In a dramatic early release on ITVX, a beloved Coronation Street legend has been formally charged in connection with the death of Billy Mayhew. The shocking development, available to stream ahead of its TV broadcast, sees Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) taking the fall for a crime she did not commit.
A Web of Lies and Deception
The tragic sequence of events began during the catastrophic 'Corriedale' pile-up. While the initial crash was devastating, it was Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) trapping Billy in a burning minibus that proved fatal. As the vehicle exploded, Billy, played by Daniel Brocklebank, lost his life.
In the episode released on January 8, 2026, police descended on Weatherfield determined to find the driver responsible for the collision that sealed Billy's fate. Their investigation mistakenly zeroed in on Debbie Webster. Unbeknownst to them, this was the result of a malicious scheme by her brother, Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard).
Carl's Cruel Conspiracy Unravels
The truth is that Carl was driving drunk, with Debbie jumping into the passenger seat in a desperate attempt to stop him. After ploughing into the crash scene, Carl coldly switched places with his unconscious sister to cover his tracks. Exploiting Debbie's vulnerable state due to her dementia, he later gaslit her into believing she had been driving out of concern for his health.
Despite her brother Kevin's (Michael Le Vell) frantic attempts to prove her innocence—even pointing out that seatbelt bruises would show her true position—Debbie honoured a twisted promise to protect Carl. During a tense police interrogation, she stuck to the fabricated story, omitting Carl's drunken state.
A Heartbreaking Wrongful Charge
The investigating officer, however, swiftly dismantled her account. Evidence revealed Carl was well over the legal alcohol limit at the hospital. It was also disclosed that Debbie herself was over the limit and that an eyewitness had reported the car being driven erratically.
In a particularly cruel blow, the detective told Debbie that Billy would still be alive if not for her irresponsible driving. Tragically, Debbie Webster was charged with death by dangerous driving and driving while drunk. The charge leaves her family horrified and Kevin furious, as he knows Carl is the true culprit.
With Carl continuing to poison her mind and Kevin warning of a prison sentence, the stage is set for a harrowing storyline. Will Debbie continue to sacrifice herself for her brother's crime, or will the truth finally come to light on the cobbles?
