Coronation Street star Sue Devaney has been given a huge boost from those in her home city as she prepares to bow out of the long-running show in an emotional exit.

Fans were earlier this year devastated to learn that the actress would eventually leave the ITV soap following a long-running health storyline for her beloved character, Debbie Webster.

In scenes aired in April, viewers saw Debbie growing concerned about her memory loss and booked an appointment at a private clinic, believing her symptoms may be related to the menopause.

After discussing a series of recent incidents, shown as flashback scenes, including a blackout and fall, the doctor advised her that he wants her to have further tests as he was concerned that she is showing symptoms of early-onset vascular dementia.

Corrie is now showing Debbie’s life as it unfolds with the devastating diagnosis, with fans repeatedly sharing how gutted they are to be losing the character, and actress Sue, from the show.

But away from the cobbles, it’s been exclusively revealed to the Manchester Evening News that Corrie legend Sue, who recently said her storyline will run until at least 2027, will be awarded the Your Manchester Icon award at Manchester Pride 2025.

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Sue, who hails from Ashton-under-Lyne, alongside award-winning screenwriter Russell T Davies, best known for Queer as Folk and Doctor Who, will be the joint second recipients of the prize, which recognises outstanding contributions to Greater Manchester and its LGBT community.

Last year, fellow Corrie icon Barbara Knox made an emotional appearance on stage during Your Manchester’s live show to be handed the prestigious trophy, before performing a rendition of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ to an adoring crowd.

Attendees to the event have been told they are in for a real treat when Sue and Russell take to the stage this Sunday (August 24), with plenty of surprises in store.

Your Manchester founder, drag queen Belinda Scandal, said: “Sue has captured the hearts of soap fans for the last four decades, bringing a camp flair to the cobbles and more recently, heartbreak through Debbie’s young-onset dementia storyline.

“She has worked on a number of projects alongside Your Manchester in the last seven years, supporting our media training scheme, and it’s only right that our second award should go to her.

“Russell – although being a Welshman – has Mancunian blood running through his veins with thanks to Queer as Folk, which was groundbreaking television for 90s viewers. He projected our little backstreet to the global stage, and for that we are immensely grateful.

“We’re overjoyed to have their careers and contributions to Manchester’s gay village recognised. It will be a very special occasion for the people of Manchester to see them both being celebrated in a special on-stage ceremony. A surprise star guest, who has roots in the projects of both of our icons, will be joining myself and Mark to hand over the gongs.”

One of the largest Pride events in the country, the event will see thousands head to the city across the August Bank Holiday weekend, running from August 22 to 25.

This year’s event will feature some new additions and tweaks to previous years, with the inclusion of new stage areas which will host some of the biggest names in music, including global music icon Nelly Furtado who was recently announced as the final headliner.