The ITV soap’s George Shuttleworth was flooded with messages in response to his post

Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has told fans he’ll ‘miss’ castmate Peter Ash after he was seen bowing out of the show in heart-wrenching scenes.

Paul Foreman tragically died during scenes aired in Monday night’s (September 9) edition of the ITV soap, 17 months after he was given the devastating news he had Motor Neurone Disease, the life-limiting illness for which there is currently no cure.

The former builder has been supported by his loved ones as his health heartbreakingly deteriorated over the months. But there was panic for Bernie Winter and Summer Spellman when things took a turn and Paul was left struggling to breathe.

The pair ended up calling for an ambulance while Paul’s husband Billy Mayhew was out desperately looking for his lost phone from a drunken night out the evening before with the help of David Platt.

Back at the hospital, Bernie, Summer and Paul’s sister Gemma Winter-Brown were told by doctors there was nothing more they could do and they headed in to say their emotional goodbyes to Paul, while Billy was still trying to make it to the hospital in time.

But in a tragic turn of events, Billy didn’t make it to the hospital in time to fulfil his promise of being by Paul’s side when the time came, thinking he’d only managed to say he loved him one last time over the phone. However, Bernie allowed Billy to talk thinking Paul was still alive, with only her, Summer and Gemma knowing the devastating truth.

On Tuesday (September 10), Tony took to social media to say farewell to Peter as he left the soap after six years, having first appeared on the cobbles as David’s cellmate in 2018.

Alongside a picture of Peter, the George Shuttleworth actor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “What a guy! What a performance! We’ll miss you @PeterAsh_85. Take a bow, mate xxx @itvcorrie.”

And Tony’s followers were quick to respond. @joannej1970 said: “I’m going to miss Peter more than I’ve missed any other actor. The storyline was so powerful and he played the part very well.” @gerryfaherty replied: “Absolutely superb acting – not enough tissues in the house.”

@LynneStuart_ posted: “Shed tears. Gonna miss Paul. Peter has been an absolute star.” @LeeSaunders72 shared: “Bawled my eyes out. Well done Peter and all at #Corrie.” @BarbHillier added: “Peter Ash’s career should go thru the roof after this portrayal. Just amazing. The saddest part is that Corrie loses him. We all lose him.