In a deeply emotional turn on Coronation Street, Billy struggles with the painful reality of saying goodbye to Paul. His grief has taken him on

a downward spiral, blaming himself and feeling lost without Paul’s presence. During a reflective moment, Billy admits to those around him

that he is still grappling with the loss, clutching onto anything that reminds him of Paul, even though he tells himself it’s just “earthly

remains.” The notion of Paul’s ashes being lost and stolen weighs heavily on Billy, who reveals his anger and guilt, feeling as if he’s let Paul down in some way.

As the ashes ceremony approaches, Billy finds it difficult to face everyone. Friends encourage him to attend, emphasizing the comfort of grieving together, but Billy is torn. He even questions the point of this event, viewing it as an almost surreal spectacle rather than a solemn farewell. For him, it’s not about the ritual of releasing the ashes, but rather about facing the empty reality that Paul is truly gone.

When the time comes to release Paul’s ashes into the atmosphere, it’s decided that a balloon will carry them high into the sky. Jenny, trying to lighten the mood, mentions how David thinks of it as “space-themed,” a touch that brings some humor to an otherwise somber moment. The plan is that once the balloon reaches a certain height, it will release Paul’s ashes, letting him “become part of the Earth’s atmosphere.” The bittersweet symbolism is that Paul will “be with them” every time it rains. But for Billy, this is not enough. He feels detached, thinking the entire setup feels like a public display rather than an intimate farewell.

As the crowd gathers, Billy’s struggle with grief intensifies, and he distances himself, observing the event from afar with a heavy heart. He confesses to friends that the ceremony feels hollow, a circus that doesn’t truly honor Paul. Moreover, he feels tormented by the fact that Paul’s ashes had been stolen, split, and scattered, leaving him with the image of Paul’s remains lying somewhere on a roadside. It’s a painful reminder of how fractured his final memories of Paul have become.

The grief becomes too much, leading Billy to lash out at those around him, including Todd, who tries to support him. In a vulnerable moment, Billy admits he had tried to kiss Todd at Paul’s funeral—a sign of his confusion and desperation. His confession shocks others, adding tension to an already charged atmosphere. Billy’s emotional breakdown is clear as he lashes out, questioning his own role as a partner to Paul, now seeing himself as having failed Paul even in death.

By the end, Billy is exhausted, emotionally drained, and grappling with a wave of guilt, grief, and loneliness. This ceremony, intended as a tribute, only highlights his inner turmoil and the unresolved pain of losing Paul. Friends offer comfort, but Billy remains distant, struggling to accept that this public farewell can ever truly represent his private sorrow for a man he deeply loved.