Paul Foreman actor Peter Ash to put career on hold after emotional Coronation Street exit

Coronation Street’s Peter Ash is taking a break from acting after leaving ITV soap (Image: BANG Showbiz.)

Peter Ash has decided to take a breather from the acting world after his emotional departure from Coronation Street.

The 39 year old actor, who played Paul Foreman on the popular ITV soap, recently saw his character succumb to motor neurone disease (MND), and following this intense storyline, he’s embracing some well-deserved downtime.

Speaking to the Daily Star’s HotTV column, Peter shared: “I was doing the storyline for a year and a half. It was exhausting emotionally and physically.” He added: “So now I’ve left the show, I’m enjoying some lie-ins. I’m enjoying a bit of time off. I’m not thinking about what comes next year.”

Having scooped up several accolades for his moving performance as Paul, Peter is looking forward to diving back into the acting pool in 2025, after he lights up the stage in a panto in Oldham this Christmas.

The ex-Footballers’ Wives actor expressed his open-minded approach to future projects, stating: “I’d like to do a bit of everything.” I’ve always been a bit of a jobbing actor. I’m happy to do a bit of radio, film, TV, theatre… whatever it may be. I’m excited to see what’ll happen. I want to try new things.”

After his final scenes aired earlier this month, Peter took a moment to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Corrie fanbase for their unwavering support throughout his tenure on the show. In a touching video posted on the programme’s official page, he said: “So, my time on Corrie has come to an end. I just want to say – thank you to everyone for the support you’ve given me over the years and with the storylines I’ve done. I really appreciate it. We’d be nothing without our fans, so thank you very much. I’ve had the time of my life filming Corrie.”

Peter said winning the serial drama performance National Television Award was an “amazing way” to end his time on the soap opera as he collected the honour on stage at the O2 Arena last month. “This is honestly incredible – what an amazing way to end my six years on Coronation Street,” he declared during his acceptance speech.

He also thanked the Corrie team and the charities which supported him, paying special tribute to Daniel Brocklebank, who played his on-screen husband Billy Mayhew. Peter said he “couldn’t have wished for anyone better to have done this storyline with”. The Traitors also landed the reality competition gong, seeing off tough competition from Celebrity Big Brother, Love Island, Race Across the World and The Apprentice.