Coronation Street bosses have lifted the lid on Paul Foreman's upcoming devastating diagnosis in the soap.
Viewers have recently seen Paul, played by Peter Ash, struggle to recover from injuries he sustained when Carla hit him with the Underworld van after having been spiked with drugs by Stephen. But while he thinks it is muscle and nerve damage, he is about to be told it is actually a life-shortening illness.
Paul will soon start to notice other problems with his balance and mobility, and tonight's episode (Friday) will see him referred to a specialist.
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Next month's episodes will see Paul given the devastating news that he has motor neurone disease (MND).
Paul initially keeps the diagnosis from his partner Billy, as well as his family. The storyline will follow the progression of the disease as Paul initially deals with the illness alone and eventually has to break the news to his loved ones.
Coronation Street is working closely with the MND Association on this storyline which will explore the challenges faced by Paul and those around him in the coming months.
Paul actor Peter told the ECHO: “Paul is completely blindsided by the diagnosis and he decides to keep it from his family and friends as he tries to come to terms with the news. I knew very little about MND before embarking on the storyline and I am hugely grateful to the MND Association for all their help and support.
"For any actor playing a role which examines a real life issue or condition there comes a huge sense of responsibility and we are aware that some people watching this storyline are experiencing it in reality, it is their life.
“Awareness and education are really important. I have learned so much even in the short time I have been involved in this storyline. We hope Paul’s journey can make people more aware of the symptoms and what it is like for someone to live with MND.”
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and ITVX
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