10 January 2024 , 14:15
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Coronation Street fans were in tears on Tuesday night over a heartbreaking Paul Foreman and Billy Mayhew scene.
Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last year leaving him distraught. He kept his diagnosis a secret for some time but eventually told Billy and those close to him what he was going through. He has seen things deteriorate over the past few weeks and only recently he has made a devastating decision.
On Tuesday's episode, Paul asked Todd Grimshaw to help him end his life when the time comes. Todd refused while Paul accepted that it is too much to ask but explained he is terrified of becoming a hostage inside his own body. A sympathetic Todd took Paul to the surgery where he made out he's in great pain and needs morphine.
Coronation Street fans were in tears on Tuesday night over a heartbreaking Paul Foreman and Billy Mayhew scene (ITV)However, Dr Gaddas refused to prescribe it. Later, at the Rovers, recovering drug addict Abi Franklin overheard Paul complaining to Todd that he couldn’t get a prescription for morphine and empathised. Later at the flat, Todd was surprised when Abi arrived and it soon became clear that Paul had asked her to score him some drugs.
Although sympathetic, Abi refused to get involved. However, later on the show, she met with her dealer for a one-time exchange, which Cassie Plummer pictured on her mobile, sharing to Kevin Webster to cause trouble. Abi then showed up with the drugs, which Paul accepted and thanked her.
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Later, Kevin confronted Abi, worrying she had relapsed. Abi explained what had happened, resulting in Kevin coming to the flat to confront Paul, which was overheard by an oblivious Billy Mayhew. Billy was horrified to learn of his partner's end of life plans and demanded he hand over the drugs.
However, after a heartbreaking heart-to-heart, vicar Billy broke down, agreeing he would help his husband. In a devastating moment, Paul said: "I'm sorry. I need to be able to say enough is enough. The only way I can guarantee that is by ending things while I still can."
Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last year leaving him distraughtBilly replied: "I don't want you to do it at all. But even if I could accept it, it could be weeks, months, until you can't use your hand" with Paul responding: "Or it could be any day now... Todd was the only person I could have asked for help. Now he's said 'no'. So I have to do it myself and I have to do it soon", adding: "I don't want to go but I've got no alternative."
In a heartbreaking moment, Billy said: "I'll make it easy, if the time comes, when you really want to end things. I'll help you." Soap watchers were left sobbing and heartbroken over the scenes, taking to Twitter, now X, to share their thoughts. One person said: "What an emotional episode. Heartbreaking", a different account put: "That was a tough watch. Superbly acted" while another viewer wrote: "I haven’t stop crying yet brilliant both @Dan_Brocklebank and @PeterAsh_85."
*If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
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