Debbie Webster actress Sue Devaney has opened up on not having children, saying she missed the opportunity while focused on her career
Debbie Webster actress Sue Devaney has opened up on not having children, saying she missed the opportunity while focused on her career
Joe Crutchley Screen Time reporter
17:02, 18 Jan 2026
Debbie Webster, a character on Coronation Street, recently revealed a surprising secret about having a child on the soap – but does the actress who portrays her, Sue Devaney, have children in real life?
Sue first joined the popular ITV soap in 1984, taking on the role of Debbie, introduced as Kevin’s sister (played by Michael Le Vell). After departing a year later, she made a triumphant return to the cobbles in 2019.
Over the years, Debbie has certainly won over the hearts of viewers. However, the past year has been particularly challenging for the beloved businesswoman, following a diagnosis of young-onset vascular dementia.
Recently, she was embroiled in the multi-vehicle accident in the Corriedale episode, which resulted in the death of Billy Hayhew (Daniel Brocklebank).
The accident was initially thought to be caused by Debbie, but it was actually due to her brother Carl (Jonathan Howard), who, after causing the crash, moved an unconscious Debbie into the driver’s seat, framing her for the incident, reports the Mirror.
Last week, Debbie found herself in court, charged with causing the multi-vehicle collision. She pleaded guilty, much to her family’s surprise. In a shocking turn of events, it was revealed that Debbie is covering for Carl because she is secretly his biological mother.
Off-screen, Sue leads a far less dramatic existence. She is happily married to BBC journalist Jim O’Farrell, whom she wed in 2024, three years after their engagement.
Sue and Jim exchanged their vows in a cosy ceremony in Skipton, North Yorkshire, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. The joyous occasion was announced by Sue herself on Instagram, where she shared a snapshot of the newlyweds outside a hotel.
Interestingly, Sue has no children, a topic she touched upon during an interview with The Big Issue. She revealed: “I never had any children, and I’m now nearly 50, and I think I’ve missed that opportunity, but it’s only because I was busy doing what I was doing.”
In a poignant confession, she added, “People think you can have it all. I don’t think you can.”
She further explained: “I like to do one thing and not juggle about 25 plates. I’ve got a lovely partner, my sister, and my niece. I’ve got a life outside of acting.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
