Coronation Street is to air an episode entirely dedicated to telling Paul Foreman's story as he approaches the end of his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The character - played by Peter Ash - was diagnosed with the incurable degenerative condition in April 2023 and the soap has followed his gradual deterioration in the period since.
Paul is now confined to his chair, unable to eat solid foods and is barely able to talk - and in next week's episodes, after learning that it is no longer safe for Paul to leave the flat, his husband Billy (Daniel Brocklebank) organises one last special day out with him.
Waking from a dream to find that his speech has drastically deteriorated, Paul is then whisked away by Billy for their carefully-planned excursion - as a voiceover from actor Ash provides Paul's inner monologue for viewers throughout.
The episode - dedicated to late rugby legend Rob Burrow - will see the pair revisit the church where they got married, head to the Rovers to taste beer bubbles and spend quality time with friends and family.
© ITV
"Paul's MND has been such an important, powerful story and this episode is one of the real pinnacle moments in Paul's journey," said Corrie producer Verity MacLeod. "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."
Ash said: "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!"
Meanwhile Brocklebank, whose own grandfather passed away from MND, 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."
The special episode of Coronation Street airs Friday, July 26 at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Neil Wilkes
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