Debra "Debbie" Dean is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jodi Albert. She first appeared in 2002, before Albert quit the role in 2004. She made her final appearance during 2005, before making a brief return in 2006.

Albert began filming for the role in September 2002. In October 2004 Albert decided not to renew her contract, she expressed that she wanted to leave to further her acting career. In September 2006 it was announced that Albert would make a brief return to the show in November 2006.

A writer from the show's official website described Debbie stating "Lively but often dishonest. Likes to poke fun at those she thinks are stuffy and uptight, but remains essentially loyal and kind-hearted." Debbie takes a job as a laundry worker in the local laundrette, Washed Up. Albert told an All About Soap reporter that playing a character "too nice" would be "boring". She liked playing Debbie because "a very strong edge" which made the role "more exciting". She added that Debbie's stories "can go a number of ways" because she "has so many levels to her".

Writers created a romance between Debbie and Dan Hunter (Andy McNair). Debbie is Dan's first serious love interest and McNair explained Dan is still adjusting to their romance. He stated that they have a "stormy" relationship because both characters are "very set in their ways and they are in turn quite different."

Debbie and Dan are portrayed as close friends, lovers and support each other through various dramas. Albert told Dorothy Koomson from All About Soap that Debbie likes Dan's "real bloke" and "whole rugged, manly look" image. Debbie enjoyed the challenge the "very serious and pretty moody" Dan provided, where she had to "crack his hard shell" to find "soft spots". Albert believed that Debbie's "light-hearted approach to life" and Dan's moodiness formed a well balanced relationship dynamic. Debbie has a tendency to "overreact" in the relationship and Dan is portrayed as the one willing to sort of their problems. McNair noted that Debbie enjoys bossing Dan about and is the more dominant figure in the relationship, noting she "wraps Dan around her little finger". Albert added that Debbie and Dan having an "amazing" sex life because Debbie is "very daring" and does not "hold back". This allows her to take control of the relationship better. Dan and Debbie also have a strong friendship writers rooted in their scenes. Albert explained that examples were when Debbie confides in Dan about her family issue, in turn h is supportive and writers show that the duo rely on each other.

McNair told Koomson's colleague, Joanne Tebbutt from that Dan's attraction to Debbie was born from her giving him attention when other females in the series would not. He believed the two "came from similar backgrounds" with "strong family values" and are both living in "hectic households". Debbie's desire to be famous is an issue for Dan, who wants to remain focused on his business. McNair added that Dan wants Debbie to be happy but would struggle if her career is successful. Albert told Koomson that Dan is "insecure" about Debbie having fun, he "flies off the handle" and Debbie becomes "defensive".

In one storyline, Debbie reveals that Dan is a virgin over a web broadcast in the Fish Tank. He is embarrassed and has sex with Roxy Maguire (Harriet Green), who is subsequently murdered by the mystery serial killer the same evening. Dan becomes a prime suspect in the murder investigation. Debbie discovers the Dan and Roxy had sex, which Albert revealed left Debbie "shocked and absolutely devastated". She added that Debbie also forgives Dan because she provoked Dan's behaviour by humiliating him in the broadcast. Debbie choses to defend Dan because despite his betrayal, she does not believe he killed Roxy. McNair believed that Dan was remorseful and apologetic about cheating on Debbie. They continue their relationship, but she still has trust issues.

Debbie finds Dan's arrest over the murder of Toby Mills (Henry Luxembourg) difficult. Albert told Rick Fulton from Daily Record that Debbie's story arc becomes "quite heavy". She added that Debbie would face "a lot of heartbreak" over Dan. She described a "very hard" couple of month which occur because "she's so in love with Dan and he's going through a lot." Dan is sent to prison and the pair break-up following Debbie having sex with Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson).