Corrie's Peter Ash inundated with support as he announces huge news ahead of soap exit

Coronation Street star Peter Ash had fans and his co-stars saying the same thing as he announced some huge news. The actor, 39, is best known for playing Paul Foreman on the ITV soap, making his first appearance in 2018.

In a heartbreaking storyline, Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last year and fans have watched him rapidly deteriorate over the last few months.

It is confirmed Paul will die, with the soap airing a special episode devoted to Paul and his husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) before his tragic exit.

Peter has been praised for his portrayal of Paul since his diagnosis and was recently awarded the Radio Times Soap Award for Best Storyline. Celebrating their win, the soap star posted a selfie alongside Daniel on Instagram where he could be seen clutching their well-deserved award.

He wrote: "Beyond thrilled to have won @radiotimes #SoapAward for Best Storyline! Everyone involved in this story should feel very proud. Let's keep banging the drum for MND."

Peter's co-stars and followers rushed to the comments to applaud him on the incredible job he's done playing out Paul's story.

Kirk Sutherland star Andy Whyment penned: "You’ve been absolutely outstanding Pete. So pleased you won the award, it’s so well deserved." Jane Hazlegrove, who plays Peter's on-screen mum, Bernie, agreed: "Excellent work son!! Excellent storytelling! Excellent team! Excellent You!!!"

George Shuttleworth star Tony Maudsley added: "Quite right too!! You've been AMAZING!!! xxx." Sally Carman, best known for her role as Abi Webster, echoed: "You deserve EVERY accolade." Meanwhile another commented: "Congratulations Pete and well deserved! The first of many accolades to take with you on your journey! Amazing x."

Peter opened up about his upcoming exit with Radio Times, admitting he's feeling emotional about bidding farewell to Paul. He told the publication: "Yeah, it's a bit of a double edged sword, you know? Really sad to go, but like, really grateful that they trusted me with this storyline. So, some mixed emotions about leaving."

The former Casualty star also touched upon working closely with Daniel, who's grandfather died from MND. "Working with Daniel from day one has been amazing," he said. "We have so much fun."

Peter added: "And yeah, obviously because he has a personal connection to MND, he's a great source of information and insight. And I'll very much miss working with him."