Coronation Street is set to air a special episode focusing on Todd Grimshaw and Theo Silverton's disturbing domestic abuse storyline.
A shocking incident in the flat leaves the couple's friends and family asking questions, putting Theo under immense pressure as he tries to escape everyone's scrutiny.
As his increasingly controlling and sinister behaviour escalates, the ITV soap is set to air a special, powerful episode focusing solely on the couple on Monday, 15 December.
Police will descend on the cobbles following reports of a domestic incident, but will Theo's abuse be exposed?
The entire episode will be told through the found footage format, collating videos from cameras such as Todd's hidden camera, CCTV, dashcam, video doorbell, and police bodycams.
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Flashbacks will also show what happened inside the flat, piecing together the harrowing ordeal Todd has undergone.
Speaking about being asked to helm this first of its kind episode, Coronation Street director Matt Hilton said: "It felt like a really bold idea to show it in this intimate and voyeuristic way that I'd never seen done before.
"And as a fan of the true crime genre, I could see how it could work if we did it right, something that would be intriguing for the viewer and make them feel uncomfortable in watching it all take place."
On filming this stylised instalment, Todd actor Gareth Pierce added: "We were discovering how to play to that style of filming 'on the job', so it felt like an exciting collaborative adventure for all departments.
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"I think I anticipated it might feel like we were watching Corrie characters through a haze, a slight step further back from the action, but it actually has the opposite effect, where it feels like it brings us closer, like we're eavesdropping on our characters and seeing something we shouldn't."
He continued: "I haven't seen the full episode yet, but the bits I have seen are very effective and disorientating."
James Cartwright, who stars as Theo on the show, said: "Domestic violence is real for a lot of people; it often escalates around Christmas, so there’s a real level of respect on the set. You've got to tread that line between drama, storytelling and authenticity.
"It will be very challenging to watch for anybody who's been through it, or is going through something similar. But we also have to be careful not to rush it, or you run the risk of doing a disservice to people who've been through it."
Coronation Street is working on Todd and Theo's story with support from Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity. For more information and resources, visit the charity's website or contact the national helpline on 0800 999 5428.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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