Corrie’s Billy actor left stunned by ‘first’ in his 31-year career ahead of emotional exit

Corrie’s Daniel Brocklebank has expressed his surprise over a “first” in his career.

The actor made his debut on the ITV soap playing Billy Mayhew in 2014. Prior to his Coronation Street stint, he previously appeared in Emmerdale and BBC’s Doctors.

But Daniel became a household name through his role as vicar Billy. Over the years, he has been involved in several major storylines, including his husband Paul Foreman’s (Peter Ash) battle with motor neurone disease.

Paul was diagnosed last year with MND and will sadly pass away in upcoming episodes. A few weeks ago, the soap aired a special episode dedicated to Paul that showed viewers the reality of living with MND.

The episode focused entirely on a day in the life of Paul and Billy enjoying a special day together – and fans were left in tears after it aired.

Paul is set to pass away in an upcoming episode (Image: (Image: ITV))

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star and other press, Daniel shared his shock over the reception the episode received. He revealed: “In my 31 years of doing this for a living, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a reaction to a single episode of something I’ve been in.”

He added: “When we first read it, Pete [Paul] and I were on the phone to each other going ‘this is beautifully written.'” The actor described it as “a really special episode” and recalled filming it over an “intense two-week” period, reports the Express.

The actor opened up about the reaction for the special episode (Image: (Image: ITV))

After the cameras stopped rolling, Daniel conceded: “It felt like we went off and done a stand-alone drama, because it had been such an intense experience.”

He also shared his feelings on the audience reaction: “I was thrilled because everybody had worked so hard. Not just the writer or director but us, the crew – everyone had put their heart and soul into it.”

Paul was diagnosed last year (Image: ITV)

At the start of the storyline, viewers of the ITV soap watched Paul struggle with his grip and he was eventually referred to a neurologist for tests. Due to the fact that there is no cure, Paul’s demise is imminent – which left his family and friends heartbroken.

Sadly though, his speech and mobility deteriorated and earlier this year, Paul made the shock confession that he wants to make the choice when his life should come to an end.

In upcoming episodes, the moment will come when his family, including partner Billy Mayhew (played by Daniel Brocklebank) and mum Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove), must say their goodbyes.