ITV Coronation Street fans in tears after emotional tribute to Rob Burrow

Coronation Street fans were left in tears on Friday night after an emotional tribute to Rob Burrow.

The ITV soap aired a heartbreaking episode dedicated to Paul Foreman, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) last year. Only recently have things taken a turn for the worse for the cobbled favourite and Friday’s episode aired a powerful episode dedicated entirely to a day in the life of Paul from his perspective.

The emotional episode was also dedicated to the memory of rugby league legend Rob, who passed away last month from motor neurone disease (MND). The episode saw Billy Mayhew and Paul enjoy a special day together, knowing that any moment could be their last, after they were told it was no longer safe for Paul to take the stairs to leave the apartment.

Friday’s episode began with Paul waking from a dream to find his speech had drastically deteriorated. Viewers then experienced the day with him through his inner thoughts and emotions, voiced by actor Peter Ash. Paul and Billy visited the church where they got married, sampled beer bubbles in the Rovers and spent time with families.

At the end of the emotional episode, Coronation Street paid tribute to Rob. Next to a picture of Rob on the cobbles with the actors who play Paul and Billy, a message read: “Dedicated to Rob Burrow CBE friend and advisor to Coronation Street.”

On Twitter, now X, someone said: “Beautiful tribute to Rob Burrow at the end #corrie”, another account wrote: “What a sad, moving episode of #Corrie tonight, beautifully acted by Peter and Daniel… Episode dedicated to Rob Burrows”, while another added: “A stunning episode. So insightful, emotional and powerful. Brilliant performances from Peter Ash, Daniel Brocklebank and others. Beautifully dedicated to Rob Burrow. #Corrie.”

Last month it was sadly announced that former Leeds Rhinos rugby legend Rob had passed away at the age of 41 after a battle with motor neurone disease. Rob, who retired from playing in 2017, was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and, along with former team-mate Kevin Sinfield, raised millions to raise awareness for the condition before his passing.

Rob’s former club announced his passing in June. The Burrow family released a statement paying tribute to him, which was also shared on the Leeds Rhinos website. It read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend.

“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life, whether that was on the rugby field or during his battle with MND (motor neurone disease). He never let others dictate what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.

“The outpouring of love and support Rob and the entire Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years has meant so much to Rob. The rugby league family and MND community in particular have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.

“For those who have known Rob all his life, his determination and drive in the face of MND over the last four and a half years has come as no surprise. Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he simply found his own way to do it better than anyone else. He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube And Wires.