Former Emmerdale actress Charley Webb has publicly revealed she has begun the formal process of being assessed for autism and ADHD. The 37-year-old, best known for playing Debbie Dingle on the long-running ITV soap, shared her experience during a candid appearance on the Girls Next Door podcast.
The Initial Diagnosis Process
Webb explained that she is in the early stages of investigation with medical professionals. "I've sort of just been diagnosed with that," she said regarding ADHD, before clarifying her position. "I don't want to confirm it because I'm only at the initial stages. More autism – autistic/ADHD. I'm like, what? I've just started the process."
The mother-of-three expressed that while the potential diagnosis doesn't shock her, she finds it particularly illuminating when reflecting on her life experiences and how others have perceived her.
Lifelong Experiences Explained
Webb disclosed that she has frequently been described as "cold" throughout her life, a characterization she now believes might be connected to autistic traits. "I think that could just be like a little bit of the autistic side of me if it is true," she reflected.
She elaborated on her social interactions, noting her difficulty with superficial pleasantries. "I'm not the biggest smiler, either. I only smile if I really mean it. People fake-smile. People will just smile because they think it's the thing to do, whereas I don't."
The actress described her black-and-white approach to relationships: "It does take me a minute and I'm very like, yes or no. I'm so black and white: I like you, I don't like you. There's never an in-between with me."
Sensory Sensitivities and Understanding Neurodiversity
Webb identified noise as a significant trigger for her, describing how overwhelming environments affect her. "I go from nought to 60 in like one second. All those loud noises, if I go somewhere really busy, I find it so overwhelming."
She welcomed the growing public discussion around neurodiversity, contrasting it with past attitudes. "Years and years ago, nobody talked about it. There was never a discussion about ADHD or any of that sort of stuff. But now it's like everywhere."
The actress emphasized the importance of self-understanding, particularly noting the genetic component of such conditions. "It's something that is within you, isn't it? It's something that is genetic. Like ADHD, for instance, one parent would have to have it in order for a child to have it."
Webb left Emmerdale in 2021 after many years portraying Debbie Dingle and is now focusing on understanding her neurodivergent traits as she continues with the diagnostic process.
