Coronation Street viewers were left devastated as Paul Foreman's motor neurone disease (MND) storyline continued.
Paul was told by a doctor he could have the condition after he experienced the on-set symptoms, but needed tests before receiving an official diagnosis. She warned those with MND typically live for three years after diagnosis.
Soap bosses have already confirmed Paul and his partner Billy Matthew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, will be at the centre of an MND storyline.
Fans were moved by the scenes in tonight's episode, which saw Paul explain to the doctor he couldn't work thanks to symptoms in his hands.
MND is a rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervous system, causing weakness which gets worse over time, the NHS says.
This evening, fans praised the soap for raising awareness of MND, while feeling for Paul.
One viewer said on Twitter : "Finally a mainstream soap highlighting Motor Neurone Disease on TV. Will be tough to watch I'm sure but I'm very thankful for @itvcorrie @PeterAsh_85 for raising awareness of this evil disease."
A second said: "Poor #Paul. But his story needs to be told. Just hope they get it right, as it can help so many people #coronationstreet #MND."
Another viewer penned: "I remember so vividly being present when my mother in law got her diagnosis & how it made us all feel. Devastating.
"I know its only a soap, but MND needs all the awareness it can get. It's going to be a hard watch. We will find a cure one day."
A fourth wrote, while watching the scenes: "I've got a horrible gut wrenching feeling I know where this is going...."
One person simply wrote: "Paul’s breaking my heart."
This month, rugby legend Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019, visited the Coronation Street set with wife Lindsey to talk to actor Paul and Daniel.
Rob, 40, who played for Great Britain, England and Leeds Rhinos, told the actors: “Thanks for the invite to come to the best soap on TV. I’m so happy to be here with my family. I’m blown away from the response I have had, but Coronation Street will have the awareness on a whole new level.
“On behalf of the MND community, a big difference will be made.”
Scriptwriters on the soap have worked with the MND Association on the storyline. Daniel nursed his grandfather through the disease and is an ambassador for the charity.
He said: “I’m hoping that I might be able to bring some of my personal experience into the storyline. I won’t have any trouble accessing emotion to play it.”
As part of his research, Peter, 38, read Rob’s book and watched a TV documentary about his struggle.
He said: “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."
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