Coronation Street's Daniel Brocklebank supported by fans who had 'no idea' about personal link to character

Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank has been flooded with praise and support for his continued efforts to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease as his on-screen character cares for his husband with the life-limiting condition.

As fans know, the actor plays Billy Mayhew in the ITV soap and his character's husband Paul Foreman, played by Peter Ash, was diagnosed with MND last year after the former builder initially thought he'd suffered nerve damage after being knocked over by a drugged Carla Connor.

Earlier this year, viewers saw Billy discover what Paul had been secretly planning after watching the heartbreaking moment Paul suggested to Todd Grimshaw that he wanted to make the choice when his life should come to an end as his symptoms caused by the life-limiting disease progress.

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After his initial reluctance to agree to Paul's plan, Billy, in the end, vowed to be there for his husband and help him when he decides the time has come for him to end his own life. The couple have since been going about their business, both knowingly hiding a secret, along with Todd and Summer Spellman who was also informed of the tragic plan ahead of her trip to America.

In recent weeks, Corrie fans have been left heartbroken as Paul's condition deteriorates, with him now using a feeding tube and after a recent fall, facing being told his stair lift used to get out of his and Billy's flat should not longer be used, meaning he faces the rest of his life without getting outside.

Amid the continued emotional scenes, Daniel, who is an ambassador for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, shared a video message to mark Global MND awareness day.

In a video, he spoke about the support that is available to caregivers and shared his connection to MND following his grandfather's death from the disease more than two decades ago as well as his role in Corrie.

Alongside the clip, he wrote: "As someone who has lost a family member to MND, and now playing the role of a carer in our @coronationstreet storyline and as an ambassador for the @mndassoc it’s important to highlight the role of the caregivers on Global MND Awareness Day.

"When supporting someone who has MND, taking care of yourself often takes second place. It may feel impossible to think about eating and sleeping well, let alone keeping fit, taking breaks or getting outside. As difficult as it can be, there may come a time when you need help – and the MND Association is here for you. For suggestions and guidance on wellbeing search ‘MND Support for carers’ or call MND Connect on: 0808 802 6262. You are not alone."

And his fans and followers were quick to respond with support as well as praise for Daniel's work to highlight the rare condition affecting the brain and nerves, which currently has no cure.

@hhayloup said: "I had no idea you had cared in real life too. It must be so hard with this storyline." @beckiebramblesinthedesert commented: "Amazing post." @margaret_trees wrote: "Thank you @danielbrocklebank . For some reason this made me cry. I think that you saying ‘you’re not alone’ triggered that response." @nottsboi1980 added: "@danielbrocklebank this is such an amazing post."