Coronation Street star says ‘heart’s smashed to pieces’ as he supports castmate amid sad exit

Gareth Pierce showed his support for co-star Peter Ash ahead of his exit

Coronation Street star Gareth Pierce said fans are having their hearts ‘smashed to pieces’ as he showed his support for co-star Peter Ash ahead of his exit.

The actor’s character in the ITV soap Todd Grimshaw has been involved in Peter’s character Paul Foreman’s story for years now having deviously got in between him and Paul’s now-husband Billy Mayhew following his return to Weatherfield in 2020 resulting in their split.

Todd’s cruel move was eventually exposed leading to a reunion for Paul and Billy but the trio have since become great friends and are also referred to as being Summer Spellman’s ‘three dads’.

Todd has been supporting Paul and Billy after the former was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in April 2022. It’s now been confirmed that the end is near for Paul as he’s set to tragically die from the life-limiting illness in next week’s Corrie.

Spoilers have revealed that whilst complaining of his hangover, Billy realises he’s lost his phone and is thrown into panic as it contains all of his photos and memories. As he sets off to retrace his steps, Summer Spellman and Bernie Winter are horrified to discover Paul unresponsive on the sofa, struggling to breathe.

Summer calls an ambulance but realising that Billy has left Paul at the worst possible time, with no way of contacting him, Bernie and Summer do everything they can to keep Paul alive. With the odds against him, will Billy make it in time to say his final goodbye to Paul?

**Paul’s death will air in the ITV soap** (Image: ITV)

Meanwhile, next week, Peter may be hoping to pick up an award for his portrayal of Paul as he’s nominated for a National Television Award (NTA) at the London ceremony set to take place on Wednesday (September 11).

Corrie took to social media to remind people they could vote for the actor and shared a video displaying his performance as Paul that could win him the Serial Drama Performance gong on the night. The caption of the post read: “Our talented Peter Ash is up for Serial Drama Performance at this year’s NTAs. Vote now! Link in our bio.”

Gareth was quick to respond to the post, writing: “Smashing hearts to pieces! What a performance. Big love, brother.” Meanwhile, Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy, has shared the post to his Instagram Story and said: “So proud of this man and storyline! Please vote!” Emmerdale star Laura Norton also shared: “Outstanding.”