The actor told the ECHO “there’s still some way to go”
Gareth Pierce spoke about his powerful storyline at the ‘Corriedale’ premiere(Image: Gerard Binks/Getty Images)
Coronation Street star Gareth Pierce has rumbled Todd and Theo’s future as the harrowing storyline reaches boiling point. The Welsh-born actor has shared with the ECHO what fans can expect in upcoming episodes. Gareth Pierce and James Cartwright have taken centre stage in recent months as part of a hard-hitting storyline tacking the problem of domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship.
It’s been a whirlwind storyline for viewers since Theo Silverton arrived on the cobbles last year. Theo burst onto the street in a huge storyline which saw Todd fall head over heels for the new builder.
However, despite Theo also showing interest in Todd, he soon learned Theo was actually married. Last year, fans saw Theo come to terms with his sexual identity, leaving behind his wife and two children, Millie and Miles.
The couple moved into a flat on Coronation Street and have been inseparable ever since. But things soon took a darker turn when Theo started to reveal his true colours.
Things have escalated in recent weeks in harrowing scenes which saw Theo smash Todd’s head into a mirror. They were forced to pay a visit to hospital where Theo manipulated Todd into thinking it was his own fault. Other distressing scenes included Theo stuffing a kebab into Todd’s mouth and even going as far as pouring a bottle of milk over his head.
The entire episode was shown through the point of view of cameras such as Todd’s hidden camera, CCTV and police bodycams(Image: ITV)
As the abuse that Todd is suffering continues to intensify, a powerful standalone episode aired last month focussed entirely on the worrying story.
The episode was filmed through the point of view of cameras such as Todd’s hidden camera, CCTV, dashcam, video doorbell and police bodycams as a series of flashbacks showed what happened inside their flat.
Speaking to the ECHO about the unique episode, actor Gareth Pierce said all of the set was enclosed and he felt “claustrophobic”. He said: “We rehearsed it a good few times because the ceilings were on, the doors were sealed and the cameras were static so it was much more important that you hit marks.
“It did feel like the doors were closed and it was genuinely claustrophobic for us and hopefully that comes across.”
He continued: “I think the special episode showed one of the most impactful moments. The fact that Todd hit rock bottom, there was a little light bulb moment that he had to get out of this relationship.
Todd proposed to Theo on New Year’s Eve(Image: ITV)
“He is finally meeting violence with counter-violence which has actually made things worse and he’s even more trapped now. Theo has that leverage over him that Todd didn’t press charges.
“That’s a very bleak feeling for Todd but for audiences as well. We’ll have to see where he goes next and how we can maybe extricate himself from this.”
On New Year’s Eve, fans were shocked to see Todd get down on one knee and propose to his partner. Blinded by love, Todd hopes to spend the rest of his life with Theo but on the other side of the screen, viewers are desperate to see him escape this abusive relationship.
Heartbreaking scenes on New Year’s Day saw Theo physically abuse Todd, punching and kicking him onto the floor. The episode was a difficult watch for viewers with many hoping that Todd will soon see the light.
However, Gareth told the ECHO there’s “still some way to go” for the characters before Todd can truly be happy. With Billy Mayhew raising his suspicions, soap fans are hoping he’ll finally reveal Theo’s true colours.
Gareth said: “I wouldn’t hold your breath on seeing too much happiness too quickly. Obviously you know with these types of stories it isn’t always happy families. There’s still some way to go.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX