In a raw and deeply moving podcast appearance, Emmerdale star Charley Webb has broken down in tears while discussing her mother's dementia diagnosis, confessing she has "never felt so alone." The actress, renowned for playing Debbie Dingle on the long-running ITV soap, became visibly emotional as she opened up about the immense personal strain of her mum's illness.
A Heartbreaking Confession of Isolation
Speaking candidly to Bryony Gordon on The Life of Bryony podcast, Webb described the moment her mother, Helen, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at just 64 years of age. "I don't think I've ever felt so alone as when that diagnosis happened," the actress revealed, wiping away tears during the interview. She admitted that, even years later, she still struggles to process the reality of the situation.
The Ongoing Grief of a Family Illness
Webb, a mother-of-three who separated from her co-star husband Matthew Wolfenden in late 2023, explained the complex emotional toll. "They say that you grieve when they're here and you grieve when they're gone," she reflected. "I think a lot of people find it harder than what maybe they let on." The actress spoke of the difficulty in visiting her mum without becoming upset, stating plainly, "It's hard, it's not the person that you love."
An Eight-Year Journey to Speaking Out
The Emmerdale star has previously shared details of her family's journey on social media. In an Instagram post, she wrote about the diagnosis occurring in 2015 and described the subsequent eight years as a "learning curve" and a "grieving process" for all her mother's children. Webb noted that every day presents challenges that are hard to come to terms with, but the family now feels ready to raise awareness and funds to help others facing similar circumstances.
A Public Plea for Understanding and Support
Her emotional podcast revelation underscores the hidden struggles many families endure when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis. Webb's decision to speak publicly aims to destigmatise the experience and highlight the need for greater support systems. Her heartfelt message concluded with a tribute to her mother: "Even though she's still here, I miss her. Always my Queen." This powerful interview serves as a poignant reminder of the personal battles fought behind the scenes by public figures, bringing much-needed attention to the realities of caring for a family member with dementia.
