The Coronation Street cast were seen 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 diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last April with fans of the soap watching him deteriorate, using a wheelchair and voice banking machine to communicate.
In a special hour-long instalment of the ITV soap, set to air on Friday, viewers will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Billy and Paul enjoy a special day together knowing each 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 Coronation Street cast 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 foster daughter Summer Spellman, played by Harriett Bibby followed behind with his mum 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 is set to screen a powerful episode devoted entirely to a day in the life of MND sufferer Paul 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 it is no longer safe for Paul to use the stair lift in their flat.
When Paul wakes from a dream to discover his speech has drastically deteriorated the viewers will experience the day with him through his inner thoughts and emotions.
From visiting the church where they married to tasting beer bubbles in the Rovers and enjoying time with his friends and family, viewers will hear Paul’s innermost thoughts as he comes to terms with the fact that he has limited time left.
Paul was diagnosed with diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last April with fans of the soap watching him deteriorate (pictured with Harriett Bibby as Summer Spellman)
Paul’s mum and sister, Bernie and Gemma Winter (Jane Hazelgrove and Dolly-Rose Campbell) arrived at the church
His foster daughter Summer Spellman, played by Harriett Bibby, drank a hot drink between takes
Bernie’s secret son Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) was also present
David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) looked glum while filming the scenes
Dev wore a smart double breasted suit to say his goodbyes
Sam Aston, who plays Chesney, carried a book to read between takes
In an hour-long instalment, set to air on Friday, viewers will be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Billy and Paul enjoy a day together knowing each 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
While discussing the powerful episode, producer Verity MacLeod said: ‘Paul’s MND has been such an important, powerful story and this episode is one of the real pinnacle moments in Paul’s journey.’
‘Coronation Street has never done anything like this before, it is extraordinary, heartbreaking, funny and beautiful. Must see television at its best!’
‘One thing we were keen to show in this episode is that due to motor neurone disease, Paul’s speech has now deteriorated to the point where he is unable to speak to his loved ones unaided by technology, that while brilliant, can be slow and restrictive.’
‘However, Paul’s brain is still completely active, his personality hasn’t changed. He still has a wicked sense of humour and is the quick witted cheeky chappy we first met in 2018.’
‘To portray this we took the bold step of hearing Paul’s internal monologue and the viewers get to enjoy Paul’s thoughts without the encumbrance of MND.’
‘It’s a unique insight into the struggles Paul faces. The acting from all of the cast is superb but especially Peter Ash and Dan Brocklebank. They are truly spectacular.’
‘The directing from Vicky Thomas and the writing by Debbie Oates is stunning. It is an incredible episode that we are all so proud of.’
Harriet and Channique Sterling-Brown shared a joked after filming the tough episode
Ed Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) was also seen paying his respects
Coronation Street is set to screen a powerful episode devoted entirely to a day in the life of MND sufferer Paul from his perspective on 26 July (Peter Ash and Daniel Brocklebank pictured 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 that 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 (mostly because I couldn’t stop crying!)’
‘I loved being able to record Paul’s inner thoughts, showing us the mind is still 100%, even with MND. I hope the audience enjoys it, as everyone involved gave their all!’
Daniel Brocklebank, 44, who plays Billy in the soap, previously lost his grandfather to MND and is an Ambassador of the MND Association.
Of filming the episode he said: ‘There were times I burst into tears on set during the filming of this episode.’
‘There was one day I got in the car after work, and I just wept.’
‘Pete and I have been living in an emotional state for a while now with this storyline, and obviously because we have played it out in real time.’
‘Seeing Pete in that condition is so emotional to play. Pete’s performance and his attention to detail has been incredible, I’m hoping that he wins all the awards, he deserves it so much.’
From visiting the church where they married to tasting beer bubbles in the Rovers and enjoying time with his 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 both England and Great Britain during his impressive 16-year long 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 campaigner, raising awareness for MND along with his friend and former teammate Kevin Sinfield.
