Coronation Street fans are bracing themselves for a heartbreaking farewell, as filming for the funeral of beloved character Paul Foreman is underway. Peter Ash, who portrays Paul, has revealed that his character will succumb to his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the coming weeks.
New photographs from the set showcase the solemn gathering of residents as they pay their respects. The scenes, filmed at a Manchester church, depict a sense of profound sadness amongst Paul's loved ones.
At the heart of the grieving congregation stands Billy Mayhew, Paul's husband, played by Daniel Brocklebank. Billy, dressed in full vicar regalia, appears to be leading the service, a poignant reflection of the couple's journey and the strength of their bond.
Paul's family are also present, with Bernie (Jane Hazelgrove) and Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) embracing each other, visibly devastated by the loss of their son and brother.
The recently revealed Kit Green (played by the newly joined cast member), Paul's long-lost brother, is also present, lending further complexity to the already emotionally charged event.
Other recognisable faces from the cobbles are also spotted in attendance, including Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), and Aadi Alahan (Adam Hussain).
Despite the gravity of the scenes being filmed, behind-the-scenes pictures capture a lighter side, with the cast sharing smiles and jokes in between takes.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Daniel Brocklebank discussed the emotional arc of Billy's journey: "I think what Billy is realising, as I think most people should in life, is that actually the small things are the biggest. You donât need grand gestures or expensive gifts, it is in the detail, the little things that matter the most. So I think it is absolutely about them just trying to utilise any bit of joy, squeeze any last bit of joy out of any little moment that they can."
The upcoming episodes promise to be deeply moving, building upon the recent scenes that saw Paul, housebound due to his condition, denied access to a stairlift for safety reasons. In a poignant moment, Billy takes Paul on one final outing to enjoy the things he loves before he is confined to his wheelchair.
Viewers witnessed the turmoil of Paul's inner thoughts and feelings through a special episode that offered a glimpse into his experience with MND, which has robbed him of his voice.
In a moment of respite, Paul changed his mind about ending his life after spending time with his nephews and nieces, leaving Billy with a glimmer of hope.
However, with Paul's exit looming, the question remains: will Billy honour his vow to Paul and help him die?
Peter Ash, in a heartfelt tribute to his on-screen partner, Daniel Brocklebank, at the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards, spoke about their collaboration: "Working with Daniel from day one has been amazing. We have so much fun. And yeah, obviously because he has a personal connection to MND, he's a great source of information and insight. And I'll very much miss working with him."
Paul's passing will mark a significant loss for the residents of Weatherfield and viewers alike. It will be a testament to the show's ability to handle complex and sensitive storylines with compassion and authenticity.
As the soap gears up for this emotionally charged episode, fans are sure to be glued to their screens, ready to witness the final farewell to Paul Foreman.
