ITV Coronation Street confirms devastating diagnosis for Paul Foreman as he hides secret from Billy

Coronation Street has confirmed fans' worst fears as Paul Foreman is set to receive a devastating diagnosis. Viewers of the ITV soap have been worried for the builder ever since he was accidentally knocked over by Carla Connor in her Underworld van after unknowingly being drugged with LSD by Stephen Reid.

Following the accident, Paul was left wearing an arm sling but fans were quick to notice something still wasn't quite right as he struggled to pick up darts in the Rovers Return before throwing one which landed in Evelyn Plummer's hat on a nearby table. Dr Gaddass assumed it was nerve damage and told him his recovery could take weeks.

However, a recent visit to the GP has prompted more tests and in scenes to air next month, viewers will see Paul diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), which is a life-shortening illness.

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MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work. MND does not usually affect the senses such as sight, sound and feeling but it can leave people locked in a failing body, unable to move, talk and eventually breathe.

In Corrie, Paul, played by Peter Ash, starts to notice other issues with balance, mobility and dexterity and during scenes to air on Friday night (March 24), Paul will be referred to a specialist, before, in early April, he is given the devastating news that it is very likely he has MND with the diagnosis then being confirmed later in the month.

Paul keeps the diagnosis from his partner Billy Mayhew and his family, confiding only in his flatmate Dee Dee Bailey. The