Gareth Pierce was flooded with messages from fans as he reflected on his latest ‘upsetting’ scenes in the ITV soap

Coronation Street fans have flooded Gareth Pierce with messages as they reflected on his latest ‘upsetting’ scenes in the long-running show.

The actor, who is best known for playing Todd Grimshaw in the ITV soap, was among the 40 cast members from both shows to be confirmed to be a part of the special Corrie and Emmerdale crossover episode, dubbed Corriedale, which aired on Monday night (January 5).

The one-off episode’s drama, aired to mark the change to the network’s soap schedule, followed a multi-vehicle collision and its chaotic aftermath, with characters from both Weatherfield and the Dales caught up in the incident.

It was revealed that the crash was caused by killer John Sugden and Becky Swain as the pair collided while driving on a country road, sealing the exit storyline of vicar Billy Mayhew, who died after being trapped in a minibus which went up in flames.

But there were plenty of other jaw-dropping moments included in the TV epic, with Cain Dingle shot by John, before later being given a life-changing diagnosis in the hospital, while Shona Platt went into labour as her husband David suffered a fit in the hospital.

However, as fans know, Billy’s death has comes as a huge blow to Todd. As they saw, he appeared ready to leave abusive partner Theo Silverton once and for all after Billy discovered the true extent of what his former boyfriend was going through. Having already had concerns about what was going on behind closed doors, Billy found Todd covered in bruises following his most recent beating.

At Debbie Webster and Ronnie Bailey’s wedding in Yorkshire, they then headed up to Billy’s hotel room where Todd showed him the footage given to him by Theo from the secret cameras in his home. Todd couldn’t watch, even when Billy pointed out it had been edited and wasn’t showing the whole story.

Once Todd had left, Billy found the original files and discovered what Todd had really been subject to. He once again confronted Todd and vowed to help him but as they prepared to head back to Weatherfield in the minibus, Theo arrived, making for an uncomfortable journey.

Having ran into the collision, the minibus set alight and while most of the passengers managed to escape, Billy was trapped by his seatbelt. However, he still tried to get out. But when the evil Theo Silverton returned to see who was still trapped inside the minibus, he appeared to clip Billy back into his seat before leaving him to burn alive.

Following the episode, Gareth took to Instagram with a glimpse behind-the-scenes and said: “One of my favourite things about #CorrieDale was we were all small enough bricks in the wall that we could truly just sit back and enjoy the spectacle. What a team! Thanks @emmerdale for joining our @coronationstreet family, and welcoming us into yours.”

Fans were quick to respond as they shared praise, as well as their upset for his current storyline. @annabellaseeth said: “Incredible episode, sad for billy. I really am on the edge of my seat with Todd and Theo storyline. Hope Todd can get away and will be nice to see him step into a dad role for Summer.”

@abilou8 wrote: “Brilliant episode but heartbreaking how we lost Billy. You’ve been amazing with this storyline, enjoyed watching you on this morning.” @amanda04xx commented: “What a wonderful actor you are!! The storyline with Todd and Theo absolutely breaks my heart. I hope Todd gets set free honestly he deserves so much better! And what an episode ! I absolutely loved every second of Corriedale! @garpierce.”

@autumnalwalksara posted: “Absolutely amazing acting. My heart is breaking for Todd. I do hope Billy’s kind words help Todd be strong enough, to leave Theo.” @joyce.redman05 added: “It’s upsetting to watch you being traumatised I hope there’s a happy ending soon. Amazing actor.”