Manipulation, coercion, and a terrifying escalation — is Todd running out of time?

A Romance Shattered by Secrets

When Todd Grimshaw first connected with scaffolder Theo Silverton earlier this year, the spark between them felt promising. But viewers sensed danger from the start. Theo pushed for secrecy, dodged questions, and kept Todd at arm’s length. Soon, the truth surfaced: a hidden wife, teenage children, and a long struggle with his sexuality.

What began as a whirlwind romance quickly became a cage.

Theo Tightens His Grip

By November, Todd was trapped in a coercive and emotionally destructive relationship. Theo’s behaviour shifted from subtle manipulation to outright sabotage. During the November 17 episode, he deliberately derailed Todd’s shift at the funeral home, provoking an outburst that cost Todd his job — and fractured his long-standing bond with George.

As George left the flat heartbroken, Theo revealed his true nature. Standing in the shadows, he unleashed a chilling verbal attack, calling Todd “a self-centred, pathetic little man.” Todd broke down. Theo smirked.

It was the beginning of a terrifying descent.

Gaslighting, Humiliation, and Control

Days later, Theo pushed the boundaries even further. With Todd now unemployed, Theo used his financial leverage as an excuse to bring Pete — a man he had slept with — into their home under the guise of “business.”

What should have been a romantic night became a psychological trap. Todd tried to stay composed, even charming Pete despite the discomfort. Theo weaponised every moment. He turned Todd’s politeness into a source of shame, twisting the interaction to deepen Todd’s guilt and dependence.

The message was clear: Todd’s confidence was now Theo’s favourite target.

Violence on the Horizon

Official spoilers confirm the darkest chapter is still ahead. Theo’s behaviour escalates into physical violence, leaving Todd terrified and isolated. Actor James Cartwright describes Theo not as a villain, but as a man consumed by insecurity and rage. “He lashes out. He blames Todd. Then he hates himself,” he explained. “It’s a cycle of guilt, panic, and denial.”

But cycles like this rarely end without someone getting hurt.

A Storyline That Hits Hard

Coronation Street is confronting a critical but underrepresented issue: domestic abuse within same-sex relationships. The writing pulls no punches. It shows how love can be twisted into fear, how isolation grows quietly, and how victims can lose themselves long before they seek help.

Todd is spiralling, and viewers are increasingly frightened for him.