Debbie Webster has explained her shock split from Ronnie Bailey on Coronation Street, which occurred after she received a devastating diagnosis.

Debbie has recently been displaying signs of forgetfulness, and her half-brother and Weatherfield newcomer Carl scheduled an appointment with a neurologist to get to the bottom of the matter.

Monday’s (28 April) instalment began with Debbie’s condition continuing, and her rejecting Ronnie’s offer of lunch due to her appointment. Once there, Debbie received some devastating news as she was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

ITV

Despite displaying her trademark sense of humour, Debbie began to plan for the future, sharing her fear about her relationship with Ronnie after remarking that he didn’t deserve to spend time with the “shell” of herself.

After spending some time outside the hospital to gather her thoughts, Debbie had an interaction with a patient who had similarly been diagnosed with vascular dementia, and the exchange increased her worries about her own future.

When she returned to the hotel lobby, Ronnie delivered the news he had been desperate to share, informing Debbie that Alya Nazir had accepted his offer to buy No.6, and voicing his desire to “build a future” together.

Debbie, however, was understandably still in bits following her earlier diagnosis, and promptly broke off her engagement with Ronnie. Despite his pleas, Debbie refrained from telling the truth and said that she didn’t love him, with a heartbroken Ronnie leaving.

ITV

As Debbie arrived at the Bistro to meet with Kevin, Carl and Abi Webster, she was questioned over her break-up with Ronnie. Kevin in particular was left confused by her actions. After heading outside, a tearful Debbie confided in Carl that she wanted to “set Ronnie free”.

Despite hearing Carl’s opinion that Ronnie should have been “given a choice”, Debbie confirmed that the pair “were over” despite her love for him – will she be able to resist Ronnie? And will he find out the true reason for their separation?…