A Coronation Street favourite has disclosed that soap executives initially wavered over a key element of Paul Foreman's funeral storyline.
The character of Paul, portrayed by Peter Ash, tragically succumbed to motor neurone disease (MND) this week after being diagnosed last year when he began experiencing trouble with his grip.
Ultimately referred to a neurologist, Paul's condition rapidly progressed, rendering him housebound within a year, reliant on a wheelchair, neck support, and an Eyegaze device for communication.
His husband, Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, shouldered the role of primary caregiver. Heart-wrenching scenes on Monday (September 9) depicted Paul's demise, paving the way to his funeral, which Coronation Street has already shot.
Set photos show several grieving Weatherfield residents in attendance, including Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment) and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd).
Daniel Brocklebank, in exchanges with Liverpool Echo and additional media, divulged his significant petition to the soap higher-ups regarding Paul's funeral initially met with hesitation, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Highlighting the exceptional circumstance of having Billy conduct Paul's funeral himself, Brocklebank expressed: "He's obviously nervous. I was really pleased the producers decided to do this."
He further illuminated the inspiration behind his request, revealing: "I read about a couple of vicars whose husbands or wives died and they conducted their own service."
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"And I asked When Ian MacLeod [Coronation Street's boss] about that a year ago, and he was like 'Oh I don't know if we're going to do that yet.' And I said to him I would love it.
"Because I think you would if you had that capability, you would bury your loved one. So I was really pleased they decided to go down that route."
Daniel continued: "But then you're coming to the funeral from a two-pronged sort of position. You're personally connected to it because it's your husband that you're burying, but then on the other side, you're a vicar so you're doing your job. And I think he's worried that he's not going to get through the service without breaking down, and feeling like he's let Paul down."
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
