Coronation Street's Peter Ash issues career announcement after ITV show exit

Ryan Paton

2 October 2024 at 10:45 am·3-min read

Peter Ash has issued an update on what comes next after his Coronation Street exit — -Credit: (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Peter Ash has lifted the lid on what comes next after his Coronation Street exit. The 39-year-old bowed out of the soap after a heartbreaking storyline, which saw his onscreen counterpart, Paul Foreman, die after a battle with motor neurone disease.

The soap star has been flooded with praise and won award recognition for his incredible portrayal throughout the heartbreaking storyline. Peter triumphed at the National Television Awards and Inside Soap Awards since his final scenes were broadcast last month.

In an interview with the Daily Star's HotTV column, Peter said he is enjoying some time off after his Corrie exit. He said: "I was doing the storyline for a year and a half. It was exhausting emotionally and physically.

"So now I've left the show, I'm enjoying some lie-ins. I'm enjoying a bit of time off. I'm not thinking about what comes next year." The soap star is relaxed about the future as he issued an update on the search for his next role.

He said: "I'd like to do a bit of everything. I've always been a bit of a jobbing actor. I'm happy to do a bit of radio, film, TV, theatre... whatever it may be. I'm excited to see what'll happen. I want to try new things."

Peter issued an emotional tribute to fans after his final scenes were broadcast. In a video posted to the show's X page, he said: "So, my time on 'Corrie' has come to an end.

"I just want to say - thank you to everyone for the support you’ve given me over the years and with the storylines I’ve done. I really appreciate it. We’d be nothing without our fans, so thank you very much. I’ve had the time of my life filming 'Corrie'."

Peter enjoyed a close bond with his co-star, Daniel Brocklebank, who played Paul's onscreen love interest, Billy Mayhew. Daniel spoke to the ECHO at the Radio Times Soap Awards earlier this year about the emotional impact Paul's then-impending departure would have on his character.

He told the ECHO in July: "At the moment we're dealing with the latter end of the motor neurone disease storyline. Inevitably, we're going to be dealing with Paul's death, which is going to be heartbreaking."

The storyline was particularly emotional for Daniel as his grandad died after suffering with the condition. The 44-year-old is an ambassador for the MND association and said it has been a privilege to address the subject on screen.

Peter Ash and Daniel Brocklebank won praise for their powerful performances during the Coronation Street storyline -Credit:Mike Marsland/WireImage

He said: "In 30 years of doing this for a living, I've never played anything that's so close to home. It's been a real honour to tell this story so publicly and, in a round about way, commemorate my grandfather and the many people I've known with MND over the last two decades."

Daniel has been working with the MND charity for 23 years and said it inspiring to be a part of such vital work in raising awareness on the condition. He said: "I've never seen so much awareness raised. What Rob Burrow has done, Kevin Sinfield and our storyline has had a positive effect on the MND community."