Emmerdale's Charley Webb says 'it wasn't easy' after mum's devastating diagnosis

For many, Charley Webb is best known for lighting up British television as Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale, gracing our screens from 2002 to 2021. Yet beyond the cameras and familiar Yorkshire setting, her life took a dramatic and emotional turn after her mum, Helen, received a diagnosis of dementia.

Charley, who has also spoken about her own experiences with ADHD and autism since leaving the soap, chose to go public about her mum’s journey with dementia. Her intention? Raising awareness and urging families not to ignore early warning signs. It’s a story that’s more common than many realise, but Charley’s account brings that reality home for audiences everywhere.

The diagnosis, which came when Helen was 64 years old, was far from straightforward. Charley remembers the moment it all sank in—the day her mum forgot a major family event.

"It wasn't easy ensuring she got the diagnosis she needed," she confessed.

This wasn’t simply about memory lapses. For Charley, it was a wake-up call demanding immediate action.

The long and difficult journey to diagnosis

When it comes to dementia, Charley stresses that time is always of the essence. She didn’t hesitate in raising concerns with medical professionals, but hitting the right diagnosis was an ordeal. At first, doctors dismissed Helen’s symptoms as a urinary tract infection, an all-too-common misstep for those showing early signs at a relatively young age.

Charley has made it clear on several occasions:

“You can see the symptoms and you know something is just not right, but you have to keep fighting to be taken seriously.”

That perseverance is critical, she insists, because the process itself drags on—especially for people under the age most expect dementia to strike.

Looking back, Charley described the delays and lack of recognition as extremely tough. She highlighted how important it is for families to trust their instincts and keep seeking help if things don’t improve. Only after much pushing did they finally get confirmation that Helen was, indeed, living with dementia.

Living with heartbreak: the real impact on family life

Now 75, Charley’s mum lives in a specialist facility. This change was not easy for anyone. Charley has opened up about the emotional turmoil she and her siblings faced, especially during the initial eight years when support felt almost nonexistent.

She did not shy away from describing the darkness she experienced:

"It wasn't easy," she told Good Morning Britain and other outlets.

She highlighted the sense of helplessness, and even grief, watching a beloved mum fade while everyday support channels seemed out of reach.

Charley’s words are moving:

"It sort of becomes a form of anticipatory grief, because you’re not only watching the person change, but you’re grieving the losses along the way."

She believes awareness and openness are the first steps in galvanising better resources and help for those affected.

Breaking the silence: calling for better support

The actress’s candid account isn’t just about sharing pain; it’s a call to action. She has voiced, time and again, how disheartening it is when care and guidance aren’t available straight away. In her words:

"There was nobody there to guide us through those first eight years."

Her testimony brings to light the broader issue—families often left navigating these choppy waters alone. The process, already clouded with emotional fatigue and sadness, can become overwhelming without dedicated services. Charley’s aim is crystal clear: she wants others walking this path to know they are not alone and to keep pushing for answers and help.

She points families towards resources like dementiauk.org, urging them to make use of every available avenue for support.

Community reaction: a wave of support and hard truths

Charley Webb’s honesty has resonated with many out there, especially those caring for loved ones with dementia. The wider public, as reflected in reactions shared on This Morning and in the Daily Star, relate deeply to the sense of being left fumbling for answers. Her willingness to bring such personal hardship into the spotlight has not only earned her admiration but has also prompted important discussions about the reality of dementia in the UK today.

Her message lingers: look for help, insist on action, and know that difficult times are somewhat eased by the knowledge that you are not fighting alone.

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Emmerdale's Charley Webb says 'it wasn't easy' after mum's devastating diagnosis