Peter Ash made a surprise comeback to Coronation Street, briefly reviving his late character Paul Foreman in an emotional scene with his onscreen father, Billy Mayhew (played by Daniel Brocklebank).
Paul, who had passed away 18 months after his motor neurone disease diagnosis, appeared to Billy during a poignant hallucination, following his character’s death in September.
In the ITV episode, Paul’s family had tearfully bid their final farewells. Later, a grief-stricken Billy found solitude behind the factory, listening to Paul’s old voice messages until his phone’s battery died.
Overwhelmed and still intoxicated, Billy began to drift into sleep when he heard Paul’s voice calling his name. He opened his eyes to see Paul standing before him, a moment that left fans deeply moved.
After the episode aired, Ash took to Instagram to share a heartfelt behind-the-scenes photo with co-stars Jane Hazlegrove and Daniel Brocklebank.
He wrote, “It was so wonderful to be back on the cobbles of Coronation Street for one FINAL time!”
Celebrating the occasion, Ash added, “That brings my total episodes on Corrie to a nice, even 600! It’s been the best experience!”
Among the supportive comments was one from his onscreen mother, Jane, who sweetly wrote, “Ah, my sweet Apollo!… And Peter’s pretty amazing too!!! It’s not the same without you, darling! Love, Mama!”
An emotional fan, @glasgowgrrrl, shared, “Such a beautiful episode. I cried throughout; Paul will be truly missed.”
Likewise, @jordsdanx commented, “What a powerful way to end this storyline. Everyone’s performances were incredible.”
Another fan, @donnydondons68, added, “It was a perfect way to wrap up the storyline, and such a surprise!”
