Coronation Street has signed up former Byker Grove and Hollyoaks star Andrew Hayden-Smith, who is set to join the soap in an upcoming Todd Grimshaw storyline
Andrew Hayden-Smith at the Byker Grove 25 celebration
Coronation Street has welcomed former Byker Grove and Hollyoaks actor Andrew Hayden-Smith to its cast, as he prepares to feature in a dark upcoming storyline involving Todd Grimshaw. Regular watchers of the ITV soap will know that Todd Grimshaw is unknowingly caught in a manipulative relationship with his partner, Theo Silverton.
Andrew Hayden-Smith previously played corrupt police detective Gavin Armstrong in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks during 2016 and 2017, though he’s also known for his roles in Byker Grove, Doctor Who, Cucumber and Banana.
Now he is set to appear in the iconic soap in a guest role as Pete Lang, stirring up trouble between Todd and Theo.
Using Instagram to announce his forthcoming guest appearance, Andrew shared a photograph of himself outside the iconic Rovers Return and commented: “Off to Weatherfield… BRB. Catch me on the cobbles as Pete Lang soon! #Corrie.”
He was quickly flooded with supportive messages. TV host Angellica Bell declared: “FINALLY….I CAN START CHATTING ABOUT IT!” Rylan Clark replied with an enthusiastic: “Congrats mate!” Hollyoaks’ Nadine Mulkerrin contributed: “Corrie just got hotter! ! ! ! !”
Drag performer and Celebrity Big Brother finalist Danny Beard voiced his endorsement, saying: “Love this.”
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Fans have been expressing their concerns about Theo, as his behaviour has grown increasingly domineering. He was seen trying to distance Todd from his close friends, Billy Mayhew and Sarah Platt, before the abuse escalated to physical violence for the first time, with Theo cornering Todd at the kitchen sink and forcing him to eat a kebab.
In new episodes, Corrie viewers will see Todd reaching his limit due to Theo’s manipulative actions. Secretly worried about test results, Todd confides in George Shuttleworth that he’s beginning to plan his own funeral, which leaves George uneasy.
After Christina Boyd’s suggestion, George checks Todd’s emails and finds one from the hospital confirming an appointment. Christina encourages George to go with Todd and offer his support.
Meanwhile, at the Bistro, Gary Windass and Theo meet with newcomer Pete, played by Hayden-Smith, to discuss a potential contract. Spotting Billy and Summer Spellman, Theo approaches them and expresses his concern about Todd, fearing there’s something he’s not revealing, leaving Billy uncomfortable, reports the Mirror.
The next day, Todd returns home to confront an angry Theo. Whilst he offers apologies to Theo for spending the evening at Billy’s, he insists nothing occurred between them but receives a shock when Pete appears from the bathroom.
Theo remains defiant, claiming Todd has been hiding something from him for several days. Eventually, Todd reveals the truth regarding his medical concerns, but when Theo attempts to blame Todd, Todd finally loses his temper and demands he pack his belongings.
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