Paul Clayton (Coronation Street)

Paul Clayton
Tom Hudson as Paul Clayton (2008)
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Lee Booth (2000–2001) Tom Hudson (2007–2008)
Duration	2000–2001, 2007–2008
First appearance	Episode 4938 29 November 2000
Last appearance	Episode 6827 25 May 2008
Introduced by	Jane MacNaught (2000, 2001) Steve Frost (2007)
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Chef
Father Terry Duckworth Mother Andrea Clayton Half-brothers Tommy Duckworth Brad Armstrong Grandfathers Jack Duckworth Harry Clayton Grandmothers Vera Duckworth Connie Clayton Aunts Sue Clayton

Paul Clayton is a fictional character from the British 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.

When the character's return was announced in 2007, it was revealed that the character would pick up where his on-screen father Terry left off. Tom Hudson stated that the character would develop to become a "loveable rogue", but would become much more of a rogue than lovable. He also said that the character would take interest in various of the Street's 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 had enjoyed his role on the show, but had other things planned. Tom also said that the character would definitely return in later years, resembling his on-screen father; he also stated that the storyline in which the character would exit was what Tom had hoped for.

The son of Terry Duckworth and Andrea Clayton, the character was born off-screen on 7 November 1986 (coincidentally his grandfather Jack's 50th birthday), following the Clayton family's departure. Paul was raised by his maternal grandmother whilst Andrea went to university. Paul's paternal grandmother, Vera, however, insisted on some involvement in her grandson's upbringing, so the family decided to leave.

In November 2000, Andrea returned to Coronation Street, looking for Terry as Paul needed a kidney donor. Terry agreed to be the donor but left days before the operation, and Vera took his place. Paul returned in 2001 to visit his paternal grandparents. He wasn't seen again until 2007 when Molly Compton contacted him, concerning Vera's poor health. He moved into 9 Coronation Street in order to help Jack, look after Vera. It was soon revealed that Paul had come to Weatherfield after being caught in bed with his ex-employer's wife. Upon his return, Paul began working at Leanne Battersby's restaurant, Valandro's, and eventually bought a share by taking out a loan in Jack's name. Following Paul's arrival at number 9, Tyrone Dobbs began to get suspicious of him. Tyrone repeatedly tried to catch Paul taking Jack's money but was unsuccessful. However, in September, Tyrone blamed Paul after Jack and Vera realized money was missing after Paul took some to buy items for the restaurant without Jack's permission. Jack suspected Tyrone was responsible after catching him checking his tin.