Coronation Street star Jonathan Wrather has spoken candidly about his father’s six-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND), describing supporting him through it as the most difficult role of his life.

The soap actor, 56, revealed how his father Bill slowly deteriorated after being diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition, eventually becoming bedridden and unable to communicate. 

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: ‘MND is a cruel disease, it wastes everything. Even the muscles you don’t see, those you use to breathe and speak. 

The actor shared his story after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, 47, recently revealed his own MND diagnosis. 

Jonathan reflected on how the illness robbed his father of his independence and personality, adding: ‘MND is like cancer – it’s indiscriminate.’ 

Bill was one of around 5,000 people in the UK living with the disease at any given time. He had a slow-onset form of MND and sadly passed away in December 2023, aged 84. 

Coronation Street star Jonathan Wrather has spoken candidly about his father’s six-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND), describing supporting him through it as the most difficult role of his life

The soap actor, 56, revealed how his father Bill slowly deteriorated after being diagnosed with the progressive neurological condition, eventually becoming bedridden and unable to communicate

Recalling a poignant memory during one of their final drives together in one of Bill’s beloved vintage cars, Jonathan said he realised the extent of the disease’s impact when his father struggled to change gears. 

He said: ‘He was still driving at this point and I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but I can remember having to change the gears while he operated the clutch – he didn’t have full use of his arm to do it himself!’ 

The star added that it was in that moment that he knew the disease had taken hold. 

Elsewhere in the interview, Jonathan praised his stepmother and the team of live-in carers who supported his father in his final years. 

The star said he has immense respect and admiration for the carers who looked after his father, as end-of-life care ‘is not easy’. 

Despite the heartbreak, Jonathan said he felt fortunate to have spent valuable time with his father during his decline. 

The actor, best known for playing Joe Carter on Coronation Street and Pierce Harris on Emmerdale, is now using his platform to raise awareness for MND.

On Saturday, he will appear at Rye Arts Festival alongside Sally Bayly in Licensed to Thrill, a celebration of James Bond, with proceeds going to MND research.

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: ‘MND is a cruel disease, it wastes everything. Even the muscles you don’t see, those you use to breathe and speak’

Bill was one of around 5,000 people in the UK living with the disease at any given time. He had a slow-onset form of MND and sadly passed away in December 2023, aged 84

The actor shared his story after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, 47, recently revealed his own MND diagnosis (Lewis pictured this month)

According to the NHS, motor neurone disease causes muscle weakness that worsens over time. 

The condition is life-shortening, and there is currently no cure, though treatments can help manage symptoms.

MND can affect adults of any age, but it usually occurs in people over 50. Early symptoms include weakness in the hands, legs, or feet, as well as twitching, cramps, and stiffness.

As the disease progresses, it can lead to severe mobility issues, breathing difficulties, excessive saliva, and changes in mood and personality.