Eileen Grimshaw

Corrie star Sue Cleaver has admitted that her character Eileen Grimshaw is "gutted" when she ruins Paul Kershaw's romantic plans to propose to her.

Eileen becomes deeply paranoid in the coming days when boyfriend Paul (Tony Hirst) starts spending lots of time with a female work colleague named Toni.

The final straw for Eileen comes when she discovers that Paul is not at work when he said he was going to be.

However, when Eileen confronts Paul about his dishonesty and accuses him of having an affair, she is left humiliated as he explains that Toni has merely been helping him to pick out an engagement ring in secret.

Cleaver told Soaplife: "She's gutted that she's ruined it. Eileen realises just how stupid she's been and that in trying to keep hold of Paul she's now on the brink of losing him.

"She desperately tries to backtrack, but Paul's really hurt by her accusations and walks out. She really feels that she's blown it and she doesn't see how she can make him realise how sorry she is."

Asked how Eileen would feel if Paul forgave her and went ahead with the proposal, the actress replied: "She'd be delighted, but she really feels that she's ruined any chance of that happening now.

"I think they make a great couple, and that is what's so sad about the way Eileen behaves. If she just sat back and took a look at what she has, then she'd just get on with it and be happy."

Coronation Street bosses recently confirmed that Paul will be leaving the cobbles this year after a series of "explosive" storylines.

Tony Hirst has revealed that he wants a Weatherfield wedding before he leaves the cobbles.

The actor will be bowing out from his role as Paul Kershaw this year, but hopes the firefighter will have time to marry fiancée Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) before he goes.

Asked whether the pair will tie the knot on ITV's Loose Women today (March 28), Hirst replied: "I would hope so! We're engaged. I've put a ring on her finger - what more does she want?

"Whether we do or not, I don't know - you'll have to stay tuned."

Hirst also confirmed that there are tough times ahead for Paul and Eileen as the aftermath of the Rovers Return fire continues to take a toll on their relationship.

After getting a glimpse of the danger Paul faces on a daily basis, Eileen becomes paranoid and fearful about him returning to work.

Hirst explained: "Having seen what Paul does and the dangers that he faces when he goes into a fire, that's going to be a struggle for Eileen."

The dramatic blaze scenes saw Paul and his work colleague Toni Griffiths trying to save those trapped in the pub without proper back-up. Tragically, Toni lost her life as she embarked on the rescue attempt.

Hirst discussed the storyline with real-life firefighters and learned that such situations are common.

He said: "The reason a lot of firefighters get injured or killed is because they get pressurised into situations by the public… They were saying it's a really common situation that when they go to a fire, the public are there going, 'Do something'. They're compelled to do something, but it's a really dangerous situation for them."

Coronation Street continues tomorrow (March 29) at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

Paul's getting on my nerves, he's back to apologising every episode.

Eileen Grimshaw will ask fiancé Paul Kershaw to choose between their relationship and his job in a forthcoming storyline.

Eileen (Sue Cleaver) issues the ultimatum to Paul as she can no longer cope with the stress of him working as a firefighter.

Although Eileen has always supported Paul's job, she is plagued by paranoia and fear in the aftermath of the recent Rovers Return fire.

Having now seen the reality of Paul's work first-hand, Eileen is desperate to make sure that he doesn't suffer the same fate as his colleague Toni Griffiths, who died in the pub blaze.

Paul is also finding his return to work challenging, but Eileen's fears make it difficult for him to confide in her.

Tony Hirst, who plays Paul, told itv.com: "Her concerns are very genuine, and they are made greater by what she has seen. I don't know that she mistrusts him, she just feels completely out of control.

"She's a strong woman who isn't used to not having a grip on things. But it does mean he struggles to confide in her over his fears."

On Eileen's insistence that Paul should quit, the actor added: "I don't think he's prepared to compromise on this. He tells her that it's in his blood, pure and simple.

"What he means by that is that it's all he knows. It's his family, at the end of the day. If he's busy protecting Eileen and not being able to open up to her about his own feelings, then he needs the service even more."

Hirst will be leaving Coronation Street later this year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Perdita

Hirst will be leaving Coronation Street later this year.

---

Not before time!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Perdita

Hirst will be leaving Coronation Street later this year.

---

Not before time!

Thank god for that, he his ruining episodes at the moment, I'm sick of his moaning.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Katy

Thank god for that, he his ruining episodes at the moment, I'm sick of his moaning.

---

Yeah, he's only witnessed the traumatic death of his colleague - he should really lighten up!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Katy

Thank god for that, he his ruining episodes at the moment, I'm sick of his moaning.

---

Yeah, he's only witnessed the traumatic death of his colleague - he should really lighten up!

I know and I get that, I just don't like him as an actor. Not sure about his pairing with Eileen as she used to be a good character and I think Paul ruins her.