Coronation Street is set to bring more turmoil for Todd (Gareth Pierce) as his toxic relationship with Theo (James Cartwright) intensifies. In tonight’s episode, now available on ITVX, Todd faces trouble with his abusive partner after discovering Theo’s latest lies.
Todd finds out that Theo lost Pete’s contract and realises the new contractor is the same man Theo had a one-night stand with, prompting a confrontation. Matters worsen when George (Tony Maudsley), aware of their financial struggles, arrives with a restaurant voucher, which only angers Theo further.
Tension escalates when Gary (Mikey North) mentions that he nearly persuaded Pete to resume the contract, but Todd “ruined it again” by telling him to stay away. The episode concludes with Theo glaring at Todd from a distance.
With the storyline hinting at further conflict, Theo’s controlling and aggressive behaviour appears set to intensify.
The soap has been exploring a domestic abuse plot, showing Theo attacking and manipulating Todd while isolating him from friends and family. The show is building towards a special pre-Christmas episode that will focus heavily on the toxic dynamic between Theo and Todd.
Speaking to Digital Spy at a Coronation Street press event, producer Kate Brooks described the storyline as “a really important story” and explained that they’ve intentionally taken a slow-burn approach. She said Todd has fallen for a complicated man with his own issues, noting that Theo has sacrificed a lot for Todd abandoning his family and coming to terms with his sexuality.
Brooks added that by the time the story reaches its peak, Todd feels deeply indebted to Theo, which is when Theo’s darker side comes to light. “He’s a dark character who will manipulate Todd and is very skilled at gaslighting him,” she said.
Ahead of the special episode, actor Gareth Pierce also commented on Todd’s relationship, sharing his perspective on why the character has stayed with Theo.
Gareth Pierce explained that Todd’s personal growth over the past few years has made him hopeful that others can change too. “That part of him is currently overriding his instincts, and he’s trying to adjust, giving Theo a chance to possibly take the relationship to a healthier place,” he said.
He added, “Todd is definitely afraid of Theo physically, but there’s still love in the relationship, and Todd feels he might be able to predict or fix him.”
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8 pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.