Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street's Debbie Webster finally receives the news she's been dreading next week, as she's officially diagnosed with vascular dementia.
With brother Carl by her side, Debbie vows to keep her illness hidden from the rest of the family, scared of what the future holds. But as she carries this painful secret, how will Debbie react when fiancé Ronnie Bailey makes a huge commitment?
"This diagnosis is life-changing for Debbie – but she's in denial," our Corrie source explains.
"She doesn't want anyone to know she's ill in case they stop thinking of her as the vibrant businesswoman she is."
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After several tests and assessments, the day of Debbie's diagnosis arrives and she's forced to lie about it from the off. When Ronnie invites her for lunch she turns him down, claiming she and Carl are going to a meeting, but they're actually headed to the hospital instead.
Finally, Debbie meets with the neurologist and there, her worst fears are confirmed – she has vascular dementia.
As Debbie struggles to take it all in, the doctor explains that she can carry on as normal for the time being as long as she leads a healthy lifestyle. But Debbie can't face it…
"She can't bear everyone treating her differently," our insider continues. "As soon as Debbie starts telling people she has dementia it becomes real. She's worried they'll pity her and patronise her."
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After the diagnosis, Debbie corners Carl, adamant that she wishes to keep the news to herself and doesn't want any of the family knowing. But how will Carl feel keeping this heartbreaking secret under wraps?
Outside the clinic, a woman with dementia approaches Debbie, leaving her shaken. Seeing up close what her future could hold terrifies Debbie, and she's overcome with emotion.
Later at the hotel, Ronnie swings by and excitedly reveals he's put in an offer at No.6 for the two of them to start their married life together in a bigger place. But how will Ronnie react when he knows her future will be cut short?
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"Debbie fears she'll lose Ronnie if he knows the truth," our source adds. "She can't bear the thought of deteriorating before his eyes, so she breaks both their hearts – by ending it."
Later in the week, with their relationship over, Debbie calls round to see heartbroken Ronnie. She returns his belongings and tries to assure him that he's done nothing wrong, blaming herself for the shock change of heart.
Will Ronnie realise there's more behind their broken engagement than she's letting on? And how long can Debbie hide her illness before someone else discovers something's wrong?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
More information about dementia is available via organisations including the NHS and Dementia UK. Resources for readers in the US are available via the National Institutes of Health.
