Coronation Street aired a moving inside look into Paul Foreman's (Peter Ash) life in tonight's powerful episode (26th July 2024). Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, and his condition has been progressing rapidly – to the point where he was informed that he could no longer use the stairlift in his flat. His husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) planned a final day out for Paul - final, at least, until ground floor accommodation could be found.
As the special instalment of the ITV soap began, Paul dreamt that he was dancing with Billy in a club, appearing as himself before his diagnosis. Paul suddenly couldn't find Billy, which woke him from his sleep in the present day. Paul found that his speech had declined even further, and his inner voice narrated his thoughts and feelings as he struggled to come to terms with this latest form of deterioration.
Billy drove them to the church where they said their marriage vows, and Billy told Paul that this was where he had felt the happiest in his life. As he went to read a bible passage to Paul, Paul was saddened as it reminded him of Billy's oath to help end his life. Paul asked if they could simply sit and enjoy the moment as their wedding day flashed through his mind, and he prayed for God to ease Billy's own suffering over Paul's illness.
In The Rovers, Paul was given a joyous welcome by his friends. David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) revealed a bubble machine that would allow Paul to taste beer, now that he wa.