Coronation Street star Peter Ash has confirmed his next job as his exit looms. There are set to be more heartbreaking scenes in the ITV soap when his character Paul Foreman dies, over a year after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Former builder Paul was told he has the life-shortening disease, in which messages from the motor neurones gradually stop reaching the muscles, in April 2023 after thinking his problems were down to being knocked over by Carla Connor in the Underworld van.
However, Paul was horrified to discover the truth about his health and his condition has since deteriorated in front of his and his family’s eyes, with there tragically being no cure, currently, for MND.
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The storyline means that Peter will soon be leaving the long-running show as Paul, with it recently confirmed that Paul will no longer be able to leave his and his husband Billy Mayhew’s flat due to it being unsafe for him to use the stairlift as the use of his own body drastically deteriorates.
While fans are still not ready to say goodbye, with a special episode dedicated to Paul’s story as he enjoys one last day out with Billy set to air on Friday (July 26), it has been confirmed where Peter will be found next – after taking a well-deserved break from work.
The actor will star in Oldham’s pantomime this festive season, playing Abanazar in the production of Aladdin at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which starts on December 14 and finishes on January 4, 2024.
The production company, Anton Benson Productions, shared the news on Instagram with Peter also resharing the post in view of his own fans and followers. It said: “OLDHAM PANTO CASTING NEWS! We are thrilled to announce that PETER ASH will star as Abanazar in this year’s panto at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Aladdin! Peter is best known for portraying the character Paul Foreman in Coronation Street.”
And fans were quick to show their support. @nwsdofficial said: “What a fabulous actor he is!!” @katymckenna_x commented: “Amazing.” @tiger69martin wrote: “Great news. Good luck to him, a brilliant actor.” @lindapeter5754 added: “Oh, must get my tickets booked.”
It comes after Peter spoke to the Manchester Evening News on the red carpet at the RadioTimes.com Soap Awards where ‘Paul’s Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis’ was voted ‘Best Storyline’ by a panel of soap experts
.Peter told us of the reaction he has received over the storyline. “People have reacted amazingly to it. The response has been fantastic and yeah, it’s been tough, it’s been tiring and it’s been a long road but we’re near the end now and I’m just so grateful to be part of the storyline and to raise awareness.”
But he admitted it’s a “double-edged sword” as the storyline leads to his exit from Corrie. “I’m sad to go but I’m so grateful I’ve been trusted with this storyline. So mixed emotions about it.”
As for what’s next, Peter told us: “No idea! A bit of a rest really after this. I’d just like to chill out for a bit. I’m enjoying my lie-ins anyway.” Pressed on whether Strictly Come Dancing could be on the cards, the soap tar smiled and said: “Who knows? I have no idea yet so we’ll see.”
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