Note: This article discusses subject matter such as coercive control and domestic violence.
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Gareth Pierce has confirmed that the storyline involving Todd Grimshaw and Theo Silverton will take an even darker turn.
The pair got together earlier this year, though their romantic relationship has been far from plain sailing given Theo's situation with his family and his past trauma in which he was the subject of conversion therapy.
After it looked like things were heading in the right direction, it slowly became apparent that Theo harboured a controlling streak as he attempted to distance his boyfriend from his closest friends and family.
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Next week's scenes will see Theo make his boldest move yet as he orders Todd to stay away from Billy Mayhew, and Pierce - who plays Todd on the ITV soap - has shared that it will be the beginning of an even darker storyline.
"Todd is in danger," the actor told The Mirror. "Theo’s behaviour is becoming increasingly controlling, and there’s a moment coming up where he becomes physically abusive for the first time. There’s a line that has definitely been crossed; it will be hard to watch.
"Further down the road, there’s financial control. It’s very frustrating for the audience… [They're] a little further ahead than Todd in recognising what’s going on. The audience is also party to a couple of occasional sadistic glances from Theo that Todd doesn’t see."
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Theo's physical abuse comes after he attempts to coerce Todd into being distant from his friends, with Theo issuing his partner an ultimatum in which he states he would end their relationship if Todd doesn't agree to his suggestions.
"Theo doesn't want Todd's attention to be on anyone else but him," explains our Corrie insider. "He's already threatened to leave their relationship and makes it quite clear that if Todd chooses Billy's friendship over him, then they're finished."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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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.
