Coronation Street and Emmerdale star Jonathan Wrather has spoken out about his beloved father’s battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

MND is a life-limiting condition that causes muscles to weaken over time and predominantly affects adults over the age of 50, though it can affect adults of any age. Currently, there is no cure.

Jonathan recently revealed that his father, Bill, suffered from the condition prior to his death in 2023 at age 84.

The actor opened up about Bill’s six-year battle with the condition, which saw him lose his independence.

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

‘MND is like cancer – it’s indiscriminate.’

Editorial use only. Exclusive – Premium Rates Apply. Call your Account Manager for pricing. Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (697529di) ‘Coronation Street’ TV – 2003 – Karen McDonald (Surnane Jones-Background) gets jealous when she sees Joe Carter (Jonathan Wrather) with New girlfriend Lisa Ibbetson (Lucinda Oliver). ITV ARCHIVE

Jonathan played Joe Carter in Coronation Street (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

The star explained the moment he knew the condition had ‘taken hold’, recalling a memory of their last time driving together in one of Bill’s vintage cars.

‘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!

‘It’s a fond memory of our last drive tearing around country lanes, but it was also when I realised the disease had taken hold.’

Jonathan went on to praise his step-mother and Bill’s carers for supporting him in his final years, explaining that it ‘isn’t easy’ to provide end-of-life care.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (8961000s) At the court, Rhona Goskirk, as played by Zoe Henry, is relieved to learn the sex tape won’t be used as evidence but she struggles with the questioning. Rhona breaks down whilst Pierce Harris, as played by Jonathan Wrather, portrays the role of a falsely accused victim. When the first day of the trial ends, Rhona feels defeated. (Ep 7887 – Tue 25 Jul 2017) ‘Emmerdale’ TV Series – Jul 2017
He also played Emmerdale villain Pierce Harris (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock (10537837bn) Jonathan Wrather ‘This Morning’ TV show, London, UK – 24 Jan 2020 DEMO: CLEAN YOURSELF FIT Whether you love it or hate it – there’s no avoiding it. Cleaning is a chore we all have to face, but what if there was a silver lining to this mundane task? Well, according to recent research, we burn over 50,000 calories every month just by doing household chores. So grab those marigolds, plug in Henry because our Clean of Queen Lynsey Crombie is here to show you how to clean yourself fit!.
Jonathan is using his platform to raise awareness and money for MND (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
‘I have immense respect and admiration for the carers who looked after him,’ he said.

The actor also expressed his gratitude at being able to spend valuable time with Bill before he passed away.

Jonathan is perhaps best known to soap fans as Corrie conman Joe Carter, and Emmerdale villain Pierce Harris.

Having cemented himself in the public eye, Jonathan is now using his platform to raise awareness and money for MND.

Jonathan Wrather and dad Bill smiling in a selfie
Jonathan praised Bill’s carers (Picture: Instagram / Jonathan Wrather)
Jonathan spoke out about his experience after England rugby player Lewis Moody revealed his own diagnosis.

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Lewis said his diagnosis was discovered after he noticed weakness in his shoulder while training in the gym.

Physiotherapy failed to improve the problem and a series of scans showed nerves in his brain and spinal cord had been damaged by MND.

Lewis said he has ‘never’ felt sadness for himself but understandably struggled telling his mum and two children the heartbreaking news.