Coronation Street stars Peter Ash (Paul Foreman) and Daniel Brocklebank (Billy Mayhew) opened up about the intense pressure they felt while filming an episode centred on Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The couple has been grappling with the harsh realities of MND, a storyline that has deeply affected them both. This week’s episode will see Paul’s condition worsen. Keep scrolling for more details!
Actors Felt ‘Pressured’ While Filming Special Episode
Peter Ash and Daniel Brocklebank confessed to feeling ‘pressured’ filming the soap’s special episode. The actors play Paul Foreman and Billy Mayhew, who are dealing with Paul’s Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the current storyline. The special episode, airing on July 26, 2024 (Friday), will see Billy take Paul on a day trip.
This touching episode is dedicated to Rob Burrow, the former rugby player who recently passed away after fighting MND for five years. Ash shared on BBC Breakfast that meeting Burrow on set was a massive help for him. He reflected on how much he learned from Burrow and expressed his deep gratitude.
He added, “There was quite a lot of pressure, especially when it’s something real people live with in their life.” The star emphasised the importance of accurately portraying the situation and admitted that he knew little about MND before starting. He hoped that by raising awareness, they could continue to highlight the issue.
Meanwhile, Brocklebank revealed a personal connection to the storyline. He shared that his grandfather had died after battling MND. Additionally, he praised the research department and writers for their exceptional work on the storyline. The ITV star expressed that his own real-life experiences have given him confidence in accurately portraying the character.
He highlighted the frustration many face in getting necessary housing adaptations, like stairlifts, in time. Often, by the time these aids arrive, they are no longer sufficient. He mentioned, “So that’s something that is really frustrating, and also what we’re telling in this story is that people assume that the brain isn’t working.”
He hopes the episode will shed light on the realities of living with MND and address the misconception. Let’s see how and when Paul and Billy’s journey with MND concludes! For more updates on Coronation Street, keep checking Soap Opera Daily! Also, are you thrilled about the special episode? Let us know in teh comments section!
Such excellent actors will be shedding a few tears but looking forward to it,knew lady who died of this awful disease and it was heartbreaking,well done to both actors will miss Peter Ash lovely man.
Cried buckets.
What a remarkable proformance from both actors.
Should have an award
My partner died of MND 3 years ago, this story line is bringing it all back to me, not that I’ll ever forget. Peter and Daniel are doing a great job of acting it out…well done guys.
An absolutely outstanding episode and one I know I will never forget. Thank you Corrie and the actors in this episode for such an intimate and sensative portrail of such a heartbreaking condition. A special mention to Daniel and Peter for their powerful work. This episode must surely win an award.
They have made this seem so real, so emotional and I am so sad that peter ash will be leaving Corrie. Such an excellent actor. I have felt such empathy for paul and sadness as his health has declined. Going to need a wad of tissues as and when this happens. Made me look into volunteering for the MND Charity, as I feel this charity really does need assistance to fund this charity and help everyone who has suffered with this really cruel disease that slowly takes your life away from you. God bless you two brilliant actors for highlighting MND,and educating us about it. You are 🌟 s.
Thank you 😊
Such an emotional episode. I cried from start to finish .
I cried all the way through this amazing episode . I think both of the actors deserve the highest award possible. Well done to everyone involved.
It was a Fantastic and heartbreaking scenes on Coronation Street on Friday had me in tears.I Never Knew much about MND It was a real eye-opener for me and what a terrible disease it is and I pity anyone that has this disease and what their loved ones must be going through, Well done to the actors for Doing this storyline, they have done a fantastic job and very accurate.Well done All the people who have taken part in getting this story so accurate, thank you very muchI hope the actors Get some sort of award for all their hard work on this story. Thank you very mucj