The cast of Coronation Street were spotted on set filming heartbreaking scenes for Paul Foreman’s funeral in Manchester on Tuesday.
Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, looked solemn as he arrived at the church for his late husband’s service.
Paul (Peter Ash) was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last April and soap fans watched him deteriorate as he used a wheelchair and voice bank to communicate.
In a special hour-long episode of the ITV soap, airing on Friday, viewers will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Billy and Paul enjoy a special day together knowing every moment could be their last.
It was previously announced that Peter would film his final scenes as Paul this summer, with the character revealing his plans to take his own life.
The cast of Coronation Street were seen on set filming heartbreaking scenes for Paul Foreman’s funeral in Manchester on Tuesday (Daniel Brocklebank pictured as Billy Mayhew)
He was joined by Weatherfield legends Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment), Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), Chesney Brown (Sam Aston) and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) for the scenes (Andy pictured).
Billy was joined by Weatherfield legends Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment), Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), Chesney Brown (Sam Aston) and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) for the scenes.
Paul’s adopted daughter, Summer Spellman, played by Harriett Bibby, followed along with her mother and sister, Bernie and Gemma Winter (Jane Hazelgrove and Dolly-Rose Campbell).
Bernie’s secret son, Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), was also present.
Coronation Street will screen a powerful episode dedicated entirely to a day in the life of Paul, an ALS patient, from his perspective on 26 July.
It will be dedicated to the memory of Rugby League legend Rob Burrow, who tragically passed away from motor neurone disease last month.
During the episode, Billy plans a special day for himself and Paul with the help of family and friends, after he is told that it is no longer safe for Paul to use the stair lift in his apartment.
When Paul wakes up from a dream to find that his speech has drastically deteriorated, viewers will experience the day with him through his inner thoughts and emotions.
From visiting the church where they got married to sampling bubbly in Rovers and enjoying time with friends and family, viewers will hear Paul’s innermost thoughts as he comes to terms with the fact that his time is running out.
Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last April and soap fans watched him deteriorate (pictured with Harriett Bibby as Summer Spellman).
Paul’s mother and sister, Bernie and Gemma Winter (Jane Hazelgrove and Dolly-Rose Campbell) arrived at the church.
His adopted daughter Summer Spellman, played by Harriett Bibby, drank a hot beverage between takes.
Bernie’s secret son, Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), was also present.
David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) looked sad while filming the scenes.
Dev wore a smart double-breasted suit to say goodbye.
Sam Aston, who plays Chesney, carried a book to read between takes.
In the hour-long episode airing Friday, viewers will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Billy and Paul enjoy a day together knowing that every moment could be their last.
It was previously announced that Peter would film his final scenes as Paul this summer, with the character reportedly revealing his plans to take his own life.
Speaking about this powerful episode, producer Verity MacLeod said: “Paul’s Parkinson’s disease has been a very important and powerful storyline, and this episode is one of the highlights of Paul’s journey.”
‘Coronation Street has never done anything like this before, it’s extraordinary, heartbreaking, funny and beautiful. Must see television at its best!’
‘One thing we wanted to show in this episode is that because of motor neurone disease, Paul’s speech has deteriorated to the point where he can’t speak to his loved ones without the aid of technology, which, while brilliant, can be slow and restrictive.’
“However, Paul’s brain is still fully active, his personality hasn’t changed. He still has a great sense of humour and is the same witty, cheeky guy we first met in 2018.”
‘To portray this, we took the bold step of listening to Paul’s internal monologue and viewers can enjoy Paul’s thoughts unencumbered by ALS.’
“It’s a unique insight into the difficulties that Paul faces. The acting is superb from the whole cast, but especially Peter Ash and Dan Brocklebank. They really are spectacular.”
“Vicky Thomas’ direction and Debbie Oates’ script are stunning. It’s an incredible episode that we’re all very proud of.”
Harriet and Channique Sterling-Brown shared a joke after filming the difficult episode.
Ed Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) was also seen paying his respects.
Coronation Street will air a powerful episode devoted entirely to a day in the life of ALS patient Paul from his perspective on July 26 (Peter Ash and Daniel Brocklebank appear in the episode).
It will be dedicated to the memory of Rugby League legend Rob Burrow, who tragically passed away from motor neurone disease last month (Rob pictured in 2015).
Peter Ash, 39, who plays Paul, also admitted he feels “incredibly proud” to have worked on the episode.
He 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 (especially because I couldn’t stop crying!).”
“I loved being able to capture Paul’s inner thoughts, showing us that his mind is still functioning at 100%, even with ALS. I hope the audience enjoys it, as everyone involved gave their best.”
Daniel Brocklebank, 44, who plays Billy in the soap, lost his grandfather to ALS and is an ambassador for the ALS Association.
Speaking about filming the episode, she said: “There were times when I burst into tears on set while filming this episode.”
‘There was a day when I got in the car after work and started crying.’
‘Pete and I have been living in a very intense emotional state for a while with this story, and obviously because we’ve been living it in real time.’
“Seeing Pete in those conditions is very exciting. Pete’s performance and attention to detail has been incredible. I hope he wins all the awards. He deserves it so much.”
From visiting the church where they got married to sampling bubbly in Rovers and enjoying time with friends and family, viewers will hear Paul’s innermost thoughts.
The special episode will air in honour of Rob Burrows, who passed away last month at the age of 41 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
He was diagnosed with the disease in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
The athlete represented England and Great Britain during his impressive 16-year career and made more than 100 appearances between 2001 and 2017.
As well as being one of the UK’s most successful rugby stars, he was also a fierce activist who raised awareness of ALS alongside his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield.
