Trapped in a toxic cycle of physical and emotional abuse, Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) finally finds the strength to leave his violent boyfriend Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) in Coronation Street. But Theo’s not giving up without a fight when worlds collide in Corriedale…
Coronation Street’s domestic violence story has been a devastating watch. On the outside, Theo looks like the perfect partner. He encourages Todd to live a healthy lifestyle and even encourages him to go out on runs to train for marathons.
But it was all a form of coercive control, to make Todd feel bad about his body, to control where he goes, to perform ‘endurance trials’ and punishments for the smallest of slights.
For months, viewers have seen Todd suffer at the hands of Theo, being blamed and punished for all his partner’s insecurities and jealousies. From having milked poured over him to being forced fed a kebab, and most shockingly of all, having his face smashed into a mirror, Todd has suffered humiliation and terror in silence.
This rose to a crescendo in a special fly-on-the-wall two hander episode, where Todd’s story of living with an abuser was told using ‘found footage’ such as CCTV, ring doorbell camera footage, and police bodycams.
During this episode, Theo’s vile temper and accusations were the straw that broke the camel’s back, causing Todd to finally snap and scream in Theo’s face that he didn’t want to be with him anymore. Refusing to accept this, Theo turned nasty, provoking Todd and getting in his face until he fought back and shoved Theo into a coffee table. In a cruel twist of fate, this led to Todd being arrested by the police and taken in for questioning.
Word got around the Street, and this shocking incident confirmed what those closest to Todd have suspected for a long time – something is very wrong in Todd’s relationship.
This was further confirmed in tonight’s episode, which saw Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) seek advice from Alya Nazir (Sair Khan). With Alya having witnessed nan Yasmeen’s abuse at the hands of evil Geoff Metcalfe, Billy asked her what signs he could look out for from someone suffering abuse.
Alya explained that he could look into Clare’s Law to get information about the suspected abusive partner.
What is Clare's Law?
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, is a scheme that allows information to be shared about a person’s history of violence or abuse if it will prevent further crime.
The Home Office says:
‘If you are worried that another person could hurt or abuse you, you can ask if they have a police record. Family, friends or those who may be responsible for your safeguarding such as a social worker, can also ask for you.
‘Under “right to know” the police can check if the person there are concerns about has a police record. If they do have a record, the police will share that information to protect you.’
You can ask the police for information in person or online.
Tragically, Theo overheard this conversation, and later turned on Todd, accusing him of telling Billy that Theo was abusive. Todd protested his innocence, but Theo was already furious.
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Later this week, Theo questions Billy about the ‘parishioner’ he is so concerned about when he pays a visit to the flat, and after he leaves, rounds on Todd once more.
Horrified by what he’s done, Theo blames Todd for making him lose his temper.
With physical bruises and emotional scars, Todd sees a clear path to escape from Theo for the first time in upcoming scenes. Can he take it?
Ahead of Corriedale, as Debbie Webster’s (Sue Devaney) wedding party is about to head back to Weatherfield, Todd begs a concerned Billy to take him home so he can collect his things while Theo is out.
Because of their past romantic relationship, Billy knows Todd well and has maintained a close friendship with him – which has triggered Theo’s raging jealousy.
Now Billy is here in Todd’s hour of need to drive him home on the minibus back to Weatherfield along with Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey), Cassie Plummer (Claire King), David Platt (Jack P Shepherd), Shona Platt (Julia Goulding), James Bailey (Jason Callender), Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), and Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).
Meanwhile, Theo’s already one step ahead as he plays nice with Debbie and Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan), thanking them for inviting him to their big day, before explaining that he’s catching a lift with Billy.
So as Billy prepares to drive the mini-bus home, Todd is filled with terror to see Theo appear with his suitcase. What will Theo do?
From Weatherfield to Hotten, the episodes culminates with a deadly crash on the road and ends at the hospital. There’s injury, death and destruction, with secrets and lies rising from the aftermath. Could Theo be to blame?
