Yahoo News Coronation Street star reveals new tensions for Paul and Billy
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct allegations that some readers may find upsetting.
Coronation Street is about to air a hard-hitting historic sex abuse storyline for Paul Foreman, as his mum Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove)'s abusive former partner Kel (Joe Alessi) comes back into Paul's life.
Actor Peter Ash, who plays Paul, has revealed that his character will feel "pretty conflicted" when he sees Kel again, because "he didn’t realise he was being groomed when he was younger, he felt that he was in a consensual relationship with Kel".
And things will get even more complicated for Paul as his ex Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) will pick up on Paul's anxiety around Kel - and Paul won't react well.
"It’s quite irritating for Paul," he said. "At this point, Billy and Paul have split so Paul thinks it’s none of Billy’s business but of course, Billy being Billy, very caring, he sees something isn’t quite right with Paul.
"There are a few moments when it looks as though Paul might confide in him but he shuts down really quick. Paul has never had anyone to confide in, he was estranged from (his twin sister) Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) for so long as well.
"Although he quite likes Billy, this is something that he doesn’t want to share or even be truthful to himself about it. There is denial about what happened."
But when Billy decides to change his tactics and back off from Paul to give him space, Paul will end up feeling "abandoned".
"Billy has been prodding a bit much and Paul is having none of it but when Billy changes his tack and backs off, Paul feels abandoned," he said. "He has felt abandoned quite a lot in his life and Billy has been the one person that has been reaching out to try and help him and Paul then thinks that he has pushed him away."
The actor also revealed that he is very keen for the storyline to help people who may have experienced similar situations in reality.
"It is important because it happens and so many people are affected by this. Coronation Street tackles issue-based storylines really well and as truthfully as possible," he said. "It’s important for people to see it play out on television as people may see things and situations that they recognise and seek help."
Next week will see Paul disgusted with his mum when he hears that she's back with Kel before he is reunited with his former abuser, who tells him that what happened between them was "special" but that he's now committed to Bernie.
Billy will eventually discover the truth, leading Paul to try to come to terms with the sexual abuse and eventually his desire for justice.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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