Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Coronation Street star Gareth Pierce has explained why Todd Grimshaw has remained in a relationship with Theo Silverton, despite the villain’s “genuinely scary” behaviour. Over the last few months, viewers have witnessed the escalation of Theo’s abusive actions, which have left Todd fearful of his boyfriend’s outbursts.

The domestic abuse storyline has seen Theo attacking and manipulating Todd, while isolating him from his loved ones. As the uncomfortable plot continues to unfold throughout the festive period, the ITV soap will air a special format-breaking episode centred on the couple.

Addressing his character’s current mindset, Pierce explained that Todd is somewhat aware of his unhealthy relationship, but remains hopeful that Theo can change his ways.

“I think that some of the self improvements he’s made over the last couple of years have led him to feel like there’s hope for change in other people as well,” he said. “I guess that part of him is overriding his instinct at the moment, and he’s adjusting and making room for Theo to, possibly move the relationship to a healthier place.”

One shocking scene saw Theo verbally abusing Todd, while forcefully shoving a kebab in his face. Describing the moment as “genuinely scary”, Pierce admitted that Todd is “definitely scared” of his boyfriend, as “Theo is a more physically imposing character”.

“He’s definitely scared of him physically, but there is still love there somewhere in the relationship and Todd feels like he can maybe anticipate or fix Theo,” added the actor.

“Todd wants to seem like he’s the reasonable one. So he’s been the victim of some pretty expert gaslighting, because anger and frustration have become off limits for Todd. When he finds out about [Theo’s ex] Owen, the infidelity with Pete, Theo’s violent reaction to the car – he doesn’t want to mirror Theo’s behaviour in how he responds.”

Pierce also addressed the importance of the storyline and explained how he separates Todd’s heartbreaking ordeal from his own daily life.

“I feel like I can see the way that you navigate playing a storyline like this truthfully while also protecting yourself and your own genuine stress levels as a person,” he shared.

“James [Cartwright, who plays Theo] and I still try to have a lightness between scenes and a laugh at things but then I think it’s important that we are aware of the seriousness of the story that we’re covering as well.”