Paul Clayton (Coronation Street)

Paul Clayton
Tom Hudson as Paul Clayton (2008).
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Lee Booth (2000–01) Tom Hudson (2007–08)
Introduced by	Jane MacNaught (2000, 2001) Steve Frost (2007)
Duration	2000, 2001, 2007–08
First appearance	29 November 2000
Last appearance	25 May 2008
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Date of birth	7 November 1986
Occupation	Chef
Family Father Terry Duckworth Mother Andrea Clayton Half brothers Tommy Duckworth Brad Armstrong Grandfathers Jack Duckworth Harry Clayton Grandmothers Vera Duckworth Connie Clayton Aunts Susan Clayton

Paul Clayton is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by Lee Booth, the character first appeared on-screen during an episode that aired on 29 November 2000. When the character returned in 2007, Paul was played by Tom Hudson.

Creation and development

Casting

When the character's arrival as Tom Hudson was revealed prior to the character's return in 2007, it was revealed that the character would pick up where his on-screen father Terry left off. Tom Hudson revealed that the character would develop to become a "loveable rogue", however, would become much more of a rogue than lovable. He also stated that the character would take interest in various of the streets ladies. Following the character's return, Tom revealed that a role on the show was what he'd always hoped for, having watched the show with his mother as a child. Around the time that Liz Dawn, who played the character of Paul's paternal grandmother, Vera Duckworth, was revealed to be leaving the show, Tom claimed that he would miss the actor, even though he understood that her ill health forced her to leave. Prior to the character's departure in 2008, Tom claimed that he enjoyed his role on the show, however, had other things planned. Tom also revealed that the character would definitely return in later years, alike to his on-screen father. The actor also stated that the storyline in which the character would exit was what Tom had hoped for.

Storylines

The son of Terry Duckworth and Andrea Clayton, the character was born off-screen on 7 November 1986 (coincidently the same day as his grandfather Jack's 50th Birthday), following the Clayton family's departure. Paul was raised by his maternal grandmother whilst Andrea attended university. Paul's paternal grandmother, Vera, however, insisted on involvement in her grandson's upbringing, which provoked the family to leave.

In November 2000, Andrea returned to Coronation Street in search for Terry, as Paul needed a kidney donor. Terry agreed to be the donor, however, fled in cowardice just days before the operation, and Vera subsequently took his place. Paul returned later in 2001, fully recovered, to visit his paternal grandparents.

Paul was furthermore absent from the show until 2007 when Molly Compton managed to get in touch with him concerning Vera's poor health. He began living at 9 Coronation Street in order to help his paternal grandfather, Jack, look after Vera. It was soon revealed that Paul had arrived in Weatherfield after being caught in bed with his ex-employers wife. Upon his return, Paul began working at Leanne Battersby's restaurant, Valandro's, and eventually bought a share by receiving a loan in Jack's name.

Following Paul's arrival at number 9, Tyrone Dobbs began to get suspicious of him. Tyrone repeatedly attempted to catch Paul taking Jack's money, though was unsuccessful. However, in September 2007, Tyrone blamed Paul after Jack and Vera realised they were missing money after Paul had taken some to buy items for the restaurant without Jack's permission. Jack began to suspect Tyrone of the theft after catching him checking his tin.

In October 2007, Paul's previous employer enquired Leanne to reveal Paul's whereabouts. Even though she told him to take his case to number 9, Tyrone allowed Paul to escape out the back of the house. The employer subsequently raided Valandro's. Following this, Paul revealed to Leanne that he had feelings for her.

Around Christmas time, Paul confessed to Jack that he had taken his money. As he and Vera had planned to use the savings to retire to Blackpool, Jack lied to her that he'd miscalculated their savings.

Following Vera's death in 2008, Dan Mason told Jack he had a winning betting slip worth £3000, however, needed it before he could pay him. Tyrone, having placed the bet for Jack, revealed he had given it to Vera to pass onto Jack, though forgot prior to her death. Paul obtained the betting slip after he, Jack, Tyrone and Molly had searched for it for almost two weeks. Dan confronted him when he attempted to hand it in himself. They agreed that if Dan cashed it, Paul would give him a share of the money, and Paul received £2000. Unfortunately, Harry mentioned the slip to Jack, though it was clear that he knew nothing about it. Harry explained that he was mistaken, confronting his son, insisting that Dan pay back the money. This led to Jack receiving £3000 of Dan's money. Dan subsequently ordered Paul to return the money, however, refused. Dan persistently attempted to force Paul to repay him, and began ordering service at Valandro's but refusing to pay. Dan eventually demanded that Paul pay the money, and Paul began to avoid Dan until being kidnapped by him. Paul claimed that he had nothing except the clothes on his back. Dan demanded that Paul strip to his boxer shorts. Jack then offered to pay Dan the debt.

In March 2008, Paul set fire to Valandro's for Leanne in exchange for sexual favours. Having discovered that Leanne had used him, he confessed his and Leanne's guilt to the police. Dan, having been dating Leanne, had subsequently provided Leanne with an alibi. This left Paul alone to face a term in prison. Paul's solicitor revealed that he faced a two year prison sentence. Whilst considering fleeing the country, Paul was offered £10,000 by Jack to stay and face his punishment. He also promised to treble the amount on Paul's release in order for Paul to begin a new life. Paul, however, decided on fleeing the country. However, he left the £10,000 behind and Jack once again felt pride for his grandson.

Reception

Following his return in 2007, viewers weren't sure whether the character had good or bad intentions, whilst the character was involved in the storyline which seen Paul invest in Jack's savings. The character was considered for a worst soap villain title which would be published in a television magazine. Paul's character was nominated following his intentions to take Jack's money and prior to his plan to commit arson on Valandro's. Paul's investment in Jack's savings marked the character the shows first identity theft.