ITV Coronation Street fans in tears over emotional tribute to Rob Burrow

Coronation Street fans were left in tears on Friday night over an emotional tribute to Rob Burrow.

The ITV soap aired a heartbreaking episode dedicated to Paul Foreman, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last year. Only recently, things have deteriorated for the cobbles favourite and Friday’s episode aired a powerful episode devoted entirely to a day in the life of Paul from his perspective.

The emotional episode was also dedicated to the memory of Rugby League legend Rob, who died from motor neurone disease (MND) last month. The episode saw Billy Mayhew and Paul enjoy a special day together, knowing each moment could be their last, after they were told it was no longer safe for Paul to use the stair lift to leave the flat.

Friday’s episode started with Paul waking from a dream to discover his speech had drastically deteriorated and viewers then experienced the day with him through his inner thoughts and emotions in a voiceover from actor Peter Ash. Paul and Billy visited the church where they married, tasted beer bubbles in the Rovers and spent time with their families.

At the end of the emotional episode, Coronation Street paid tribute to Rob. Alongside a photo of Rob on the cobbles with the actors who play Paul and Billy, a message read: “Dedicated to Rob Burrow CBE friend and advisor to Coronation Street.”

Taking to Twitter, now X, one person said: “Nice tribute to Rob Burrow at the end #corrie”, a different account put: “What a sad, touching episode of #Corrie tonight, beautifully acted by Peter and Daniel… Episode dedicated to Rob Burrows” while another added: “A stunning episode. So insightful, emotional and powerful. Brilliant performances from Peter Ash, Daniel Brocklebank and others. Beautifully dedicated to Rob Burrow. #Corrie.”

Last month, it was sadly announced that former Leeds Rhinos rugby legend, Rob, had passed away at the age of 41 following a battle with motor neurone disease. Rob, who retired from playing in 2017, was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and raised millions alongside former team-mate Kevin Sinfield to raise awareness of the disease before his death.

Rob’s former club announced his death in June. The Burrow family released a statement paying tribute to him, which was also shared on the Leeds Rhinos website. It read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.

“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease). He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.

“The outpouring of love and support that rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and half years meant so much to Rob. In particular, the rugby league family and the MND community have rallied around rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.

“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and half years came as no surprise. Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”