Coronation Street fans are convinced that a beloved character will be resurrected in Billy Mayhew’s reported death plot.
Billy, portrayed by Daniel Brocklebank, has been a staple on the cobbles since 2014, winning hearts with his compelling narratives.
Soap fans were therefore heartbroken to hear earlier this year that Daniel would be leaving the show in an upcoming high-stakes plotline.
“I love everyone who works on this show, and whilst I am sad to be going, I am equally excited to see what the future holds,” the 45-year-old actor expressed back in May.
Kate Brooks, the executive producer, hinted at Billy’s challenging departure, stating: “Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit,” reports Leicestershire Live.
Just two months after the announcement of Billy’s departure, it’s now being reported that the character could meet his end in “explosive” circumstances.
The Sun has claimed that soap bosses are considering Billy’s death for Christmas or New Year’s to maximise the impact.
A source told the publication: “Corrie bosses are busy plotting how to kill off Billy, having decided to axe Daniel earlier this year.
“There aren’t any plans to bring him back onto the soap, so it makes sense to make his exit the most impactful and explosive it can be.”
They added: “It’s likely Billy will be a focus point of the Christmas/New Year storylines, with fans expected to be at the edge of their seats in the run-up.”
A Coronation Street spokesperson has stated that they do not comment on storyline speculation.
Now, speculation is rife among fans that Billy’s ex-husband, Paul Foreman (Peter Ash), might make a dramatic return as part of his exit plot.
Paul passed away in September 2024 after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), with Billy regrettably missing the opportunity for a final farewell.
Two months after his heartbreaking passing, Paul made a comeback to the cobbles as Billy experienced visions of his husband during a drunken haze. This has led viewers to believe that a similar encounter could occur if Billy dies.
“After Paul died, he appeared as a ghost to Billy as Billy was freezing to death in the snow. So, I could see a Christmas/New Year’s death having one final appearance from Paul, leading Billy to heaven,” speculated a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Another chimed in: “Paul has to come back if Billy is actually getting killed off,” and a third shared: “I could totally see Paul returning to usher Billy into heaven… we’re all going to be in tears.”
