Coronation Street fans are celebrating Sue Devaney in the sweetest way after a nostalgic photo from her very first days as Debbie Webster resurfaced to mark her birthday.

The beloved actress turned 59 on July 2, prompting fans to look back at the moment she first stepped onto the famous cobbles more than 40 years ago. One throwback image, showing a teenage Sue beaming outside the iconic Rovers Return, quickly delighted long-time viewers who have watched Debbie’s journey through the decades.

Sue remains the only actress ever to portray Debbie Webster. She first appeared in the role in 1984, before leaving the soap the following year. After making a surprise return in 2019, she rejoined the ITV drama as a full-time cast member in 2020, becoming one of Weatherfield’s most popular characters.

The birthday celebrations come at an emotional time for fans, as Debbie’s heartbreaking dementia storyline continues to unfold on screen. Many viewers have admitted they are already dreading the day the character eventually leaves the soap.

Speaking previously about accepting the challenging storyline, Sue explained that she initially saw Coronation Street as the perfect place to settle after getting married, describing it as being surrounded by close friends. However, when producers approached her with the dementia storyline, she realized it was an opportunity she couldn’t turn down as an actress.

Despite the emotional plot, Sue has reassured viewers that Debbie’s story is far from over.

During an appearance on Lorraine, she revealed that the diagnosis is only the beginning of a much longer journey, explaining that the storyline will continue well into 2027 as the show explores what it is really like to live with dementia.

That update has brought comfort to many fans, who were relieved to hear that Debbie won’t be leaving Weatherfield anytime soon.

As birthday tributes poured in across social media, one fan shared the vintage photo of Sue from her original debut, writing: “Happy Birthday to Sue Devaney. Best known as Corrie’s Debbie Webster, Sue first played the role in 1984.”

The nostalgic image served as a reminder of just how long Sue has been part of Coronation Street history—and why, after more than four decades, she remains one of the show’s most treasured stars.