Corrie fans heartbroken as tearful Paul reveals MND diagnosis to Billy
Coronation Street fans are heartbroken as Paul tearfully admits he’s terrified of dying, eventually revealing devastating MND diagnosis to Billy
Coronation Street viewers were heartbroken on the soap’s Friday episode when Billy Mayhew finally learned of Paul Foreman’s motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Paul (Peter Ash) was diagnosed with the condition earlier this year, but kept the devastating news to himself, refusing to tell his partner Billy (Daniel Brocklebank) while only friend Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) the height was.
Worried about how he would pay for the support he would need as the motor neuron disease (MND) worsened, Paul struggled to get his hands on some cash.
His desperation led him to try to steal a car, which landed him in court.
However, after Paul was bailed out of jail and given a suspended sentence for his crime when the judge had a sympathetic opinion due to his MND diagnosis on Friday, Paul returned home and burst into tears as he told Billy about his illness, admitting that he was terrified of dying.
Devastating: Viewers of Coronation Street were heartbroken during the soap’s Friday episode when Billy Mayhew finally learned of Paul Foreman’s motor neuron disease diagnosis (actor Peter Ash seen as Paul, right)
Secrets: Paul was diagnosed with the condition earlier this year but kept the devastating news to himself and refused to tell his partner Billy (Daniel Brocklebank, left)
The emotional scenes left viewers in tears, with many taking to Twitter to express their grief.
One person wrote, “Excellent acting from Billy and Paul, that last scene made me cry @Dan_Brocklebank @PeterAsh_85 #MND #Corrie.”
Someone else posted: “Paul and Billy’s acting tonight was top notch. Just so heartbreaking and raw.’
While someone else commented, “Watching #coronationstreet with a tear in my eye, great work by @PeterAsh_85 but so glad Billy finally knows the truth.”
Another tweeted: ‘#coronationstreet #mth Paul is so sad I’m not sure what others think but I think he portrays a horrible disease really well, it’s a beast of a disease! Well done @PeterAsh_85.’
“I’ll be gutted when Paul passes, I absolutely adore him,” another person wrote, while another person posted, “This scene with Billy and Paul is heartbreaking.”
Another viewer wrote, “Thank God Billy finally knows about Paul. But it’s a terrible way to find out.’
While another audience member posted at home, “Billy and Paul break my heart.”
Moving: The emotional scenes left viewers in tears, with many taking to Twitter to express their grief
Paul was left devastated after his hopes for a miracle cure for ALS were dashed.
The builder has struggled in secret for the past few weeks after being diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND), with only friend Dee-Dee Bailey knowing about his illness.
Paul revealed his excitement to Dee-Dee about a new drug on the internet that claims to cure ALS.
With renewed hope, he visited the MND clinic to discuss the new drug, but was unsuccessful.
Coronation Street continues on ITV1 on Monday at 7.30pm.