The heartbreaking death of Paul Foreman rocks multiple lives across Weatherfield in upcoming scenes
One of Coronation Street fans’ favourite couples is facing a split as a heartbreaking death rocks multiple lives across Weatherfield. Bernie Winter and Dev Alahan may not survive as Bernie struggles to come to terms with the loss of her son Paul Foreman.
The character, played by Jane Hazlegrove took on the role of a strong mother as her son’s health deteriorated in front of her eyes following a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in April 2023 and she remained with him until the end in heartbreaking scenes aired earlier this month.
Bernie and Summer Spellman were with Paul when his health took a sudden turn as he started struggling to breathe. The pair called for an ambulance and Paul was rushed to the hospital where Bernie, Summer and Paul’s sister Gemma Winter-Brown were soon told by doctors there was nothing more they could do.
They were left having to say emotional goodbyes to Paul and in a tragic turn of events, Paul’s husband Billy Mayhew didn’t make it to the hospital in time to fulfil his promise of being by Paul’s side when the time came for him to pass away.
Speaking about the aftermath of Paul’s death, it’s been revealed that tensions will flare between Bernie and Billy who have very different ideas about how they want to commemorate Paul’s life.
Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy, previously teased to the Manchester Evening News: “They are obviously quite different in their approach to life, and subsequently death as well.
“They’re both grieving for someone they love but both of them think they’ve got dibs on the grief stakes – one’s a mum, one’s a husband. BIlly’s very traditional, the funeral’s coming up and he wants hymns, Bernie wants pop songs. Billy wants a hearse, and Bernie wants something else. There is conflict over the next few weeks…”
But it’s not just those two who face a rough ride in their relationship in the coming weeks. Jane Hazlegrove, who plays Bernie, has discussed her character’s partner Dev’s reaction to Paul’s death.
“He’s very supportive and extremely kind,” she said before revealing: “Perhaps a bit too kind, and the grief is going to come out through that I’m afraid. And it’s not necessarily good I’m afraid.”
Speaking about the storyline and watching it unfold, Jane added: “It was horrible but brilliant. It’s been such a privilege to learn about this illness and to play it in real time as well… It was a fitting end really but it’s been exhausting.
“Dan and I have finished the aftermath of the grief as it were and I’ve never wanted a day to come so quickly in all my career. It’s been a tough 18 months. [But I’m] so proud to be a part of it and watch what Pete’s done as well. I just think it’s an incredible and fitting performance that he’s done and I’m very proud to be part of it.”
