Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) faces one of his toughest weeks yet on Coronation Street, as his relationship with Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) takes a dangerously controlling turn.

The tension begins during a mediation session where Theo’s ex-wife Danielle Silverton (Natalie Anderson) appears, accompanied by her new partner Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor).

Theo is immediately unsettled by Noah’s presence, given their shared history involving conversion therapy during Theo’s youth.

Todd, aware of the emotional weight this carries, tries to offer support, but Theo’s jealousy and volatility quickly spiral out of control.

As the day progresses, Todd seeks solace at the Rovers while Theo, struggling with his own frustrations, becomes intoxicated and combative. Witnessing Todd interacting with Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) ignites Theo’s anger. Once home, what should have been a comforting domestic scene descends into violence. Theo slaps Todd’s hand away, belittles him verbally, and force-feeds him kebab in a shocking display of control. The episode starkly portrays the emotional and psychological abuse Todd faces, highlighting the difficulty of navigating an intimate relationship entangled with manipulation, jealousy, and unchecked anger.

The storyline goes further by exploring the social pressures and expectations faced by same-sex couples in abusive dynamics. Gareth Pierce has emphasized that while coercive control is universal, the nuances within a same-sex relationship can be particularly challenging, especially in convincing authorities or friends of the abuse. The scenes force viewers to confront the unsettling reality that abuse can exist in any relationship. As Theo packs to leave, leaving Todd stunned and vulnerable, the audience witnesses the deep emotional complexity of both characters—Todd’s struggle for understanding, self-preservation, and hope, and Theo’s spiraling control fueled by fear and insecurity.