Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including domestic abuse and coercive control.
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street has confirmed some tense new scenes for Todd as his partner, Theo, continues to abuse and exert control over him. In episodes set to air next week, a concerned Christina will find Todd in agony after Theo forces him to embark on a gruelling run as part of his half-marathon training.
According to the soap, Monday’s (1 December) instalment will begin with Theo – whose toxic behaviour recently escalated to physical violence – encouraging Todd to hide out in their flat, to prevent their neighbours from seeing his injuries. After Dev calls in, however, Todd finds himself in an awkward situation and lies, explaining that he’s been in London and that the cut on his head is from a drunken afternoon.
Later in the episode, when Theo gives Todd a fitness watch and suggests he up his training for the half-marathon, Todd is left in agony from the taxing 10k run. As Christina invites him in for a cuppa, Theo watches on. The question is: will Todd finally reveal what’s been going on?
One of Coronation Street’s darkest storylines, the soap has been exploring the issues of coercive control and domestic violence in Todd’s relationship with Theo. In a recent press conference, producer Kate Brooks explained that the harrowing storyline will continue to progress, leading to a “really emotive” episode at Christmas.
ITV
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“As we take in George and Christina and Sarah – all these people who care about and love Todd – they are absolutely oblivious to what’s going on between the two behind closed doors,” she said. “And it’s going to be really interesting to watch what happens when people do get a peek inside at what happens behind closed doors…”
“It’s a hard watch. We’re not rooting for Todd and Theo in any way, shape or form,” Brooks continued. “This story will naturally progress. Hopefully Todd will realise what is going on and that this is not acceptable. We’re not rooting for this couple – we’re rooting for Todd. We’re rooting for Todd to see the light.”
ITV
Related: Coronation Street spoiler: Theo’s jealousy sparks another shock outburst
Hinting at Corrie’s Christmas episodes, she noted: “Christmas is often a time where there are spikes in calls to the Samaritans. We wanted to really show Todd and Theo’s journey in the build-up to Christmas. We’ve got a really special episode which is just focused primarily on Todd and Theo’s relationship. But it’s told in a completely different, unique, never-been-done-before way, which will really pack a punch on many levels. So we’ve got that story really shaping up.”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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Organisations including The Mankind Initiative provide support and advice to men experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control. The helpline is open weekdays between 10am and 4pm, is 01823 334244.