Charley Webb became emotional while discussing her mother Helen’s dementia, explaining that the experience has been ‘very isolating’ for them.
The 37-year-old former Emmerdale actress shared in 2023 that her mother was diagnosed with early-onset dementia ten years prior, at the young age of 64.
She became very emotional while describing how much the news affected her, sharing that she felt completely isolated after receiving the diagnosis.
As a lifestyle expert, I often talk about keeping your mind sharp, and it’s important to understand what can affect brain health. Dementia, simply put, is a condition where brain cells gradually decline, impacting things like your ability to think clearly, communicate with others, and remember things. It’s a progressive condition, meaning these changes get worse over time.
I’ve learned that this condition doesn’t just impact someone’s thinking – it can really change who they are, affecting their personality, how they act, and even their mood. What’s particularly concerning is ‘early-onset,’ which means symptoms can start appearing relatively young, usually between ages 35 and 65. It’s a tough thing to witness, seeing someone change like that.
Charley, known for her role as Debbie Dingle on ITV’s show from 2002 to 2021, recently discussed on the Mail’s ‘The Life Of Bryony’ podcast why she decided to publicly share her mother Helen’s struggle with dementia, after years of keeping it private.
Honestly, seeing her finally talk about it just meant so much. She said she wanted to do everything she could to help Alzheimer’s Research UK – she’s an ambassador, you know, and so dedicated! But even more than that, she really gets how incredibly lonely this can be for people, and she wanted others to know they aren’t alone. It was just… powerful, you know?
She explained that she regretted keeping her experience to herself, as she remembered how isolating it had been. Because of that, she was motivated to help the charity even more, hoping to make a difference for others going through similar challenges.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever felt so alone as when that diagnosis happened.’
I completely understand the struggle of keeping something private when you know a loved one wouldn’t approve. The actress shared that she felt really torn – she wanted to be honest, but also didn’t want to disappoint her mother by going public with it. It’s a really common dilemma, balancing your own feelings with respecting your family’s wishes.
Charley shared that he hadn’t talked about something for a while, likely because his mother was a unique and striking person.
I can still hear her telling me not to reveal that information. She really didn’t want anyone to know, and that was just her personality.
My mum always loved makeup and looking glamorous, and honestly, I just felt really protective of her. Even though she probably wouldn’t have even known people were talking about it, I had this feeling she’d really dislike it being discussed. It was like I was trying to shield her, even if it was just in my own head.
She went on to talk with Bryony Gordon, admitting she’s still trying to come to terms with everything. She explained that grief happens both during a loved one’s illness and after their passing.
She became emotional while sharing how difficult it is for her to visit her mother, who requires constant care at a residential facility.
Charley admitted handling the situation strangely. While she tends to keep different parts of her life separate, she confessed – knowing it might be an unpopular opinion – that visiting her mother always makes her feel emotional.
She became visibly upset, her voice cracking as she paused, saying, ‘Sorry, give me a second,’ while trying to regain her composure.
Fighting back tears, she attempted to speak, saying, ‘It’s difficult when it’s not the person you love,’ before breaking down and hiding her face.
I truly had to collect myself for a moment there – it’s just… well, it’s hard to explain. The person you’re seeing isn’t the mother I know and love. It’s like she’s changed, and it’s incredibly difficult to watch.
She openly admitted feeling selfish for not looking forward to seeing her mother, explaining that these visits mostly brought up painful memories of past losses.
She explained that her sister always feels happier after visiting her, while she herself dreads going to see their mother, admitting she feels selfish for thinking that way.
I know this might be an unpopular opinion and some people might disagree with me, but I have to be honest: I really don’t like it. It’s terrible.
I wish I could feel happy about seeing my mum, and grateful she’s still with us, but I honestly find it difficult and struggle with those feelings.
Charley expected some criticism for openly sharing her difficulties, but she also believed others facing similar challenges would relate to her experience.
She admitted many people struggle with it more than they admit, and that it’s genuinely difficult to witness.
The actress shared that the most frustrating question she receives after her mother Helen’s diagnosis is simply, ‘How is your mum?’
Although she understood they were trying to help, she sadly admitted there was no solution to the problem.
She clarified that things weren’t going well, and it wouldn’t be accurate to say otherwise.
This condition involves a repeating cycle, where the person doesn’t improve and conversations tend to repeat without resolution.
In 2023, Charley publicly shared that Helen had been diagnosed with a condition that had been incredibly difficult for their family. Helen described the experience as heartbreaking, explaining they had to come to terms with the changes in her mother’s personality and health.
The actress, known for her role in a popular soap opera, shared details about her recent diagnosis during an appearance on the ‘This Morning’ show with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Charley, a mother of three sons and ex-wife of Matthew Wolfenden, explained that her mother used to be closely involved in her work, so she was quick to pick up on Charley’s increasing forgetfulness.
Because I started working at a young age, my mother began to experience memory problems. She eventually forgot something really important that affected my finances, she explained.
She was worried she’d lose her home, and it just didn’t seem right to me. Everyone thought I was overreacting, but I had a strong feeling something was wrong.
It took a long time to get a diagnosis, and it was incredibly stressful. She was a vibrant, free-spirited person – so different from me, but truly wonderful. Watching her health deteriorate has been heartbreaking.
She continued, her voice filled with emotion, explaining that she was pregnant with her second son, Bowie. Receiving a diagnosis was a difficult and lengthy process, and the experience was very traumatic.
It was a really tough time. She was a very outgoing and free-spirited person, much more so than I am. It was heartbreaking to watch her health deteriorate, especially since she used to be so lively and would often stay up late with my friends.
She explained that she now thinks her mother didn’t want to admit something was wrong. She said her mother was young, only 64, and always avoided going to the doctor, even for minor things.
Doctors explored many possibilities, even checking her thyroid and running tests, because they didn’t initially suspect this outcome. My mum was incredibly fit and healthy – she always took pride in her appearance, with perfectly styled hair and make-up.
Charley explained that the most difficult part of losing someone is watching them change before you, and mourning the person they used to be.
It’s been difficult to discuss, as it’s a very personal and significant experience, but she now seems so vulnerable and childlike, and I feel ready to share it now.
Either you or someone you know will likely be affected by dementia. Because there’s potential to make a difference now, we should take action.
Honestly, she said she was opening up not to give advice or anything, but because she really didn’t want anyone else to feel like they were the only one going through this. It meant so much to me that she was willing to share, knowing she wanted to make others feel less isolated. It’s just…she’s amazing.
After receiving a diagnosis, people often feel like they’re on their own, and that’s concerning, especially for those without a strong family network. We feel fortunate to have support, but overall, the system needs to offer much better care and assistance to everyone.
She described her family’s experience as incredibly difficult, saying they received no support or help. She explained that the past eight years have been a living nightmare for her and her siblings.
‘She’s now gone into a home and it was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make.’
To lean more about dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Research UK website here.
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2026-01-26 22:24