CORONATION Street fans spot a problem after Billy made a life-changing decision to marry Paul.
The couple tied the knot in the ITV soap’s first ever gay wedding during Monday’s episode.
After having a civil ceremony in the Bistro, Paul surprised Billy with a secret church service to say their vows in front of God, knowing how much it meant to his partner.
However, a picture taken at the ceremony was left on the floor by accident, and in tonight’s episode, the Bishop arrived to tell Billy – an archdeacon – that he knew what they had done after a warden found the snap.
While the Bishop decided to ‘turn a blind eye’ after Billy explained his and Paul’s plight, things took a further turn when the warden posted about the ceremony on social media.
It caused a furore among the congregation, and left Billy devastated to realise the people he had helped get married, have christenings or bury their loved ones felt so strongly against his sexuality.
The Bishop suggested he apologise, but Billy told Paul that if he did that, he would be apologising for who he was.
Paul’s mum Bernie then took matters into her own hands by posting pictures from the church ceremony on social media, before showing the couple the support they were receiving.
It prompted Billy to go on local radio and speak about the situation, and while he started out diplomatically, he soon said how he really felt.
When the radio host asked if the church law was “wrong”, Billy paused and replied: “It is wrong, it’s plain wrong.
“I am sick and tired of trying to give a politician’s answers, I can’t do it any more. I’m just a man, the man that God made me and I love the way he wanted me to love, and I love the person he wanted me to love.
“The top brass, they say it’s a complex issue, but it’s just politics, it’s not faith or good or right. It’s nothing to do with me, or you or anyone trying to find their way through this world.
“I just pray that the next one lives up to its promises, that it’s a place where the word of Christ actually counts for something, a place where all that matters is that we love one another.”
Later, Billy received a call from the Bishop, who revealed he had heard the interview and while he sympathised with his position, he had no choice but to suspend him indefinitely.
As the credits rolled, Coronation Street viewers shared their opinion on Billy’s suspension, arguing that he doesn’t actually do much work as a vicar.
One wrote on X: “To be fair, when was the last time anyone saw Billy do anything vicary? I doubt anyone will notice he’s gone!”
Another added: “Vicar can spend even more time away from an actual chuch now then”
A third tweeted: “Aw Billy lost his job. Well I guess we will just have to see him in the cafe?”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.
