Coronation Street spoilers follow, while this article contains discussion of sensitive subject matter such as domestic violence and coercive control.
Coronation Street star Harriet Bibby has spoken about an important hidden message featured in Todd Grimshaw’s special episode this week, as her character Summer Spellman spurs him into action.
The ITV soap has explored an issue-based storyline over the past few months, with Todd being trapped in abusive relationship with Theo Silverton. He was initially the victim of coercive control, but Theo has resorted to violence recently.
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While some impactful scenes will play out on screens, there will also be an element that might go unnoticed, with Bibby – who plays Summer – sharing that the instalment will have a coded message throughout.
“We use the colour purple — the colour of domestic violence survivors — to signify those who may have been in an abusive relationship in the past, but are maybe now in a stronger position having come out the other side of it,” confirmed the actor.
“If you tune into that during the episode, I think it is really powerful, seeing those people alongside Todd’s journey as well. Debbie Oates, who wrote it, did a fantastic job because it really does tune you into the reality of things like this.”
Although Bibby mentioned that Summer has felt like she had three dads before, the actor stated that she feels like Summer’s relationship with Todd has evolved into something resembling a sibling bond.
“They both lean on each other when they need to and she can become almost maternal to him, and then he’s very parental to her as well,” she explained. “It’s lovely to see that when they need each other they can step up and be that for each other.
“When it boils down to it, he is always there for Summer and will always back her. He does through this storyline and she does for him as well. But I don’t think it’s as simple as a father-daughter relationship anymore.”
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With Summer now looking towards Theo as a (rightful) candidate for the murder of Billy Mayhew, her investigation will converge with the ongoing domestic violence storyline, with Theo set to panic further as the walls close in.
“I’m excited to film that moment where he’s actually caught,” said Bibby, who debuted as Summer in 2020. “Gareth [Pierce] and James [Cartwright] have played a blinder in this storyline.
“This has been going on for a long time so I think to finally see some justice take place, where Todd can hopefully find himself again, be able to smile, laugh and crack some jokes like the Todd we know will be really nice.”
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.