Coronation Street fans noticed a reference to another famous TV show in tonight’s episode. There is plenty of drama and upsetting scenes on the Cobbles at the moment, especially with Debbie Webster’s onset dementia storyline, but comedy moments will always be a part of the soap.
Monday’s episode saw Debbie, played by Sue Devaney visit a memory clinic to undergo some tests. She was referred by a private doctor, who’d warned that she was possibly showing signs of young onset dementia.
Despite this, Debbie is determined to remain positive and keep a focused outlook on the future. She rounded her friends up and announced to them that life is living and that’s what she intends to do.
Visiting Kevin and Abi’s house, she was asked if she wanted any breakfast. Debbie responded: “Go on then, just a piece of toast, low fat spread.”
The character has been noted by fans of the show for bringing comedy, and a certain phrase has caught the attention of many people watching tonight. When speaking to Abi and Kevin, she gave them a lunch proposal, to help with the wedding menu choices.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Lisette wrote: “Great Dinnerladies reference in @itvcorrie tonight. Debbie Webster “one slice of toast, low fat spread.” Best bit of writing in ages.”
Ami added: “I got the quip from Debbie… When she was in Dinnerladies she always asked Brenda (Victoria Wood)for “low fat spread” for her toast….as she did today.. Nice touch.”
Angie posted: “Debbie saying ‘slice of toast, low fat spread’!!! Genius!!” And Ant added “#Corrie Debbie going back to her Dinnerladies days ordering toast with low fat spread.”
The comments continued as fans found the reference to be a stroke of genius. Others commented “Not Debbie’s low-fat spread line!! I’ve waited so long for a Dinnerladies reference” and “Debbie making sure she has low fat spread. A nod to Dinnerladies.”
This week, viewers have watched as she accepted Ronnie Bailey’s marriage proposal. Corrie bosses have already confirmed that Debbie will eventually receive a formal diagnosis in upcoming episodes.
Sue played Jane in Dinnerladies, a regular customer to the canteen who started every morning ordering twelve rounds of white toast with low fat spread.
Very little is known about Jane apart from the fact that she worked as a secretary in the planning department. In an episode of the second series when the canteen girls have a bet with Jane on whether Tony and Bren will “get it on”, Twinkle says “We’ve got a bet on with Jane from planning.”
When quizzed about the quickness of the decision to be engaged and start wedding planning, Debbie replied “That man knows which way his bread is buttered.” before asking if the street residents were “game on”.
Asking the family to “stuff their faces with delicious grub” before letting her know what she likes. Debbie was thrilled when they all agreed to join her for the special event.
Describing the wedding as “mega”, she revealed it will be the “best” of everything with no expenses spared. While she has not yet received the whole truth about her dementia situation, she is keeping her fiancé in the dark about the potential seriousness of the situation.
Speaking about the upcoming storyline, the actress recently spoke about why her character keeps her guard up so much. She stated: “I can totally understand it. My mum did the same when my dad had cancer. She downplayed it to protect us. I think Debbie is in denial and wants to pretend everything is alright until it’s not.
“She’s a protector of her family, even though she doesn’t have children. She doesn’t want to worry them. It’s like her world is being exploded. Also, people will treat you differently. She wants people to see her as the Debbie they know, the one who is in control and running a business. She doesn’t want them to see her as someone else.”