Exit Interview: Daniel Brocklebank Reacts to Billy’s Most Iconic Moments | Coronation Street
After more than a decade on the cobbles, an era comes to an emotional close as Daniel Brocklebank says goodbye to Billy Mayhew on Coronation Street. Eleven years is no small achievement, and for Brocklebank, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary—one filled with heartbreak, triumph, and moments that reshaped the show’s history.
The story began quietly. When the offer to play Billy first came through, Brocklebank was sitting at lunch with his mother and grandmother. His reaction was cautious—he told his agent he’d think about it. That hesitation didn’t last long. His mother, a lifelong Corrie fan, insisted he take the role immediately. That single decision led to over a thousand episodes and one of the most complex character arcs the Street has ever seen.
From his very first appearance, stepping onto the iconic set felt surreal. Despite years of experience in film, theatre, and television, nothing quite prepared him for walking past the Rovers Return for the first time. That sense of awe never fully disappeared. Even his final scene, filmed fittingly on the Street itself, echoed that same feeling—coming full circle.
Billy’s journey was anything but simple. Over the years, viewers watched him endure failed relationships, shocking secrets, addiction, violence, and redemption. He survived car crashes, quarry falls, criminal entanglements, and moments that pushed him far beyond the mild-mannered priest audiences first met. Each twist forced Brocklebank to constantly redefine Billy, proving how unpredictable life on the cobbles could be.
Yet among all the chaos, one storyline stands above the rest: Billy’s relationship with Paul. What began with hostility evolved into deep love, culminating in the show’s first successful same-sex wedding. It was a landmark moment—not just for Corrie, but for representation on British television. Filming those scenes carried enormous emotional weight, especially as the story later intertwined with Paul’s devastating motor neurone disease diagnosis.
That storyline became one of the most powerful in the show’s history, earning multiple awards and touching countless viewers. For Brocklebank, it was deeply personal. As an ambassador for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, he understood the reality behind the scripts. Every scene mattered. Every word carried responsibility. The goal was truth, not melodrama—and the impact was profound. Viewers reached out, sharing how the story helped them feel seen, understood, and less alone.
One of Billy’s final moments—speaking to Paul over the phone as his husband lay dying—remains unforgettable. Filmed in sequence, the emotion was raw and real. Cast and crew knew they weren’t just ending a storyline; they were saying goodbye to something deeply cherished.
As Brocklebank reflects on his time as Billy, the gratitude is unmistakable. More than any single plot, the true highlight was simply being part of Corrie—working daily with people who became family, sharing life’s milestones alongside fictional ones. Leaving meant countless small goodbyes that slowly built toward the final farewell.
Billy Mayhew’s story may have ended, but his legacy remains etched into the fabric of the Street. And as Daniel Brocklebank steps into the future, one thing is certain: his portrayal of Billy will be remembered as one of Coronation Street’s most heartfelt and enduring chapters.