Coronation Street’s Peter Ash reveals new role after ’emotional’ exit from soap

Star of Coronation Street Peter Ash has been Paul Foreman since 2018. He is the focal point of a tragic Motor Neurone Disease plot that comes to a head this week.

**Peter Ash plays Paul Foreman** (Image: ITV)

Fans of Coronation Street are ready for a heartbreaking tale this week as Paul Foreman’s devastating MND storyline comes to a climax.

Actor Peter Ash made his series debut in 2018 and leaves in a remarkable way as a result of Billy Mayhew’s frantic attempt to reach his spouse Paul. Paul’s health has gotten worse despite his heroic battle with Motor Neurone Disease, which has progressively taken away his voice and movement.

“It was absolutely emotional,” Peter said of his final minutes on site.

He acknowledged the difficulties of the last take, stating, “It was very hard not to reach when they’re saying their goodbyes and I’m pretending to be on the way out.”

David’s brief attempt at humor provides a welcome break from the grief before Daniel Brocklebank’s character Billy comes to the terrible realization that he has misplaced his phone, which has priceless memories of Paul. According to the Mirror, Summer and Bernie discover Paul comatose and are unable to get in touch with Billy, thus an emergency occurs at home.

Daniel Brocklebank remarked, considering the state of mind of his character: “Billy is full of regret, full of fear.”

He went on: “He begins to retrace his steps, but it’s clear that he’s in a panic because he needs to be reachable all the time because of Paul. He appears to be unaware that his farewell kiss to Paul is the final one he would ever see as he gives him such a casual goodbye, according to OK!

Not only was Billy kept in the dark, but Daniel had no idea that he was recording his farewell moment with Peter. After the moment was over, Pete stated, ‘You know that’s our final scene together.'” “What?” was my reaction. We don’t always shoot in plot sequence, so I started crying because I hadn’t realized that. It’s flown by so quickly.”

While fans are excited to see if Billy will make it to Paul in time for a fitting send-off, Peter acknowledges that the reality of his role’s ending hasn’t quite set in. “I don’t think it has properly hit me yet and I don’t think it will until I see the final episode – it just feels like I’ve had a long break,” he admits.

“When it really gets to me, I’ll be sad for myself. That’s it; I won’t be seeing Paul any longer. I’m terrified of it. The journey has been incredible.”

Throughout the narrative, Peter has pledged to help MND charities. He revealed that the response from the MND community has been “incredible”.

“They have been a huge help,” he disclosed. I’ve attended as many fundraising events as my schedule permits and have made some wonderful friends. I’m in their hands forever now!” Daniel continued by saying that Paul’s narrative has even had an influence on the lives of some MND sufferers, raising awareness of their challenges and offering hope.

“One woman who is living with MND contacted me to say that because of this storyline, people now know how to talk to her,” he stated. She stated, ‘I’m genuinely being addressed to like a person for the first time in a long time.’ Thus, we were overjoyed by the reaction.”

The actor is excited to get back to his work even though he is presently taking a well-earned holiday.

“I’m doing panto and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I’m playing the villain in Aladdin at Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham. It will be a lot of fun, a welcome diversion from this. However, I’m now relishing some downtime and lie-ins.”

It seems that his Corrie character may have more farewells to come.

“I continue to visit people,” he revealed. “They’ve not seen the last of me – they can’t get rid of me that easily!”