Emmerdale actress Charley Webb has opened up about her mum’s dementia diagnosis as she looks to raise awareness of the condition. Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.
Charley, who first revealed her mum Helen’s health battle in 2023, has continued to raise awareness. Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, February 2, she said: “She [mum] forgot something quite huge, it was something between me and her, and I just knew in that moment that it was something she wouldn’t have forgotten.
“I think everyone around me at the time was like ‘you’re being dramatic, everything’s fine’, and I was like ‘no, something’s not right’. I just knew in my gut.”
She added: “Mum was very on the ball with things and it was just something she dropped, and I thought, there’s just something that’s not quite right.”
The Debbie Dingle star told viewers: “I wouldn’t delay getting the diagnosis, because the process is quite long, especially for someone who is younger. Do not take no for an answer.” The 37-year-old noted that while her mum received her diagnosis at 64, symptoms had been present for some time prior.
The actress revealed that her mum had originally been told she had a water infection which could have affected her memory loss. Charley’s mum is now in a care home. She said: “It’s a massive decision but you make that choice and see them in a healthy environment.”
Speaking about her mum’s condition currently, Charley told the presenters: “She’s ok, she has some good days, some not good days.”
Charley’s brother, Jamie Lomas, often shares insights into the personal lives of the family. The actor is known for playing the role of Warren Fox on Hollyoaks.
He has had several stints on the show since joining in June 2006. He has also appeared in shows including Brookside, Coronation Street and Heartbeat.
Celebrating his mum’s birthday last year, Jamie wrote: “Today we celebrated my mum’s 75th birthday. Although she has severe dementia and has had it for 10 years now, she is still our mum and we love her so much.
“Dementia can be very cruel and very frustrating for family members, but we remember, that she was once like me and you and unfortunately her mind just doesn’t work the same anymore. You only get one mum and just remember that time is precious. Don’t ever forget that your mum loved you before the world even knew you existed. I love you mum. Happy 75th birthday.”
Charley opened up about her mum’s Alzheimer’s battle in 2023, the actress said she has been living in ‘hell’ after watching her mum deteriorate before her eyes.
She told Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond on This Morning: “My mum so much wilder than me – she would stay up until 4am with my friends long after I’d gone to bed.
“My mum was fit, healthy and always looked glamorous. Then you lose them in front of your eyes and you grieve for the person that they were.”