Paul’s teenage torment

Will Corrie’s Paul find the strength to expose the man who abused him as a child? We ask actor Peter Ash

Poor Paul Foreman’s violent reaction to his stepdad turning up in Coronation Street is explained this week – his mother’s former partner abused him as a child. The harrowing secret is revealed when Paul admits to his boyfriend Billy Mayhew that he and creepy Kel were in a relationship when he was just 14. When Billy tells Paul he was too young to give consent and Kel was actually abusing him, it sends Paul into a huge tailspin.

‘Paul has never realised that what went on between him and Kel cannot have been consensual,’ explains actor Peter Ash, who plays Paul.

‘When Billy realises something isn’t right, he questions Paul and tries to get him to see Kel took advantage. When Paul does finally understand, it will be the start of a storyline that could tear the family apart.’

Kel came back on the scene after bumping into Paul’s mum Bernie. The couple soon rekindled their romance, and while Paul’s pregnant sister Gemma is pleased about it, the news has put Paul on edge.

Kel will encourage Paul, who he notices is acting strangely, to stay quiet about what happened. But when Bernie hands around old family photos, it dawns on Paul how young he was compared to Kel. As devastated Paul knocks back vodka, Billy gently explains he was groomed.

‘It’s all a bit much for Paul, it’s hard to deal with,’ says Peter.

The plot will involve explosive scenes – if Paul can bring himself to expose Kel. ‘He’s wary about telling Bernie in case she doesn’t believe him,’ he says.

‘But a confrontation is likely down the line, before hopefully the police are involved, and justice is served.’

Corrie’s been working with Survi

vors Manchester, a charity it consulted over a previous plot in which David Platt was raped by a friend. That storyline saw them receive a 1,700 per cent surge in calls, but Peter says, ‘even if one person picks up the phone then it’s a job well done’.

Peter, who has a long-term girlfriend, adds, ‘It’s important big shows like Corrie pick up these issues, and I feel honoured they’ve chosen me.’

Peter’s first big role (‘an amazing experience’) was as sporting star Darius Fry in ITV’s Footballer’s

Wives in 2003, followed by guest roles in The Royal, Hollyoaks and Jimmy McGovern’s The Street.

Corrie viewers first saw Peter in 2018, as David Platt’s cellmate, and earlier this year he was given a more permanent role on the show.

Unsurprisingly, Peter, who’s 34, is thoroughly enjoying himself. ‘As a Mancunian and a Corrie fan, this is a dream. Everyone has been fantastic and made me feel welcome,’ he says. ‘I’m having the time of my life.’

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