Coronation Street star Peter Ash said he felt ‘sad’ as he opened up on his character Paul Foreman’s harrowing storyline and his upcoming exit
This Morning: Peter Ash discusses his exit from Coronation Street
Coronation Street star Peter Ash has spoken out about his character’s heart-breaking exit as he faces a tragic end.
The actor, 39, known for playing fan favourite Paul Foreman since bursting onto the scene in Weatherfield in 2018, has been central to some of the soap’s most challenging storylines. Now as Paul grapples with motor neurone disease, viewers are confronted with the stark reality that his time is running out.
While loved ones gather to support him, Peter took to the This Morning stage to express his feelings on departing the long-running ITV series.
On his forthcoming departure, he expressed a sense of sadness to hosts Rochelle Humes and Dermot O’Leary: “It was a bit of a double-edged sword really because you trust in this amazing storyline but unfortunately it does mean it comes to an end.”
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He continued to reflect on his imminent exit from the show, adding: “So yeah, mixed feelings! Sad to leave- it’s a great place to work, have so may great friends there, I’ve had a really great time. But also feeling really kind of honoured I guess. “, reports the Express.
Coronation Street aired a special episode illuminating the struggles of MND. Friday’s (July 26) episode poignantly captured a day in the life, highlighting the time spent by Paul and his husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), creating lasting memories.
Billy took Paul out for one last trip to visit their cherished spots, including the church where they had tied the knot, after learning the stairlift at home was no longer safe. They even went to the Rovers Return for a pint with pals like Todd Grimshaw (portrayed by Gareth Pierce).
The episode was charged with emotions as Paul made a life-altering choice. Resolved to end his life that day, Paul later utilised his tablet to communicate this wish to Billy.
Initially reeling from shock, Billy could not bring himself to help but ultimately consented to assist with Paul’s wishes. However, a surprise appearance by Chesney due to a familial emergency halted their plans.
Chesney’s kid had an accident, prompting him to urgently request Billy and Paul to babysit his other children. The unexpected overnight stay of the kids put a halt to Paul’s original plan of taking his life.
In a twist, the following day saw Paul deciding to delay his plans, providing both him and Billy more precious time together. But speculation is rife among fans that another character might play a pivotal role in Paul’s fate, pointing at Todd.
Discussions on a Coronation Street fan page led one viewer to post: “Anyone else think Todd will be the one to set Paul free? ” This was followed by another who agreed: “I think he will.”
One viewer was quite sure, adding: “ABSOLUTELY 100%.”
Another comment stirred further theorisation: “I hope so, Billy would be left feeling too much hurt.”
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