ITV Coronation Street star 'glad' tough storyline has finished following exit

A beloved Coronation Street star has opened up about how it feels that their tough storyline is coming to an end. For the past eighteen months, Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) and Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) have been at the centre of a heartbreaking motor neurone disease (MND) storyline - a first for the ITV soap.

Fans will know that Paul’s time is running out, following his diagnosis of MND last year. Viewers of the ITV soap watched Paul start to struggle with his grip at first and he was eventually referred to a neurologist for tests. Sadly though, his speech and mobility deteriorated.

Fast forward a year and Paul is 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 uses an Eyegaze machine to communicate with his loved ones.

Meanwhile, Paul’s husband Billy has become his primary carer. The vicar has been determined to make the most out of what little time they have left. And during Monday’s emotional episode (September 9) Paul sadly died in heartbreaking scenes, marking actor Peter Ash’s exit.

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Paul was rushed to hospital after he was struggling to breathe, with mum Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove) and Summer (Harriet Bibby). Billy meanwhile had no idea what was going on as he lost his phone the night before and was trying to set up a new one.

Billy eventually discovered that Paul was hospitalised and was dying. In a race against time, Billy sprinted to the hospital - but he was too late. Paul sadly died with Summer, Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell) and Bernie beside him.

However, in a heartbreaking twist, when Billy called up Bernie she lied that Paul was still alive, so he could say his goodbyes, not knowing he was already dead. Now, Billy actor Daniel has opened up about filming the intense storyline - revealing he has first-hand experience of watching a family member deal with MND.

Talking to Liverpool ECHO and other press, Daniel said: “Because I’ve lived through something very similar in my own life, it’s been a really special story to be a part of and a really special story to tell. I’m very intertwined in my own life with the MND community, I know a lot of people living with it.

"I know people who have been carers throughout a family member living through it. So it felt like a very personal story to tell.”

Daniel’s own grandfather battled with MND and sadly died 22 years ago from the condition. And despite being proud of the incredibly powerful storyline, it appears it has taken a slight toll on Daniel. He said: “However, I’m really glad it’s coming to an end.”

He explained: “Because it’s been exhausting - but I’m hugely proud of what we’ve been able to do. I know that the MND community is really pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve. And it’s felt like I’ve been able to commentate parts of my grandfather’s story, and many many other people that I’ve known with MND over the past two and a bit decades.”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX