The relationship between Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) and Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) is tumultuous, but Paul makes it crystal plain in Coronation Street the next week where they stand.
Billy travels to the builders yard to meet Paul after spending the previous evening at the Rovers with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce), who initially divided Paul and Billy.
He is resolved to communicate Paul his true feelings by wearing his emotions on his sleeve.
Despite what Paul believed, the vicar says that he doesn’t feel anything for Todd and tells him that, given everything that has transpired, he just doesn’t trust Todd and that he cannot feel anything for someone he doesn’t trust.
There are no prizes for guessing who it is when he admits that he has affections for someone.
Unfortunately, Ed Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) decides to start his electric saw at that very second, completely obliterating Billy’s statement of love for Paul.
When Ed overhears what is happening and the saw is switched off, he quickly disappears, giving Billy the freedom to fully express his sentiments.
When he implies that he loves him, Paul awkwardly corrects him, expressing regret and the view that he thinks they are better off as friends.
Billy is obviously inconsolable but makes an effort to mask it.
Before Paul had a chance to respond, he quickly leaves after admitting that he received the short end of the stick.
Does this mean that Billy and Paul are no longer together, or does Paul still harbour affections for Billy?
These scenes will be shown on Coronation Street on Friday, February 17 at 8 p.m. on ITV1 and ITVX.
