Note: This article contains discussion of domestic abuse and coercive control.
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Harriet Bibby has revealed to Inside Soap that she would love her character, Summer Spellman, to rescue Todd Grimshaw from his abusive boyfriend Theo Silverton.
So far, the late Billy Mayhew is the only person to have uncovered Theo’s true colours. But tragically, Billy died after the Corriedale car crash that saw Theo condemn the vicar to death by buckling his seatbelt up as flames rose around him.
Summer is totally oblivious to Theo’s murderous act as well as his abusive behaviour, just like the rest of Todd’s loved ones. But could Summer somehow follow in Billy’s footsteps and attempt to save Todd from his misery?
“I would love that,” says Harriet, who plays Summer. “I mean, me as Harriet sat at home watching it, I’m thinking, ‘Come on, Summer, do something!’ I would love for Summer to help Todd get out of that situation.
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“He’s really all that she’s got left of a parental figure now. She needs Todd as much as Todd needs Summer and it would be lovely to see her help him.”
It’s a welcome thought for Corrie fans, but right now, Summer views Theo as a reassuring figure above all else.
“Summer’s now seeing both Todd and Theo as a comfort for her,” Harriet shares. “She needs people around to help her, so she’s completely unaware of any horrible dynamic between Theo and Todd.
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“But Todd is very aware of that as well and wants to protect Summer because he knows that she’s gone through this horrible thing and doesn’t need a pile on of any more trouble.”
With that in mind, for how long will Todd be trapped by Theo?
To read our full chat with Harriet about what’s next for Summer as she continues to grieve Billy, pick up the latest issue of Inside Soap, available to buy from Tuesday, 20 January.
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Coronation Street is working on Todd and Theo’s story with support from Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity. For more information and resources, visit the charity’s website or contact the national helpline on 0800 999 5428.