THE passing of a beloved Coronation Street character has left residents in mourning, as the shocking funeral scenes have been unveiled.
Corrie viewers know that the terminally ill Paul Foreman, portrayed by Peter Ash, will pass away following a devastating battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
New pictures reveal the heartbroken cast gathered to pay tribute at Paul’s funeral, who is reportedly set to pass away in just a matter of weeks.
Residents were pictured on set filming the funeral episode on location at a church in Manchester.
Paul’s on-screen husband Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, was in attendance, with his foster daughter Summer Spellman, played by Harriett Bibby.
It appears that Billy will be leading the funeral service, as he was pictured dressed in his full vicar regalia.
Paul’s family were also present as mum Bernie (Jane Hazelgrove) and sister Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) looked devastated as they embraced each other.
Policeman Kit Green, who has only just been revealed as Paul’s long-lost brother, was also at the funeral.
Other castmates included Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) and Aadi Alahan (Adam Hussain).
Despite the bleak storyline, the cast members were seen laughing and joking in between takes.
Talking about Paul’s final scenes, Daniel told Digital Spy: “I think what Billy is realising, as I think most people should, in life, generally anyway, is that actually the small things are the biggest. You don’t 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.”
Corrie viewers were left sobbing after the occupational therapist informed the couple that the stairlift is too dangerous to use, leaving Paul housebound.
In emotional scenes, Billy takes his husband out one last time to enjoy his favourite things, before he’s prevented from leaving the flat in the safety of his wheelchair.
The special episode gave viewers an insight into Paul’s thoughts and feelings as he is unable to voice them due to the devastating effects of MND.
Billy was left relieved after Paul changed his mind about ending his life that day, after spending time with his nephews and nieces.
However, with Paul’s exit imminent, will Billy go through with his vow to Paul to help him die?
Ahead of his exit, actor Peter Ash paid tribute to his on-screen partner Daniel Brocklebank while speaking at the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards.
Peter said: “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.”
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