Coronation Street viewers were left reaching for the tissues following the emotional Paul and Billy episode.
Paul, played by Peter Ash, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year and
has been increasingly struggling with speech and requiring constant care. In a recent episode,
he received a crushing blow when a nurse informed him that it was no longer safe for him to use the stairlift to exit his flat.
On Friday, July 26, the soap aired a special episode dedicated to Paul, showcasing the harsh reality of living with MND. The episode centred on a day in the life of Paul and his husband Billy Mayhew, portrayed by Daniel Brocklebank, as they enjoyed a special day together, reports the Express.
With Paul set to become housebound, Billy took him out one last time to visit significant places, including the church where they got married.
However, the day took a heartbreaking turn when Paul, realising his speech was deteriorating, told Billy it was time for him to end his life. Initially devastated, Billy agreed to fulfil Paul’s request.
Their plans were interrupted by Chesney, played by Sam Aston, who needed their help due to a family emergency. One of his children had an accident, so he asked Billy and Paul to look after his other kids overnight.
The uncles agreed, and the sleepover put a halt to Paul’s plan. The next morning, Paul revealed he wasn’t ready to go through with it yet, leaving Billy relieved. Fans were left in floods of tears after watching the special episode. One Twitter user lamented: “Corrie is so sad tonight. I’m balling here.”
Another viewer shared: “Watched the episode with tears in my eyes the whole time.” A third penned: “I’ve just watched it too one of the saddest episodes I’ve ever watched in a soap.”
A fourth person stated: “This episode is making me cry. Paul’s storyline is just so heartbreaking Bravo to the cast.” Another chimed in with: “Such a hard watch, proper heart-wrenching.”
