Coronation Street‘s Debbie Webster will be faced with a terrifying new challenge next week, as her dementia continues to affect her memory. But could this latest incident be another set-up from her brother Carl or a genuine indicator of her worsening condition?

Fan favourite character Debbie was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year, after suffering scary black-outs and forgetting interactions with others. Though she remained determined to continue life on her terms, recent episodes have seen her resolve waver as she forgot a holiday she had booked for herself and fiancé Ronnie Bailey.

However, viewers know that the last-minute trip was actually booked by scheming Carl, who has been struggling to pay off his mounting debts. In a bid to take over the hotel accounts in Debbie’s absence, Carl convinced his sister that she had forgotten her holiday plans and encouraged the couple to take the well-deserved break.

In next week’s episodes, Debbie fears worst when she discovers yet another lapse in her memory regarding an upcoming commitment.

The shrewd businesswoman receives an email confirming that she will be speaking at an event the next day. Debbie panics as she has absolutely no recollection of the event and certainly hasn’t prepared a speech.

Will this incident be another knock to her self-confidence?

Next week’s episodes will also see the return of Debbie’s dementia choir, as she and Glenda Shuttleworth argue over a song choice. The two feisty women lock horns during rehearsal, but who will emerge victorious?

“I think it is so important to Coronation Street that Debbie has this real strong group of female friends. We really start to develop and invest in those friendships,” producer Kate Brooks previously explained.

“Glenda, Sally, Bernie, Christina, Debbie – this gang of women who are navigating life at the same time. They’re doing it with such humour and such loyalty to each other. Watching those friendships develop, there’s a lot of fun stuff coming up.”

She added: “Debbie’s dementia is there, but she’s not in the grips of it. We’re not anywhere near end game. Her story is powerful, it’s brilliant, it’s got so many different layers to it. But Debbie will be Debbie for a good while yet. So enjoy all the Debbie-isms that you can get.”