ITV Coronation Street fans in tears as Paul Foreman is told how long he has to live

In shock at the news, Paul asked the consultant to be as honest as possible with him.

She revealed the condition has no cure and would result in the "gradual but increased" loss of muscular coordination.

In a worst case scenario Paul would be left unable to breathe without assistance.

Heartbreakingly, when he pressed her for a time frame, she replied: "Less than three years."

In later scenes viewers watched as the news became too much for Paul and he broke down crying.

The scenes have left fans at home in floods of tears, as one said: "Oh Paul your breaking my heart."

A second wrote: "Paul’s story is already so sad. This is going to be so difficult to watch."

"Poor Paul - you just want to hug him and tell it will be ok even though it won't," said a third.

While a fourth said: "feel so sorry for Paul…he really needs to tell someone about it."