Coronation Street’s Peter Ash explains how Rob Burrow inspired Paul’s MND plot

In an exclusive interview, the Corrie star discusses the heartbreaking story of MND and how the real-life story of late rugby hero Rob Burrow inspired him.

How does it feel to be nominated for such an important screenplay?

That’s very flattering. I’m not criticizing that! To be involved in this story and raise awareness for a great cause is a huge privilege. ALS is a horrible disease and it’s obviously very much in the public consciousness because of the recent passing of Rob Burrow.

Have you met Rob?

Yes, he and his wife Lindsey came to Corrie Studios last year. It was amazing to meet the guy, sad to see that at that stage his illness had affected him so much, but they were both really happy that we were working on the script. We were reconciled to that. They came over at lunchtime and I remember the scenes we shot that afternoon were all the more poignant after meeting Rob and Lindsey.

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Did you research MND for the position?

Absolutely, yes, I knew almost nothing about it before I started and I read a lot about it. Straight away, the guys at Corrie put me in touch with the MND association, who were incredibly helpful.

What was your most difficult moment in the last year?

I guess when Billy agreed to help Paul end his life when the time came, it was heartbreaking to film, but beautifully written. Billy and Paul had their ups and downs as a couple, but they came out stronger. They developed an incredible strength and bond through this horrible situation.

Are you happy that Billy has taken over from Paul?

I’m glad we’re showing how it affects Paul’s carers, and we’ve seen how it’s affected Billy, because that’s how it goes. Paul was quite a loner until he met Billy, he grew up close to Gemma, then went away for a while and only got back in touch with his family since he came to the streets. It’s a horrible situation, but Paul is surrounded by people who love him.

Besides Billy, who was the most important person in Paul’s life?

Bernie and Gemma are very close, but I would say Bernie just because there was more to sort out with her. There was the resentment of his mother abandoning him when he was a child, Paul and Gemma wanted nothing to do with Bernie when she came back into their lives. Even now they are arguing because she lied about her other son, Kit. But Bernie stepped up and I had some great scenes with Jane Hazlegrove, who plays her.

What did you think about Paul having a long-lost brother?

It’s pretty believable with Bernie’s past, there are probably other little Bernies out there! For Paul it was a huge shock, he was angry at his mother for hiding Kit and for the time they lost when they could have known him. I think by the end Paul will understand the circumstances surrounding all of this. Jacob Roberts is a great addition to the show as Kit.

What do you enjoy about playing Paul and what frustrates you?

I guess his temper frustrates me, he’s very quick to anger. But we can all be like that! I love that he has a heart underneath all that façade that he puts on, which has really come out since he’s been on the streets. It’s softened him up in the best way. There’s a lot of layers to Paul, he’s not perfect but no one is!

Was it difficult to film so many heavy scenes?

Despite the horror of the situation, Corrie managed to write moments of levity and humour that you find in real life. You make light of the horrible things you go through and the audience responded to that, families who are going through similar situations picked up on those little human moments or funny lines. It made me realise that we are doing things right.

Which of your co-stars do you think deserves an award this year?

I would say Daniel Brocklebank (who plays Billy). The story is very personal to him because his grandfather died of a jaw condition. My character is at the heart of the story, but what he does as Billy is fantastic, and he deserves just as much credit. He’ll owe me a beer for saying that!

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