Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank who's known for his role as vicar Billy Mayhew has renewed his contract with ITV. This ensures we will see Billy Mayhew on the cobbles for the foreseeable future and fans are delighted.
Brocklebank brought Billy Mayhew to life and quickly became a fan favorite with his heartfelt storylines and warm persona. Here's everything you need to know about Daniel Brocklebank's new contract.
Who is Coronation Street's Billy Mayhew?
Billy Mayhew is an archdeacon with a rather complex life. From addiction issues to complicated relationships, Billy isn't your average vicar by any means. His main storylines have centered around his relationships with Todd Grimshaw (initially played by Bruno Langley and later by Gareth Pierce) and most recently Paul Foreman (Peter Ash). After a traumatic accident and the subsequent pain, Billy became addicted to painkillers and later, heroin. This alone was enough to keep fans hooked and engaged with Billy's storylines.
Portraying LGBTQ relationships on Coronation Street has been incredibly educating for both the young and older audience. Paul Foreman is currently suffering from Motor Neurone Disease so it has been an intense and heartbreaking time, especially for Billy as he's adapting to life taking care of Paul.
Billy was first introduced in 2014 and has definitely cemented his role on the soap. In the beginning, his relationship with Sean Tully (played by Antony Cotton) was a central story for Billy. Due to their relationship being deemed controversial because of Billy's faith, it brought up many difficult but enlightening conversations between the pair.
However, his relationship with Todd was the most controversial. Todd definitely didn't live like a vicar and partook in criminal activity. It forced Billy into some uncomfortable situations, but because he loved Todd, it was hard for the vicar to let go. Now, it's looking like Billy isn't destined for a quiet love life given Paul's illness.
Billy's overall presence on the soap has been inspiring for many especially due to his addiction issues as well as his relationships. With such open and honest conversations, Coronation Street fans would've hated to say goodbye to Brocklebank.
What's next for Daniel Brocklebank?
Daniel Brocklebank has officially renewed his contract with ITV for another 12 months. It will be a heartbreaking time for Daniel's character on Coronation Street because, in the coming weeks, his on-screen boyfriend Paul is set to pass away.
In an interview with Inside Soap, Daniel shared his thoughts about the upcoming tragic storyline:
"He’s losing the love of his life; it’s going to be difficult for him. I don’t know what they have in store for Billy over the next year, I’ve just signed a new contract that takes me until the following November. I did have a meeting with our new producer Kate Brooks last week and I said, 'If she wants to bring in a hot 27-year-old window cleaner for Billy, it might be a stretch, but I’ll probably be able to do it."
Coronation Street airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV and ITVX.
