ITV Coronation Street star debuts new look as they reveal exciting role after soap exit
Good Morning Britain had a special guest on Tuesday’s programme, catching up with ex-Coronation Street actor Peter Ash.
Fans of the soap will remember that Peter, who recently turned 40, portrayed Paul Foreman on the much-loved ITV drama. His character met with a heartbreaking end in September after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
As the condition took its toll, Paul tied the knot with his partner Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, before ultimately being confined to his flat. Paul died in 2024, seventeen months after his diagnosis, and actor Peter won a National Television Award for Serial Drama Performance over his portrayal.
Now, almost six months on, Peter joined Good Morning Britain this Tuesday to discuss his latest endeavour – a stage adaptation named Picture You Dead. He is set to feature in this thrilling play based on the popular book by Peter James, embarking on a tour from 6 February to 17 May 2025.
Peter presented a strikingly different image from his Coronation Street days, now sporting a longer hairstyle and a full beard, contrasting his former character’s clean-shaven and short hair appearance, reports Lancs Live.
During his interview, presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls sprang a birthday surprise on Peter by presenting him with a cake live on air as he marked his 40th birthday. Richard Arnold brought in the celebratory cake complete with lit candles, leaving the actor visibly moved.
Following the show, Peter expressed his gratitude on Instagram: “What a lovely way to start my 40th birthday! Thank you, @gmb for the cake! #HappyBirthdayToMe #40thBirthday.”
In the comments section, fans poured out their birthday wishes for Peter, with one saying: “Happy birthday and many blessings for you Peter!”, while another added: “Happy 40th birthday” Someone else cheered: “Happy 40th birthday, enjoy your day” and a fellow birthday celebrator shared: “We share a Birthday! Have a great day, lots of love xx.”
It comes as Peter issued a heartfelt message after winning a National Television Award last year. The soap star penned at the time: “Still think I’m coming down off the high from last week’s National Television Awards!
“Thank you again to everyone who voted. I am so glad that Paul’s story has resonated with so many people. I also feel very lucky to have worked alongside such an incredible cast and crew on this MND storyline. #NTA #NationalTelevisionAwards #Corrie #CoronationStreet #MND #MotorNeuroneDisease.”
