Coronation Street is never short of drama, but recent episodes have pushed Todd Grimshaw into some of the darkest territory we’ve seen in years. With Theo’s behavior spiraling into full-blown coercive control, viewers have been left shaken — and Gareth Pierce, the actor behind Todd, has now opened up about what it’s been like to carry such a heavy, important storyline.

In last night’s heart-stopping episode, Todd’s relationship with Theo crossed a dangerous line. Viewers saw Theo lash out, hurling cruel insults, making degrading comments, and using intimidation to keep Todd under his thumb. It was raw, unsettling television that captured the essence of coercive relationships: the fear, the manipulation, and the psychological toll. For many fans, the instinct was clear — Todd needs to run. And as Pierce reveals, that’s exactly the reaction the writers hoped to evoke.

Speaking candidly about the storyline, Pierce explained that this is the first time Coronation Street has tackled coercive control in a same-sex relationship. “We know it happens in real life,” he said, stressing the importance of representation. “The themes of isolation, financial control, and emotional abuse are universal, but exploring it in a gay relationship brings a new layer that hasn’t often been portrayed.”

The show has worked closely with charities such as Gallop and Stonewall to ensure accuracy and sensitivity. Pierce noted that in addition to the universal hallmarks of abuse, same-sex partners may weaponize sexuality itself, using shame or internalized homophobia as tools of control. For Todd, Theo’s backstory with conversion therapy adds another disturbing dimension.

Fans might find themselves conflicted, seeing glimpses of Theo’s trauma and wondering if he can change. But Pierce believes the writing is making it clear: this is not a “fixable” romance. The audience is meant to feel the same creeping dread Todd does — a realization that love isn’t enough to erase abuse.

Off-screen, however, things couldn’t be more different. Pierce praised James Craven, who plays Theo, as “one of the nicest people you could ever meet.” Their existing friendship, he said, made it possible to build the trust required to deliver such emotionally charged scenes. “You have to push into very dark places,” Pierce admitted, “and knowing your scene partner has your back makes all the difference.”

Of course, life in Weatherfield wouldn’t be complete without added complications. Eileen, Todd’s mother, is away, leaving him without the parental support he often leans on. Add to that the shocking collapse of Noah Hedley — a family friend — and the stakes only climb higher. For Todd, it’s not just about surviving Theo’s grip, but navigating a storm of external crises with no safety net in sight.

Despite the harrowing material, Pierce insists he relishes the role. “I love playing Todd because he’s such a mix,” he said. “There’s the manipulative side, the sarcastic wit, the comedy — and now this very serious storyline. As an actor, it’s the dream job because you get to paint with the whole palette.”

Pierce, who hails from North Wales, also reflected on how proud his family is of his Corrie role. “It felt like a huge moment for them when I joined the Street,” he shared. “It really does feel like being part of a family.”

Still, he teased that viewers shouldn’t get too comfortable. “There’s always peril in big storylines,” he said with a knowing smile. “And Todd’s journey is far from over.”

So, will Todd find the strength to escape Theo’s control? Or will this dangerous relationship pull him even deeper into chaos? One thing is certain — Gareth Pierce is delivering one of his most powerful performances yet, and Coronation Street fans won’t want to miss a second.