Coronation Street Paul Foreman's funeral twist as star's request changes ITV soap storyline


A Coronation Street actor has disclosed that the executive producers reconsidered a significant element of Paul Foreman's funeral storyline. The character of Paul, portrayed by Peter Ash, tragically passed away on the programme this week following his fight with MND (motor neurone disease), a condition which audiences saw him get diagnosed with last year.

Initially depicting difficulties with dexterity, Paul was seen progressing to more severe symptoms that led to him becoming confined to his flat and dependent on a stairlift for mobility. He resorted to using a wheelchair and neck support and communicated with an Eyegaze machine as he connected with family and friends.

While dealing with his deteriorating health, Paul's spouse Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, took on the role of his main caregiver. Emotional viewers watched as Paul breathed his last in scenes broadcast on Monday (September 9).

READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street fans share same complaint over Paul's heartbreaking death scenes

READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street's Billy Mayhew 'to get new love interest' as he moves on from Paul's death

The funeral details have already been captured off-air, with images surfacing that show Weatherfield faces such as Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment) and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) attending the sombre event.

In recent conversation with Liverpool Echo and other media, Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy, discussed his request for the upcoming funeral episode - an idea they initially hesitated over, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Reflecting on the decision to let Billy lead Paul's service, Daniel shared: "He's obviously nervous. I was really pleased the producers decided to do this. I read about a couple of vicars whose husbands or wives died and they conducted their own service.

"And I asked 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 continued: "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