Coronation Street is set to air a special episode, dedicated to late rugby hero Rob Burrow, which will give viewers a firsthand look at cobbles favourite Paul Foreman’s gruelling battle with MND
Coronation Street is set to broadcast a special episode dedicated to the memory of Rob Burrow, offering viewers an insight into life with MND. The late former England rugby league star, who passed away on June 2 at the age of 41 following a valiant fight against motor neurone disease, will be honoured in a unique episode of the popular ITV soap.
In this poignant episode, character Paul Foreman, portrayed by actor Peter Ash, experiences a day out orchestrated by his spouse Billy Mayhew (played by Daniel Brocklebank), revisiting the church where they tied the knot and spending quality time with loved ones. Audiences will get a glimpse into Paul’s deepest thoughts through a voiceover by Ash, as he awakens from a dream to find his ability to speak has significantly worsened.
Motor neurone disease, which can impact speech, is a rare condition that affects the brain and nerves, leading to progressive muscle weakness, as detailed on the NHS website.
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Peter Ash, aged 39, expressed his deep sense of honour in participating in this episode, stating: “I feel incredibly proud to have worked on this episode.”
He shared his emotional response to the script, saying: “From the moment I read the script I knew it was going to be something really special (mostly because I couldn’t stop crying). I loved being able to record Paul’s inner thoughts, showing us the mind is still 100%, even with MND.”
Ash hopes that the episode will resonate with viewers, highlighting the dedication of all those involved in its creation: “I hope the audience enjoys it, as everyone involved gave their all.”
Daniel Brocklebank, 44, who serves as an ambassador for the MND Association and has personally lost his grandfather to the disease, recounted the emotional toll of filming: “There were times I burst into tears on set during the filming of this episode.”
Reflecting on the profound impact of the storyline, he added: “There was one day I got in the car after work, and I just wept.”
“Pete and I have been living in an emotional state for a while now with this storyline, and obviously because we have played it out in real time. Seeing Pete in that condition is so emotional to play.”
“Pete’s performance and his attention to detail has been incredible, I’m hoping that he wins all the awards, he deserves it so much.”
Producer Verity MacLeod chimed in: “Paul’s MND has been such an important, powerful story and this episode is one of the real pinnacle moments in Paul’s journey. Coronation Street has never done anything like this before, it is extraordinary, heart-breaking, funny and beautiful. Must see television at its best.”
“One thing we were keen to show in this episode is that due to motor neurone disease, Paul’s speech has now deteriorated to the point where he is unable to speak to his loved ones unaided by technology, that while brilliant, can be slow and restrictive.”
“However, Paul’s brain is still completely active, his personality hasn’t changed. He still has a wicked sense of humour and is the quick witted cheeky chappy we first met in 2018.”
“To portray this we took the bold step of hearing Paul’s internal monologue and the viewers get to enjoy Paul’s thoughts without the encumbrance of MND.”
“It’s a unique insight into the struggles Paul faces. The acting from all of the cast is superb but especially Peter Ash and Dan Brocklebank. They are truly spectacular.”
“The directing from Vicky Thomas and the writing by Debbie Oates is stunning. It is an incredible episode that we are all so proud of.”
It came to light in 2019 that Burrow, a former Leeds Rhinos player, was diagnosed with MND. He was able to raise millions towards building a new care facility for those battling with the same condition.
ITV will be showing a promotional video from Friday onward before airing the episode dedicated to Burrow at 8pm on the 26th of July.
