Coronation Street confirms worrying return in Ronnie’s story

Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Dodgy car dealer Fiona has already caused plenty of problems for Ronnie and his stepson Carl Webster, but upcoming scenes see the dynamics shift again as newcomer Idris Nazir also gets involved in the drama!

Vinta chatted to us while taking part in a stylish photoshoot celebrating Corrie‘s nominations at the Inside Soap Awards 2026. The pictures appear in the new bumper issue of Inside Soap, which is out now.

Hi, Vinta! How does it feel to be up for the Best Actor prize at the Inside Soap Awards 2026?

“It’s an unbelievable thing – not something I ever thought was in my line! It’s humbling just to have people nod and say that you’re doing a good piece of work. That’s flattering – but I always feel like my best is yet to come and I’m a student of the game.

“I just want to do something authentic that people believe in and they can get something from it. If that’s what this means, then it’s really good!”

Why should fans get behind Corrie for the Best Soap prize this year?

“Corrie is an outstanding tour de force of storytelling and has been at that pinnacle for so many years. This year, they’ve hit so many different heights with so many amazing storylines coming to the fore.

“The way they’ve been telling the story with Debbie and her dementia has been exceptionally nuanced and has really taken people on the journey. We’re doing something that only a soap can do – telling a story so delicately. In that way, Corrie really does do the job right and that’s why I think they deserve it.”

Do you get much feedback from fans about the Debbie story?

“Yes and that’s the thing – that feels like the Best Actor award when people in the communities come up to talk to you and express their gratitude for us telling a story of such magnitude. That’s when you really feel that you’re doing something worthwhile and that’s the important thing.

“There’s been a lot of encouragement from people who are deeply in touch with the story and feel visibly involved. Hats off to our producer Kate Brooks for being so masterful in telling the story and everyone else who’s involved.”

Is Debbie still in the early stages of her condition, or are things starting to get worse in the next few weeks?

“Dementia in itself is something that can take many forms. It can escalate, it can stay dormant for long periods and then it can rapidly decline into an area that you would not have expected.

“In terms of the pacing and where Debbie is at, it’s a beginning of a new reality for her. Not only for her, but everyone around her who’s grappling with this new Debbie – this new version.

“As we get into this new pocket of Debbie’s behaviour and explore how she goes about her day-to-day life, we’re going to see more moments where the dementia is starting to take control.

“Debbie’s having to consciously deal with that – and other people are realising that this isn’t as easy as they may have thought it would be.”

We’ve heard that Ronnie’s problems with a certain troublemaker aren’t over…

“Yes, I can say that Fiona is coming back – she’s played by this wonderful actress, Sara Poyzer, who delivers a very sterling, powerful performance. Fiona makes something happen on the Street which gets Idris and Ronnie to lock heads together. In true Corrie fashion, you can expect some explosive behaviour.”

Will we see the other Baileys get more involved in supporting Ronnie through Debbie’s journey?

“Yeah, I think the Baileys are a cornerstone of who Ronnie is. They’re his go-to, his anchor. His brother Ed in particular is someone that enables Ronnie to chill out, see the funny side of situations and feel encouraged. James and Michael also give him a real sense of togetherness and support. I think them taking a central focus in the story is really important for Ronnie, for sure.”

Has Carl really turned over a new leaf?

“With Carl, you never can tell! That’s partly due to how he was brought into the world and how he was nurtured as a child without his mum. He’s got some issues that he’s still dealing with.

“In terms of him being a reformed character, I think there are sensibilities within Carl that people recognise as someone who’s trying to do his best. When people do that, you give them room but obviously there is a saying ‘once bitten, twice shy’! So any time you see anything that irks back to that behaviour from before, you’re less inclined to trust!

“One eye is saying ‘okay’, the other is saying ‘I’m watching you’. At this moment I’d say Ronnie and Carl have a bit of a jostle but they’re on the right side of being friends.”

Are you still loving being on the show?

“Yeah, I am totally in love with Corrie. Everything that it is, everything that it continues to be and everything that it will be in the future.

“I think we’ve got a great stable of practitioners who do amazing work, telling stories that are hard-hitting and felt by the communities outside. I think it’s a real tour de force of TV and I’m very lucky to be involved in it.”