viewers were heartbroken to learn that Kevin Webster's sister Debbie, played by Sue Devaney, could be leaving the cobbles altogether after a dementia diagnosis. She has already been seen on-screen acting erratically and suffering injuries in a brutal fall in the lead-up to one of 2025's biggest soap storylines.
However, now fans of the favoured soap have put forward a theory that she may not have the condition after all. One hopeful viewer took to Reddit to suggest a plot twist which could "keep her in" the series. They stated: "Statins can cause short term memory issues that resolve when you stop taking them. Can Dr Gaddis realise that Debbie has been taking statins and that could be the cause of her memory problems and tell her to stop taking them? Memory restored and we can keep Debbie."
They added: "I doubt the pharmaceutical companies will like this but it is a known side effect for some people and the filming that has already taken place won't need changing."
Another fan replied in agreement: "I really wish the writers would listen to us and reverse their really unpopular decision to axe Debbie. We don't want her to leave, the actress doesn't want this..."
"Would be nice [to keep her in the show], but these producers are looking to cull for some reason, and as always they pick some good ones and leave the bad ones alone," lamented a third.
Someone else chimed in: "They are dead set on this storyline unfortunately."
The NHS website has listed "memory problems" as an "uncommon" but possible side effect of taking cholesterol-lowering statins, while over in the USA. The FDA has also stated that memory loss, confusion and forgetfulness are potential risks.
Case studies have been cited showing that some of those on the medication find their memory problems are reversible once they stop taking them.
Meanwhile, next week viewers will see the storyline unfold as Debbie is advised she has started to show signs of vascular dementia. Her appointment takes place just hours before she receives an unexpected proposal of marriage.
Coronation Street airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
