Coronation Street actor Daniel Brocklebank has declared that he is "so proud" to have been involved in the soap's acclaimed Motor Neurone Disease (MND) storyline.
The slow-burning plot followed Paul (Peter Ash) - the husband of Brocklebank's character Billy, through the gradual cruel progression of the terminal disease - culminating with Paul losing his life in scenes broadcast in September.
For Brocklebank the story hit particularly close to home as he lost his grandfather to MND over two decades ago - and he believes that those involved in the MND community are pleased with the way the UK's biggest soap has raised awareness of the issue.
"I think for the most part, people have felt very moved by it," he said. "I know 100% that the MND community has been.
"I'm actually at another MND fundraiser coming up, with Pete and Harriet [Bibby, aka Summer] coming as well. So all of that is still ongoing.
"Anybody that's experienced MND for themselves, you know, either with themselves or a loved one, I think they've been really thrilled with we were so truthful with it right up until the end."
Speaking about the story's impact, he continued: "I would like the legacy to be that we've really helped to raise the profile of MND, the visibility of it and what it does to those living with it, and to their loved ones, their carers, their families.
"It's been the most personal story I've ever had to act and therefore felt so proud of it, of what we've managed to achieve.
"And also I've got Corrie to thank for, for having a beautiful friendship in Pete which is continuing, and I see him a lot. It's lovely when you get paired up with somebody who, not only you work really well with, but you genuinely have a connection in real life as well."
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am on ITVX and at 8pm on ITV1.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
