Another New Year on the Cobbles begins with tragedy as Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) is set to leave Coronation Street in a coffin…

The beloved vicar’s exit was announced earlier this year, sparking rumours that the classic character would be killed off, which were later confirmed by photos of cast members filming a funeral.

The show’s Producer Kate Brooks hinted at the nature of Reverend Mayhew’s departure: ‘Billy will be involved in a major storyline over the coming months, which will see him tested in ways he never imagined, as friendships and his faith are pushed to the limit.’

Fans have long speculated that Billy will meet his untimely death at the hands of Todd Grimshaw’s (Gareth Pierce) abusive boyfriend Theo (James Cartwright) as part of Coronation Street’s devastating domestic violence story.

The surly scaffolder has never seen eye-to-eye with Billy due to his romantic history with Todd, and has always viewed the good reverend as a threat to their relationship.

So far, Theo has managed to keep his toxic behaviour towards Todd a secret from his friends and family, including Billy. However, that’s all about to change…

In upcoming scenes, Billy will see Theo’s mask slip at George (Tony Maudsley) and Glenda’s (Jodie Prenger) joint party in the Bistro when Nick (Ben Price) invites Todd out on a run some time. This prompts Sarah to cheekily let slip that Nick was Todd’s first ever crush, causing Theo to glare at them.

When Christina (Amy Robbins) discovers that Glenda forgot to order a cake, Theo quickly volunteers to fetch another one and practically drags Todd out of the door… as Billy watches on with concern.

With Todd preying on his mind, Billy quizzes Alya (Sair Khan) about the domestic abuse Yasmeen suffered at the hands of Geoff and how to spot the signs.

Suspicions raging, Billy and Summer drops in on an uneasy Todd for a visit. When Billy mentions the ‘parishoner’ who is suffering domestic abuse, Theo is quick to quiz him on it. Billy’s evasive. Is Theo onto him?

The shock reveal comes at Debbie and Ronnie’s wedding, as the guests sit down to dinner. When Todd accidentally spills orange juice down his shirt, Theo orders him to go and rinse it. Concerned, Billy follows Todd into the gents’… where he’s horrified to find Todd rinsing his shirt in the basin, revealing the bruises on his body.