This article discusses themes of domestic abuse and coercive control.
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street is lining up more misery for Todd (Gareth Pierce), amid the character’s toxic relationship with Theo (James Cartwright). In tonight’s episode, which is already available to stream on ITVX, Todd will find himself in hot water with his abusive partner after catching up with Theo’s barrage of lies.
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After learning that Theo has lost Pete’s contract, Todd realises that the new contractor was the same man that Theo had a one-night stand with, and confronts Theo. To make matters worse, George (Tony Maudsley), who’s aware of their financial troubles, arrives to offer the pair a restaurant voucher, which infuriates Theo.
Fuelling the fire even further, when Gary (Mikey North) tells Theo that he’d almost convinced Pete to resume the contract, until Todd “messed it up again” by telling him to stay away, the episode ends with Theo glaring at his boyfriend from a distance.
With Coronation Street hinting that there’s more trouble on the horizon, it looks like Theo’s aggressive behaviour will continue to escalate.
A domestic abuse storyline which has seen Theo attacking and manipulating Todd, whilst isolating him from his inner circle, the soap is building up to a special episode in the run-up to Christmas, which will focus on Theo and Todd’s relationship.
ITV
Related: Coronation Street star explains why Todd is staying with “genuinely scary” Theo
Speaking to Digital Spy at a Corrie press event, producer Kate Brooks said: “It’s a really important story. We’ve deliberately played a bit of a slow burn with it. We’ve seen Todd falling for this guy who is complex and has got issues. Theo has given up everything for Todd – he’s given up his family and has come to terms with his sexuality.
“By the time the story really gets going, Todd’s in a place where he really feels indebted to Theo. At this point, Theo’s true colours really are revealed. He’s a dark character, and he’s really going to manipulate Todd. He’s really good at gaslighting Todd.”
Ahead of the special episode, Gareth Pierce has weighed in on his character’s relationship, explaining why Todd has stayed with Theo.
ITV
Related: Coronation Street spoiler: Todd’s left fearful over Theo’s next rage
“I think that some of the self-improvements he’s made over the last couple of years have led him to feel like there’s hope for change in other people as well,” he said. “I guess that part of him is overriding his instinct at the moment, and he’s adjusting and making room for Theo to, possibly, move the relationship to a healthier place.”
“He’s definitely scared of him physically, but there is still love there somewhere in the relationship, and Todd feels like he can maybe anticipate or fix Theo,” added the TV star.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Organisations including The Mankind Initiative provide support and advice to men experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control. The helpline is open weekdays between 10am and 4pm, is 01823 334244.