Coronation Street fans were left in awe as Daniel Brocklebank, the actor behind the character Billy Mayhew, revealed his real voice on BBC Breakfast. Viewers of the popular morning show were surprised to hear the actor’s natural accent, which differs from the Mancunian dialect he adopts for his role on the long-running soap opera.
Daniel Brocklebank, known for his portrayal of the devoted vicar Billy Mayhew, hails from Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. Before joining the cast of Coronation Street, he honed his acting skills at Redroofs Theatre School and even appeared in a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Lord of the Flies at the young age of 14.
During his appearance on BBC Breakfast with hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, Daniel discussed the emotional Motor Neurone Disease (MND) storyline that has gripped viewers. He shared the impact of the storyline with his co-star Peter Ash, who plays his on-screen husband Paul Foreman. The actors revealed that they were deeply affected by the storyline, with Daniel admitting that they were both moved to tears while reading the scripts.
As they delved into the emotional journey of their characters, Daniel expressed the personal connection he felt to the storyline. He revealed that the loss of a colleague who had been working closely with him for six years added another layer of emotion to the performance. The departure of his co-star felt like “missing an arm,” he reflected.
Despite the emotional content of the storyline, it was Daniel’s real-life eloquence that caught the attention of many viewers. Fans took to social media to express their surprise at how different he sounded in real life compared to his character on Coronation Street. Many were impressed by his articulate enunciation and posh accent, commenting on the contrast between his on-screen persona and off-screen personality.
The response from fans to the MND storyline has been overwhelming, with viewers praising the actors for their moving performances. Peter Ash, who plays Paul Foreman, shared that the reaction to the storyline has been incredible. The emotional scenes depicting Paul’s death were filmed months ago, but watching them again brought back the intensity of the moment for the actors.
Reflecting on the impact of the storyline, Peter expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans. The positive messages and comments on social media have been a source of comfort and encouragement for the actors, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about MND and the challenges faced by those living with the disease.
Daniel Brocklebank also shared a personal connection to MND, revealing that his grandfather had succumbed to the illness. He reflected on the improvements in diagnosis and treatment over the past two decades, noting that when his grandfather was diagnosed 23 years ago, it was only a week before he passed away. The actor emphasized the importance of raising awareness about MND and the impact it has on individuals and their families.
In conclusion, Daniel Brocklebank’s revelation of his real voice on BBC Breakfast provided fans with a glimpse into the actor behind the character of Billy Mayhew. The emotional discussion about the MND storyline and the personal connections shared by the actors added depth to their performances on Coronation Street. The overwhelming response from viewers highlights the power of storytelling in raising awareness and fostering empathy for those facing challenging circumstances.