Coronation Street is set to air a poignant tribute episode to former rugby star Rob Burrow that will show viewers the reality of living with the devastating Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The special instalment, airing at 8pm on Friday, July 26, will be dedicated to the memory of the Rugby League legend who tragically passed away from MND last month.
The episode will focus entirely on a day in the life of Corrie character Paul Foreman who is suffering from MND. A promo for the episode by ITV Studios will start airing on Friday, June 19. The hour-long instalment, penned by Debbie Oates, directed by Vicky Thomas and produced by Verity MacLeod, promises to take viewers on an emotional journey as Paul and husband Billy savour a special day together, aware that each moment could be their last.
After being informed that it’s no longer safe for Paul to use the stair lift to exit the flat, Billy has organised a joyful day with the assistance of family and friends. When Paul wakes up from a dream to find his speech has significantly deteriorated, viewers will experience the day alongside him through his inner thoughts and emotions, narrated by actor Peter Ash.
From visiting the church where they tied the knot, to savouring beer bubbles in the Rovers and spending quality time with loved ones, we’ll hear Paul’s deepest thoughts as he grapples with the reality of his limited time left.
Speaking on the Corrie special, show producer Verity MacLeod said: “Paul’s MND has been such an important, powerful story and this episode is one of the real pinnacle moments in Paul’s journey. Coronation Street has never done anything like this before, it is extraordinary, heartbreaking, funny and beautiful.
“Must see television at its best! One thing we were keen to show in this episode is that due to motor neurone disease Paul’s speech has now deteriorated to the point where he is unable to speak to his loved ones unaided by technology, that while brilliant, can be slow and restrictive.”
She continued: “However, Paul’s brain is still completely active, his personality hasn’t changed. He still has a wicked sense of humour and is the quick witted cheeky chappy we first met in 2018.
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“To portray this we took the bold step of hearing Paul’s internal monologue and the viewers get to enjoy Paul’s thoughts without the encumbrance of MND. It’s a unique insight into the struggles Paul faces.
“The acting from all of the cast is superb but especially Peter Ash and Dan Brocklebank. They are truly spectacular. The directing from Vicky Thomas and the writing by Debbie Oates is stunning. It is an incredible episode that we are all so proud of.”
Meanwhile, Paul Foreman actor Peter Ash said: “I feel incredibly proud to have worked on this episode. From the moment I read the script I knew it was going to be something really special (mostly because I couldn’t stop crying!) I loved being able to record Paul’s inner thoughts, showing us the mind is still 100%, even with MND. I hope the audience enjoys it, as everyone involved gave their all!”
Sports legend Rob Burrow spent his entire professional career playing rigby with the Leeds Rhinos, making almost 500 appearances as well as representing Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire. In 2019, Rob was just 37 and had three children under the age of eight when he announced he had MND.
