Sue Devaney
“If somebody crosses Debbie, that’s their lot!”
Actress Sue Devaney’s second TV job at just 16 was playing Kevin Webster’s sister, Debbie, in Corrie – and she’s living proof that Street stars make superstars. Now best known for her roles in Dinnerladies, Casualty and the 80s children’s TV series, Jonny Briggs, Sue first left the cobbles after just a year back in 1985, to carve out her impressive career on both stage and screen. However, she has never forgotten her roots. After returning to Corrie last year for the first time in over three decades, the star is back again for a longer stint as Debbie, Kev’s brash-but-protective sister. And Sue is over the moon to be home…
Welcome back to Corrie, Sue! What has it been like stepping on to the cobbles again?
I thought I’d be really nervous, especially playing a character that I played when I was 16, and
I’m now 53! But it feels absolutely amazing. I was chuffed to come back last year for six episodes. Mike Le Vell, who plays Kevin, asked me if I would, and he contacted a producer. I was over the moon to get the call!
What are your memories of playing Debbie in the 80s?
I remember some of the big Corrie stars, such as Jean Alexander [who played Hilda Ogden] – and there was Julie Goodyear [aka Bet Lynch] arriving at the studios in a white Rolls-royce. The driver got out to open the door for her and I thought, ‘Wow’! It was a special time that I will never forget. Now, I walk into the building and see friends like Mike, and Sally Ann Matthews [Jenny], who were both around then. Sally Dynevor [Sally Webster] and I have been recalling that we once had a chat in the 80s about Coronation Street being her dream job, and we had a little cry! We’re in our 50s now – and look at us!
Is Debbie the same person now as when she was younger?
Debbie was very outspoken as a teenager, and I think she’s still has that trait. I’ve based her on one of my old friends who I’ve known since
I was seven. She never goes out without a full face of make-up, and earrings that match her bag and shoes. That’s what I love about Debbie. It’s great to play someone so in your face!
How is it doing your own make-up for a character who is so glam?
I got to my dressing room and I was like a child in a sweet shop. The make-up isn’t your usual Boots No7 – you get Chanel and MAC, and the make-up brushes have your name on them. I thought I was special and had ‘made it’, but they’re doing it for safety!
What’s brought Debbie back to Weatherfield this time?
Business has brought her back, but ultimately Debbie has missed her family. I think you do get to that age in life where you want to be closer to home, and Debbie has never forgotten where she comes from. She takes comfort in that and, this time round, she thinks, ‘I quite like it here’.
What more can you tell us about her return to the cobbles?
I said that she has to be single, as I was hoping to have a few snogs on Corrie!
But we have to be two metres apart, so there’s none of that going on. Debbie now has a lot of money, to the extent where she can just give away £200k, which is wonderful to play. And I think if somebody crosses her, that’s their lot!
Is it exciting knowing you’ll be part of the Street’s 60th anniversary celebrations?
Yes! I was hoping there might be a live episode, but I’m not sure that is the plan this time. I actually did Emmerdale’s live episode for their 40th birthday. Debbie Dingle was having a baby, and I was the delivery nurse – and that was really exciting. But to be part of Corrie’s 60th year is just amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better!
Debbie was outspoken as a teen – and she still is!