First look at tragic and ‘spectacular’ Coronation Street episode as Paul Foreman nears the end

Coronation Street is set to air a special episode that focuses on a day in Paul Foreman’s (Peter Ash) life, told entirely from his perspective.

Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, and his condition has been deteriorating rapidly over the past few months.

In the powerful upcoming episode, due to air at 8pm on Friday, July 26, Paul and husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) will enjoy a special day together – planned out by Billy with the help of family and friends.

Having been told it is no longer safe for Paul to use the stair lift to leave the flat, Billy takes Paul out one last time, and the pair visit places that mean a lot to them, including the church they were married in.

Before they head out, Paul wakes up to find that his speech as drastically deteriorated. Throughout the episode, viewers will hear Paul’s innermost thoughts through a voiceover by actor Peter Ash, as he comes to terms with the fact that he has limited time left.

The episode, written by Debbie Oates and directed by Vicky Thomas, will be dedicated to the memory of Rugby League legend Rob Burrow, who died from MND last month.

Speaking about the special episode, producer Verity MacLeod said: ‘Paul’s MND has been such an important, powerful story and this episode is one of the real pinnacle moments in Paul’s journey.

‘Coronation Street has never done anything like this before, it is extraordinary, heartbreaking, funny and beautiful. Must see television at its best!

‘One thing we were keen to show in this episode is that due to motor neurone disease Paul’s speech has now deteriorated to the point where he is unable to speak to his loved ones unaided by technology, that while brilliant, can be slow and restrictive.

‘However, Paul’s brain is still completely active, his personality hasn’t changed. He still has a wicked sense of humour and is the quick witted cheeky chappy we first met in 2018.

‘To portray this we took the bold step of hearing Paul’s internal monologue and the viewers get to enjoy Paul’s thoughts without the encumbrance of MND. It’s a unique insight into the struggles Paul faces.

‘The acting from all of the cast is superb but especially Peter Ash and Dan Brocklebank. They are truly spectacular. The directing from Vicky Thomas and the writing by Debbie Oates is stunning. It is an incredible episode that we are all so proud of.’

Peter Ash was equally as proud to be involved, saying: ‘I feel incredibly proud to have worked on this episode. From the moment I read the script I knew it was going to be something really special (mostly because I couldn’t stop crying!).

‘I loved being able to record Paul’s inner thoughts, showing us the mind is still 100%, even with MND. I hope the audience enjoys it, as everyone involved gave their all!’

Daniel Brocklebank, who told Metro.co.uk at the Radio Times Soap Awards that he had never seen so much awareness raised for MND in all his time as ambassador for the MND Association as during this storyline, revealed just how emotional the episode is set to be.

‘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.’