Paul Connor (Coronation Street)

Paul Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by Sean Gallagher, the character arrives with the rest of his family as one of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh)'s two brothers, ^[1] first appearing during an episode that aired on September 6, 2006. He is later killed off later in 2007, following the actor's decision to leave the cast. ^[2][3]

Creation and development

Prior to the characters arrival, a Coronation Street insider claimed that little was known about the Connor brothers, aside from the fact that they're in the rag trade and started out on the markets. The insider speculated that Paul and his brother are just on the right side of the law, though not out-and-out villainous. Upon their arrival, the brothers were planned to cause trouble for Danny Baldwin (Bradley Walsh). ^[1]

Casting

Early in 2007, actor Sean Gallagher's resignation from the soap opera was revealed. Coronation Street scriptwriters planned for his character to be killed off. During an interview, Gallagher claimed that his role on the show was what he'd hoped for, though he would rather play a variety of roles. The actor agreed with executive producer Steve Frost to leave at the end of his contract. ^[3] The character was originally planned to be killed in Underworld itself; however, this was not clear. ^[2]

Storylines

The character arrives on Coronation Street when his brother Liam (Rob James-Collier) contacts him concerning Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson)'s intentions to sell his share of Underworld factory. The two brothers are introduced as the brothers of barmaid Michelle Connor. After purchasing Adam's share of the factory, Paul spends his wife, Carla (Alison King)'s entire children's clothing business funds, leading to a row between the couple. Paul keeps contact with one of the factory's previous owners, Danny Baldwin, and informs him of Frankie (Debra Stephenson) and Jamie (Rupert Hill)'s split, having spied on them. He also purchases Danny's 60% share of Underworld.

After Michelle's son Ryan (Ben Thompson) is arrested for joy-riding, Paul violently attacks him upon his return from the police station. Consequently, Carla begins to suspect that Paul is keeping a dark secret from her. Liam later reveals that Paul was responsible for the accident in which Michelle's late partner, Dean, had died. It was Paul, rather than Dean, who had been driving. He, with Liam's help, had moved Dean's body to the driver's seat to avoid arrest for drink driving. This leads to Michelle disowning both her brothers.

Paul proves to be an accomplished schemer by covering up the death of Polish factory worker Kasia Barowicz (Irena Rodic). He claims that she had died in the day shift when she was actually working illegally at night.

Paul is shocked to discover that Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), Liam's love interest, is a prostitute, having hired her as an escort. He and Leanne mutually agree not to reveal each others secrets, however, Paul grows frustrated watching his brother grow closer to Leanne. In order to protect his own marriage, he explains to Liam that Leanne is a gold-digger, though Liam ignores this. Paul is also uncomfortable with the fact that Leanne is going into business with Carla, eventually revealing her identity as a prostitute. Carla subsequently discovers that Paul is her client, ending their marriage, with Paul blaming Leanne. As revenge, Paul locks Leanne in the boot of his car. The car crashs into a lorry whilst he was on the phone to Liam, which causes him to lose concentration. Following this, he and Leanne are rushed to hospital. Whilst Leanne survives with only a broken rib, Paul dies as of his overly severe injuries. Carla and Liam both blame Leanne for her part in the accident. Paul is buried off-screen in Ireland.

Later in 2008, Liam, newlywed to Maria Sutherland (Samia Smith), names his stillborn baby after Paul.

Paul is mentioned again in November 2009 when Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) plan to play golf at a high class golf club. However, Steve was a guest member as a side with Paul at the time but since Paul died in 2007 Steve is no longer a guest member.

References