Coronation Street fans have been pointing out who they really think is at ‘fault’ for Billy Mayhew’s death following Summer Spellman’s shock outburst at Debbie Webster.

As those who follow the ITV soap know, Summer is currently deep in her grief following the death of her guardian and father-figure, Billy Mayhew, while Debbie is facing time behind bars for her role in the recent multi-vehicle crash which claimed the vicar’s life.

The horror incident took place during Corrie’s epice crossover with Emmerdale, dubbed Corriedale, and saw a number of characters from both long-running show’s at risk as they all became embroiled in the shock pile-up.

Before the crash, tensions reached a climax between Debbie and her half-brother, Carl, as he left her Yorkshire wedding venue in a bid to flee Weatherfield after being confronted on his sister’s big day over his fling with James Bailey by Abi Webster, and the hit-and-run which injured Tyrone Dobbs by Kevin Webster.

Debbie didn’t want him to go, so she joined him in his car and soon, on the stormy road between Hotten and Weatherfield, she appeared ready to tell him something, before he was seen losing control of the car, ploughing into the existing wreckages that had already piled up between Becky, Lisa and Betsy Swain, and Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle and John Sugden.

Meanwhile, Billy was in the minibus, which also became involved in the disaster, as he was driving a number of wedding guests back from Debbie and Ronnie Bailey’s wedding. He died when the vehicle burst into flames, which came after Theo Silverton seemingly stopped him from freeing himself.

And in another cruel twist, Carl pulled an unconscious Debbie from the passenger side into the driver’s seat to make it seem like she was behind the wheel. He later collapsed and was aided at the side of the road by trainee paramedic, Asha Alahan.

As he made a speedy recovery, Carl was quick to convince Debbie she was the one driving. While Kevin tried to call his bluff, revealing he saw them leaving and that his younger sibling was driving, Carl told Debbie they had swapped places having pulled over during the drive, and she followed his version of events.

During Friday’s (January 16) episode of the ITV soap, Debbie was seen getting her affairs in order as she prepares for a prison sentence having pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and causing the death of Billy. Meanwhile, Billy’s body arrived at Shuttleworth’s funeral parlour, earlier than expected, just as Summer and Todd Grimshaw were making their way down the cobbles.

 

Summer slapped Debbie in the street(Image: ITV)

Summer later vented to Asha Alahan about Billy’s death, blaming Debbie. Later, when on the Street with Todd, Summer was outraged to see Debbie enjoying a laugh with her new husband, Ronnie. She confronted her, saying: “Billy’s my dad and he’s lying in the undertaker’s, thanks to you, and you think it’s funny? Death by dangerous driving? You’re disgusting. It should be murder!” And despite Debbie being apologetic, Summer slapped her across the face.

And the dramatic scenes had Corrie fans rushing to social media. @NoniFlax101 said: “Poor Summer grieving Billly and slapping poor Debbie – can’t wait for them to find out it’s all Theo’s fault. #Corrie.” @RyanSoapKing25 posted: “Summer lashing out at Debbie! It’s not her fault! Carl moved Debbie out of the driver’s seat and Theo left Billy to die! #Corrie.”

@GHovhanesian noted: “#corrie Summer slapping Debbie was terrible because Debbie did not cause the accident and Theo killed Billy…” @ThomasR14336083 added: “Summer, you might be blaming Debbie (Carl) now but wait until you discover it was actually Theo who caused Billy’s death. #Corrie.”

Others, meanwhile, were keen to praise Summer actress Harriet Bibby for her portrayal of the character, which she has played since 2020 following a recast.

@daisysmidgeley said: “Harriet bibby is actually so underrated, she’s been absolutely smashing it out of the park since corriedale, SO good in today’s ep.” @bbettiekaren replied: “This!!! When she has a decent storyline she smashes it, the filler scenes she does don’t give her the chance to show her acting.” @DameLilySavage added: “Agree! She has been excellent, even when slapping Dame Debbie W. Seriously, Harriet has been great and she can now hopefully get her own grown up stories instead of being everyone’s daughter. Let her cook #Corrie! @bibby_harriet.”