Fears are intensifying for the safety of Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) on Coronation Street, following another calculated act of cruelty from his manipulative partner, Theo Silverton (James Cartwright). In episodes released early on ITVX on December 30, 2025, the abusive dynamic takes a chilling turn, prompting a long-overdue intervention from a worried friend.
A Friendship Noticed and a Cruel Punishment
For months, viewers have watched Theo systematically break down Todd's confidence through gaslighting, isolation, and aggression. The once-outgoing character has become a nervous shadow of his former self. While Todd has been pushed into cutting ties with close friends, local vicar Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) has finally begun to see through the facade.
Theo's resentment towards Billy is long-standing, and he previously forced Todd to stop spending time with him and his adopted daughter, Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby). However, Billy's suspicions were cemented during a birthday party for George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley). The trouble started when Theo discovered Todd had been chatting about past crushes, including local businessman Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).
A Frozen Walk and a Cover-Up Exposed
Furious, Theo accused Todd of flirting and making a mockery of their relationship. As a spiteful punishment, he forced Todd to walk home across Manchester alone while he drove George's birthday cake back to the party. The cruelty was compounded when it emerged Todd had left his jacket and phone behind.
Returning to the party solo, Theo played the hero for saving the cake and brushed off Billy's concerns by claiming Todd was drunk and had gone to bed. Billy, however, found Todd's belongings and grew more suspicious. His fears were confirmed when he later encountered a soaked and freezing Todd on the street. Despite Todd's weak excuses, Billy saw the truth, realising Todd hadn't been drunk as Theo claimed.
A Desperate Lifeline Offered
Recognising the severity of the situation, Billy took decisive action to support his friend. In a pivotal moment, he gave Todd a key to his flat, offering him a safe place to stay should he need to escape Theo's control. This act of solidarity presents Todd with a critical choice: accept the help and potentially begin a path to freedom, or remain trapped in Theo's increasingly dangerous web.
The early release of these episodes on ITVX has left fans anxiously wondering if Billy's intervention has come in time, or if Theo's grip on Todd is now too strong to break.
