Coronation Street fans see Theo Silverton’s control over Todd Grimshaw take an even darker turn this week. The show’s latest villain puts on a smile in public, then rages at his boyfriend behind closed doors.

With Todd doing his very best to appease Theo, the vulnerable fella is terrified when he damages his boyfriend’s car – and dreads his next mood…

“Theo has a surge of fury directed at Todd,” explains Gareth Pierce, who plays the tortured soul. “There’s a moment where Todd thinks that maybe he’s sorted everything and repaired the car, and that it’ll be smooth sailing – but what happens next is shocking.”

Theo’s escalating rage begins at the builder’s yard and another encounter with Pete, his one-night stand. When Pete flirts and hints they should hook up again, Theo snubs his attention. Pete reacts by calling him a drama queen, causing Theo to fly into an uncontrollable fury that has big consequences…

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After the blow-up with Pete, Gary sacks Theo from the builder’s yard, putting the scaffolder in an even worse mood. Then, to make matters worse, Sarah Barlow’s son Harry spills a milkshake in Theo’s car.

“When Harry spills the milkshake, Todd’s worried about Theo’s reaction,” reveals the actor. “He’s in that tense, people-pleasing anticipatory headspace.”

Although Theo’s reaction is easy-going in front of Sarah and Harry, his true colours emerge when alone, and Todd fears for his safety.

“Todd is given false hope when Theo is more affable than expected,” shares Gareth. “Then he gets home and realises as the door closes, the mood shifts.

“Theo’s a more physically imposing character. Todd’s scared of him, but he feels like he can anticipate or fix Theo.”

When Todd accidentally scrapes the car after all the effort of getting it cleaned, he’s sick with dread. But will Theo manipulate Todd into believing everything is his fault again?

“Todd wants to seem like he’s the reasonable one,” Gareth reminds us. “He’s been the victim of some expert gaslighting, while exercising his own anger and frustration is now not an option for Todd. His new home is such a tense space…”

Corrie bosses have confirmed that Theo’s abusive behaviour will worsen in the coming weeks, culminating in a special episode airing in the run-up to Christmas.