Corrie producer Kate Brooks has confirmed an episode which has “never been done before”
The special episode has “never been done before”(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has shared what viewers can expect from Todd and Theo’s hard-hitting storyline on the soap. Actors Gareth Pierce and James Cartwright have taken centre stage in recent months as the show tackles domestic abuse in a same-sex partnership. The storyline is set to be a “slow burn” in the build up to some powerful Christmas episodes.
Theo Silverton burst onto the cobbles in a huge storyline which saw Todd Grimshaw fall head over heels for the new builder on the street. However, despite Theo also showing interest in Todd, he soon learned Theo was actually married.
The last few months have seen Theo come to terms with his sexual identity, leaving behind his wife and two children, Millie and Miles. Heartwarming scenes have seen Todd comfort Theo as they started their relationship and Theo even moved in with Todd.
However, Theo is starting to show his true colours, as his aggressive personality is starting to shine through. Theo first displayed his violent side towards Todd, throwing out horrible comments while stuffing a kebab into his mouth.
Soap fans are worried for Todd, who is blinded by his love for Theo and has not realised his partner’s actions are unacceptable. Earlier this week, Theo headed for a night out on the town to let off some steam after he saw Todd stumbling into Billy’s to spend the night.
The ECHO recently attended a press day at Coronation Street, as producer Kate Brooks opened up on what viewers can expect for Todd and Theo in the next few months.
The 42-year-old producer, who hails from Merseyside, said: “It’s a really important story and we’ve deliberately played a slow burn with it.”
She continued: “At this point, Theo’s true colours are being revealed. He’s a dark character and he’s really good at manipulating and gaslighting Todd. Fundamentally, it’s a story about domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship.
The story will progress in the lead up to Christmas(Image: ITV)
“I know this story has been told on soaps before but I can’t think of a time where it’s been told between members of the same sex. It’s important to shine a light, given that it’s prominent in same sex relationships.”
The storyline is set to be a “slow burn” in the lead up to Christmas. Kate said: “Christmas is often a time where there are spikes in calls to the Samaritans. We wanted to really show Todd and Theo’s journey in the build-up to Christmas.”
Coronation Street also has a special episode lined up, which Kate says has “never been done before.” She shared with the ECHO and other press: “We’ve got quite a bit of a journey to go on with these two, there’s going to be some really dark and quite important episodes which will be raw and authentic.
“There’s a really brilliant, powerful episode that will focus on primarily on their relationship that has never been done before. I don’t think anyone has told the story in this way.”
Speaking about the special episode, she said: “I’ve just watched it back and been stunned by it. I’m going to re-watch it again to digest what I’ve seen on screen because it really is powerful.”
She added: “We’re slowly going to see Todd start to strip bare who he is and his vulnerabilities will become very prominent as he struggles to navigate the relationship with this violent, controlling man.”
“This story will naturally progress and Todd will realise what is going on and that Theo’s behaviour is not acceptable. The story has been told before but not in this way, and it will keep audiences invested.”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and and ITVX.