Coronation Street boss changes mind and grants actor's poignant request for Paul's funeral
A Coronation Street star has revealed the soap boss changed his mind about a major part of Paul Foreman’s funeral. Paul (Peter Ash) sadly died this week on the soap after a battle with MND (motor neurone disease). Fans will recall how he was diagnosed last year, after struggling with his grip at first.
He was eventually referred to a neurologist for tests. Sadly though, his speech and mobility deteriorated too, and fast forward a year and Paul was housebound, unable to leave his flat due to not being able to use his stairlift. As well as using a wheelchair and support for his neck, he also used an Eyegaze machine to communicate with his loved ones.
Meanwhile, Paul’s husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) became his primary carer. This week though, Paul sadly died in emotional scenes aired on Monday (September 9). The ITV soap has already filmed Paul’s funeral, with photos from the set showing emotional Weatherfield residents showing up, including Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment) and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd).
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Now, speaking to Liverpool Echo and other outlets, Billy actor Daniel has revealed he had a big request for soap bosses about Paul’s funeral - and it was something they were unsure about at first.
Talking about Billy conducting Paul’s funeral, actor Daniel said: “He’s obviously nervous. I was really pleased the producers decided to do this.” He explained: “I read about a couple of vicars whose husbands or wives died and they conducted their own service.
"And I asked When Ian MacLeod [Coronation Street’s boss] about that a year ago, and he was like ‘Oh I don’t know if we’re going to do that yet.' And I said to him I would love it. Because I think you would if you had that capability, you would bury your loved one. So I was really pleased they decided to go down that route.”
Daniel went on: “But then you’re coming to the funeral from a two-pronged sort of position. You’re personally connected to it because it’s your husband that you’re burying, but then on the other side, you’re a vicar so you’re doing your job. And I think he’s worried that he’s not going to get through the service without breaking down, and feeling like he’s let Paul down.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX