EXCLUSIVE: ITV Coronation Street star Peter Ash on heartbreaking reaction to Paul storyline ahead of show first

Coronation Street star Peter Ash has opened up about the reaction to Paul’s diagnosis ahead of a show first tonight.

Peter plays Paul Foreman on the ITV soap, who will have a whole episode dedicated to his storyline on Friday night as Paul and Billy spend a perfect day together before his condition deteriorates too much. Paul was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in heartbreaking scenes last year and his condition has worsened day by day.

Now Peter – who plays Paul – has opened up about the special episode, which will focus solely on the pair as they spend a day together. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror about the storyline and the special episode coming up, Peter – who plays Paul – said: “People have reacted amazing to it. The response has been fantastic. It’s been tough, it’s been tiring. It’s been a long road but we’re nearly at the end now. I’m so grateful to be part of the storyline and raise awareness.

“It was amazing to film but tough because it was so emotional and hard but a beautiful episode and it was beautifully written. I’m looking forward to seeing that, it was great to work on. I’ll be sad to go but so grateful to be trusted with that storyline.”

Peter admitted it is a “double edged sword” to be leaving the show eventually – but he is grateful for leading an important storylline.

He said: “It’s a bit of a double edged sword, you know? Really sad to go, but like, really grateful that they trusted me with this storyline. So, some mixed emotions about leaving. Working with Daniel from day one has been amazing.

“We have so much fun. And yeah, obviously because he has a personal connection to MND, he’s a great source of information and insight. And I’ll very much miss working with him.”

Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy Mayhew, will also take a key role in this upcoming episode. He said: “There were times I burst into tears on set during the filming of this episode. There was one day I got in the car after work, and I just wept.

“Pete and I have been living in an emotional state for a while now with this storyline, and obviously because we have played it out in real time. Seeing Pete in that condition is so emotional to play. Pete’s performance and his attention to detail has been incredible, I’m hoping that he wins all the awards, he deserves it so much.”