Corrie star Peter Ash on why historic gay wedding 'is a beacon of light'

ok.co.uk:

While there have been many same-sex relationships in Coronation Street, none has resulted in a wedding – until now. In 2011, Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) made it down the aisle but left Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson) in the church, and in 2019 poor Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia) died on the day she was supposed to marry Kate Connor (Faye Brookes).

Now, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) are about to tie the knot. But of course with Paul’s MND diagnosis, the future is still looking bleak for the couple. “The wedding is a beacon of bright light,” explains actor Peter Ash. “Despite all the negative news that Paul’s had since the diagnosis, getting to marry Billy is just great, it’s perfect, it’s what he wants to do with the time he has left.” At the wedding, held at the Bistro, Bernie (Jane Hazlegrove) and Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) walk Paul down the aisle where Billy waits for him.The pair exchange vows and are pronounced married.

But there is still something that leaves Billy disappointed. “Paul knows Billy is downplaying his upset about not being able to get married in a church,” explains Peter. “Actually, Shelly Rossington’s death brings out Paul’s faith – at the funeral he had a spiritual moment.

And wanting to get married in a church has become a bit more or a priority for Paul. “He wants a church wedding mainly for Billy, because he’s devoted his life to the church – that’s where he wants to get married.