Coronation Street confirms Paul Foreman and Billy Mayhew wedding storyline
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street is gearing up for its first gay marriage storyline, with wedding bells in store for Weatherfield couple Paul Foreman and Billy Mayhew.
Next week, viewers are set to see the two sit down for a serious conversation, where the two discuss their future as Paul's Motor Neurone Disease (MND) continues to develop.
The couple's chat comes about after Paul's conversation with fellow MND patient Shelly at the support group, who encourages Paul to take control and do something he has always wanted to do.
Billy believes Paul is going to propose to him and pulls out all the stops, but it turns out Paul has something big to ask of Billy before he asks him to become his husband.
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"When Paul says I've got something I need to ask you, Billy automatically assumes that it's going to be a proposal," says Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy. "He gets so excited. He gets himself all dolled up. He lights a candle.
"And then Paul basically asks him to help him kill himself when the time comes. That was not what he was expecting. But eventually Paul does ask him to marry him and he is thrilled."
Billy says yes to Paul's proposal and the two immediately begin talking wedding plans, but despite their shared joy, there is an element of sadness for both parties about the upcoming nuptials.
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"I think, again, I think it comes down to the fact that Paul is dying," Brocklebank says. "And on some level, of course, he would like to get married in a church. That is, of course, his ideal wedding.
"But knowing that it's not possible, I suppose marrying a man that you love, even if in a non-religious setting is better than not marrying him at all."
It's not the first time a gay wedding day on the cobbles has occurred, but it's hopefully the first that successfully goes ahead. Viewers will remember Sian and Sophie making it to the altar, but a marriage didn't materialise.
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Actor Daniel Brocklebank admits he feels "slightly honoured" to help bring the first Corrie gay wedding to screens.
"I'm thrilled," he says. "I mean, obviously there's been long running gay characters in the show, prior to Billy with Todd and Sean and also Sophie. And I'm thrilled that we are going to finally have a wedding.
"Billy has been on the other side of the altar for so many it seems fitting for him to have the first one, and with him being a religious man it is significant in that way too."
Brocklebank jokes that Billy doesn't exactly have the best track record with the husband and wife duos of Weatherfield.
"He hasn't been the best omen at weddings," he says. "Most of the ones he has officiated at haven't ended well! Let’s hope that doesn’t jinx it."
Coronation Street has been working on Paul's storyline with support from the MND Association, which focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease.
The charity's helpline MND Connect (0808 802 6262) is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and 7pm to 10.30pm. Calls are free.
Check out more of our Coronation Street coverage:
- Coronation Street star Paula Wilcox explains why Elaine was fooled by Stephen
- Coronation Street star confirms when Evelyn and Cassie story is revisited
- Coronation Street lining up a dark new storyline for Ryan Connor
- Coronation Street cast 2023 – who plays who?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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