Coronation Street's Paul Foreman is reportedly soon going to face a new struggle when he turns to alcohol to cope.
The Sun reports that Paul, played by Peter Ash, will have his relationship with vicar Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) tested as he "hits the bottle in a bad way" and begins a downward spiral as he "spends days surrounded by empty cans and his own thoughts".
Related: Corrie's Billy Mayhew sticking with soap ahead of Todd return
While Corrie isn't commenting on the storyline, Digital Spy understands there are difficult times on the horizon for Paul – just as he appears to be going from strength to strength in his relationship with Billy.
The couple celebrated Paul's 30th birthday with a party this week and Billy bought Paul a bracelet, revealing that if they were able to get married in a church he would be asking him to marry him – and Paul said that he would say 'yes' to a proposal.
There is no hint as to what could cause the change in Paul's mindset but fans will know that Billy's troublesome ex Todd Grimshaw is on his way back to the Street later this year.
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Billy found out that Todd was back in the area last week when it was revealed that some of his belongings had been found near a Weatherfield canal.
He also helped Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) and Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) attempt to lure Todd back to the Street with a bag of fake cash, although their plan went awry and they haven't yet tracked Todd down.
Related: Corrie hints at new trouble for Todd as mystery of his disappearance deepens
Billy has been keeping the news about Todd's return a secret from Paul, so if Paul finds out there could be trouble ahead for the couple.
When Todd returns he will be played by new actor Gareth Pierce after former actor Bruno Langley was written out of the soap.
Todd went on the run after assaulting a police officer – but what will bring him back to Weatherfield?
Gareth has said that he is "thrilled" to be joining the soap and "to have been entrusted with taking Todd forward into some really exciting storylines".
Coronation Street currently airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV, with Coronation Street: Icons specials airing on Wednesdays at 8.30pm on ITV.
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