Shock Coronation Street exit as beloved character quits the cobbles after seven years
Will their exit be permanent as devastation looms?
PAUL Foreman is currently watching himself lose control of his own body as his motor neurone disease (MND) takes over.
The beloved builder faces the departure of one of his loved ones from Coronation Street, despite him being at death’s door.
After being diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, the fan favourite portrayed by Peter Ash was devastated to learn he only had a handful of months left to live.
As he began progressively losing his motor skills, Paul became increasingly desperate to find a cure for his condition.
Sadly, he was then told his condition was only going to worsen, making it clear he was living his last moments.
Paul made the decision to end his life on his own terms when his illness becomes impossible to bear, despite his husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), whom he finally married in 2023 after an on-off romance, begging him to reconsider.
Billy eventually came round, realising this was the only thing he could do to help his other half.
Meanwhile, Billy’s ward Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) has been blissfully unaware of Paul’s train of thought.
Protected by both of her father figures, the teen is planning her exit from the cobbles as she was offered to study in America.
In scenes due on ITV next week, Summer finally starts a new chapter as she books her flights to Boston.
Proud dad Billy agrees to cook a roast dinner by way of celebration while Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) takes her son Paul to his appointment with the speech therapist.
Dread is later at its peak for Bernie and Paul as the therapist confirms that his speech and ability to eat solid food have deteriorated.
She then suggests that it might be time for him to use a feeding tube.
Paul and Bernie return home and break the news that he can no longer eat solid food for fear of choking.
However, Paul assures Billy and Summer if they liquidise his food, he will be fine.
Billy, Summer, Bernie and Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) tuck into their roast dinner while Paul sets about his bowl of puréed food.
Despite trying to remain positive, Paul fights back the tears as Billy, Summer, Bernie and Todd clear away the plates.
After putting on a brave front, Paul bids an emotional farewell to Summer along with Billy and Todd as she sets off for Boston.
Could this be the last time she ever sees Paul?
Summer Spellman was first introduced to viewers in 2017 as the daughter of Billy’s old flame Drew Spellman.
The character was brought to Weatherfield when Drew, the only parent she had ever known, died from complications caused by cancer.
She was portrayed by actress Matilda Freeman for her first three years in the soap before Harriet Bibby reprised the role in 2020.
Will she return?
Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.
