MND diagnosis plot for STV’s Coronation Street

A plot involving a shock diagnosis of motor neuron disease (MND) is set to feature on the hit STV soap Coronation Street.

For several weeks speculation has been growing around what’s causing character Paul Foreman’s clumsiness. At first his symptoms were blamed on a recent car accident, but doctors on the programme have now ruled that out and insisted Paul undergo more tests.

Today it has been announced by show bosses that Paul, played by actor Peter Ash, will be diagnosed with MND in the coming weeks.

In a first for a television soap, a well-loved character will receive a diagnosis of the terminal illness, and the storyline will follow the progression of his disease, the impact it has on him and his loved ones, and the challenges he faces as he loses his mobility, and his ability to eat and speak.

The Coronation Street team has been working on the storyline for months, supported by experts from the MND Association of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The charity’s team has been advising researchers, scriptwriters and the actors involved to ensure the portrayal is as accurate as possible, within the boundaries of a television drama.

Peter spent time with Mike Small, who has MND, hearing how the early symptoms had affected him physically and emotionally. He has also followed the story of rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago.

Peter said: “Real people’s stories are so inspirational, and I feel a responsibility. We act it but there will be people watching who are living with it – it’s very important to get it right.”

Paul’s on-screen boyfriend Billy Mayhew is played by actor Daniel Brocklebank whose grandfather died of MND 20 years ago.

He said: “We have a huge opportunity to educate – we are in people’s living rooms for three hours a week – it will evoke conversations and questions within families. This is going to reach a new audience and hopefully will increase awareness and discussion.”

The MND Association is planning to continue its involvement with the Coronation Street team and is putting in measures to support the MND community as the storyline progresses.

Chris James, Director of External Affairs from the MND Association, said: “We are really grateful to the team at Coronation Street for choosing to tackle this subject – putting MND in front of six million viewers every week will raise incredible awareness and help educate people who have never come across the disease – showing the day-to-day reality of those living with it.

“Our teams are working to ensure there is support in place for anyone who may be affected by the programme. And we are continuing to work closely with the Coronation Street team to understand when the MND storyline will be given prominence, and when particular issues will be highlighted on screen so we can be prepared.”

Chris O’Sullivan, Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising at MND Scotland, said: “We are grateful to our partners at the MND Association for their thoroughness, care and consideration while advising the team at Coronation Street about introducing this sensitive plotline into the show.

“Featuring a diagnosis of MND on a primetime television programme will go a long way towards helping the public understand just how brutal and heart-breaking motor neuron disease can be.

“We know that watching this storyline may be difficult for many individuals and families affected by MND across Scotland and we are here to support them through every part of their journey with MND. We’re looking forward to hearing from the MND community about what they think about the storyline, and we’ll be working with our colleagues at the MND Association to make sure that as the plot develops, we are there to provide information to the public and our community.”