

It wasn't until this week, however, that more details about what's ahead for Debbie were unveiled. In next week’s Corrie, viewers will see Debbie grow 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 then decides to keep the potential diagnosis to herself and initially says nothing to her friends and family. It comes as Corrie producers and the story team work closely with Dementia UK on the long-term storyline which will explore the effects of young onset dementia on Debbie as well as those close to her.

Actress Sue, who first took on the role of Debbie aged 16, 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."

The latest update on the storyline, and quotes from Sue, were shared by Corrie on social media, as well as a new trailer showing the drama surrounding Debbie's secret diagnosis.

While Corrie fans continued to be divided over the storyline, with many praising the soap for raising awareness while also gutted at the impending exit of Debbie and Sue, Claire was among those to show her support.

Commenting on of the posts, the former Brookside star wrote alongside a string of red heart emojis: "Sue Devaney is Wonderful and will tell this story beautifully."

Meanwhile, Corrie's producer Kate Brooks has said of the young onset dementia storyline "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.”