Deborah "Debs" Brownlow was Natalie Barnes' beautician sister who had a brief spell in Weatherfield in 2000.
Debs turned up at the Rovers Return after working on cruise ships for a number of years, reuniting with Natalie. She stayed for nine months, living at No.6 and working as a hairdresser at Audrey's salon. In November, she ended her relationship with Duggie Ferguson and ran off with Natalie's ex-boyfriend Vinny Sorrell, returning to her old cruise firm.
Biography[]
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Personality[]
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Background information[]
Gabrielle Glaister with Denise Welch (left), who played Debs's sister Natalie Barnes
Gabrielle Glaister's casting as Debs, the sister of established character Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch), attracted media attention as the actress was already well known for her roles as Patricia Farnham in the Channel 4 soap Brookside between 1990 and 1997 and Bob in Blackadder. Glaister said: "I am a huge fan of Coronation Street and I am thrilled to be working alongside Denise. I'm just hoping it won't spoil my enjoyment as a viewer as I will know what is going to happen." Welch added it would "be an opportunity to establish another part of Natalie's character."[1]
Angela Lonsdale also auditioned for the part of Debs. She was later asked back to try out, ultimately successfully, for the role of Emma Taylor - a role she played until 2003.
Glaister ultimately departed the programme after only eight months. Debs left alongside Vinny Sorrell (James Gaddas).
Glaister returned to Coronation Street in the new role of Fern Lindon between August and November 2022, making her one of only seven actors who have played a regular character in the programme and gone on to make a subsequent appearance in a separate role.
First and last lines[]
"Well, I tried ringing as soon as we docked at Southampton, but you... you're always gadding about!" (First line, to sister Natalie)
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"I've gotta post this in the salon." (Final line, to Vinny Sorrell)
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