Coronation Street: Paul struggles to lift his wine glass
Coronation Street actor Peter Ash admitted the death of Shelly Rossington (played by Natalie Amber) was a big wake-up call for his character.
Earlier this year, Paul Foreman was diagnosed with MND as fans of the ITV soap have watched his symptoms strongly increase over the months.
Being encouraged to find solace in a support group with people who have the same condition, he met Shelly and the duo quickly became friends.
However, as Shelly was further down the line in her MND journey, Paul soon realised he would be in the same position as her as his mobility decreases
Sadly, earlier this month viewers watched as Shelly lost her battle with the condition and died after being discovered by her carer in the flat.
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Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk and other media publications, actor Peter Ash detailed how Shelly dying has affected Paul.
He said: “It’s had a big effect, through Shelly, he found someone who totally understands his situation.
“As much as Billy, Bernie and Gemma love and care for Paul so much, they still will never understand what it’s like to live with MND.
“Meeting Shelly, they got on so well that Paul felt as though he could tell her anything, so losing Shelly was a big shock for Paul.
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“All of a sudden it’s looking at Paul’s future, Shelly is just Paul a bit further down the MND journey, so it was a bit of a wake-up call I guess.”
Initially, Paul started to notice mobility issues within his hands and wrists before it progressed to his legs.
Before the death of Shelly, Paul was on his way to visit her when he had a bad fall and was unable to get up with no one around to help.
After the incident, viewers saw him decide to listen to his partner’s concerns in case another fall happened as he then started using his wheelchair.
Although after Shelly’s death, he made the heartbreaking decision to go ahead with his assisted dying plan.
Peter told Express.co.uk: “Paul’s determined to end things on his own terms because he realises that Shelly didn’t get to do that.
“Paul really wants to do that before he can’t speak anymore or do the little things.
“Knowing that Shelly was alone at the end, Paul wants it (his death) to be on his terms.”
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm.
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