A popular Coronation Street actor has shared their feelings about their challenging storyline coming to a close.
For the past year and a half, Paul Foreman (played by Peter Ash) and Billy Mayhew (portrayed by Daniel Brocklebank) have been at the heart of a gut-wrenching motor neurone disease (MND) plot – a first for the ITV soap.
Fans are aware that Paul’s days are numbered, following his MND diagnosis last year. ITV soap viewers saw Paul initially struggle with his grip, leading to a referral to a neurologist for tests. Tragically, his speech and mobility began to decline.
Fast forward a year, and Paul is confined to his flat, unable to use his stairlift. In addition to using a wheelchair and neck support, he communicates with his loved ones through an Eyegaze machine. Meanwhile, Paul’s husband Billy has taken on the role of his primary caregiver.
(Image: ITV)
The vicar has been committed to making the most of their remaining time together. In Monday’s emotional episode (September 9), Paul tragically passed away in heartbreaking scenes, signalling actor Peter Ash’s departure from the show, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Paul was rushed to hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing, accompanied by his mother Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove) and Summer (Harriet Bibby). Unaware of the situation, Billy had lost his phone the previous night and was attempting to set up a new one.
Billy was devastated to find out that Paul had been hospitalised and was on the brink of death. In a desperate dash, Billy raced to the hospital only to find he was too late; Paul had passed away with Summer, Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell), and Bernie at his side.
(Image: ITV)
In a gut-wrenching turn of events, when Billy rang Bernie, she lied that Paul was still alive, allowing Billy to say his farewells, unaware that Paul had already slipped away.
Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy, has now shared his personal connection to the storyline, having witnessed a family member’s struggle with MND. Speaking to Daily Star and other media, Daniel disclosed: “Because I’ve lived through something very similar in my own life, it’s been a really special story to be a part of and a really special story to tell.”
He continued, expressing his deep ties to the MND community: “I’m very intertwined in my own life with the MND community, I know a lot of people living with it, I know people who have been carers throughout a family member living through it. So it felt like a very personal story to tell.”
(Image: ITV)
Daniel also reflected on his grandfather’s battle with MND, which sadly ended 22 years ago. While he takes pride in the impactful narrative, it seems the emotional weight of the plot has had its impact on him.
He admitted: “However, I’m really glad it’s coming to an end.” He elaborated: “Because it’s been exhausting – but I’m hugely proud of what we’ve been able to do.
“I know that the MND community is really pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve. And it’s felt like I’ve been able to commentate parts of my grandfather’s story, and many many other people that I’ve known with MND over the past two and a bit decades.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
