Last night’s episode of Coronation Street was nothing short of gripping as viewers were plunged deeper into the turbulent world of Todd Grimshaw.

Todd’s relationship with Theo, his increasingly controlling boyfriend, reached new heights of tension, leaving fans gasping and holding their breath as the drama unfolded.

The intensity on screen is matched by the emotional and psychological layers behind the scenes, and Gareth Pierce, who brings Todd to life,

has candidly opened up about the challenges and responsibilities of portraying such a complex narrative.

Joining Lorraine Kelly for an in-depth interview, Pierce spoke with refreshing honesty about Todd’s journey and the unprecedented portrayal of coercive control within a same-sex relationship on the cobbles. “It’s a strange relationship, isn’t it?” Pierce remarked. “We’ve seen coercive relationships in many contexts, but this is the first time we’ve explored it in a gay couple on the Street, and I think it’s fairly unprecedented.”

Indeed, the storyline is not just dramatic—it’s groundbreaking. By delving into coercive control in a same-sex context, the show highlights a universal truth: abusive dynamics can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexuality. “The themes are universal,” Pierce explained. “Whether it’s a straight or same-sex relationship, people watching will see parallels to their own experiences. We’ve been well advised on how to handle this sensitively, and I hope it helps anyone who might be going through something similar.”

Theo, portrayed by the talented James, is far from a one-dimensional villain. His character is layered, shaped by a past marred by conversion therapy and internalized homophobia—a backstory that makes him as fascinating as he is frightening. “He’s complicated,” Pierce reflected. “You can see glimpses of someone trying to reconcile their past, but at the same time, the audience—and Todd—begin to realize that maybe some things just can’t be fixed. It’s the kind of story that makes people want to shout at the screen: ‘Run, Todd, run!’”

Pierce acknowledges the emotional weight of performing such scenes. “James is one of the nicest men in real life, which makes portraying Theo even more striking,” he said with a smile. “To play someone so controlling and manipulative, you need to have that trust between actors. Otherwise, you can’t really push into the dark places this storyline demands.”

Trust is vital, Pierce continues, not only because of the emotionally charged moments but also because Todd’s character has a duality that must be believable. “Todd is funny, sarcastic, and witty,” Pierce noted. “When I first took over the role, we leaned into that playful side, giving the character lighter, comedic moments. But now, the storyline has shifted, and we’re exploring the more serious, darker side of Todd’s life.”

The recent death of Noah has left Todd isolated, grappling with grief without even the comfort of his mother, Eileen, who is away. Pierce reflects on the complexity of Todd’s journey: “He’s navigating so much at once, and it’s fascinating to play. The challenge is balancing the manipulative tendencies with moments of vulnerability, making Todd’s evolution authentic for the audience.”

Pierce emphasizes that Coronation Street’s magic lies in its ability to blend drama and humor. “You get to paint with the entire palette,” he said. “Characters like Todd or Sally are wonderfully dramatic, but they also bring comic relief. That’s what makes the Street so rich—it mirrors real life, where moments of laughter often punctuate heartbreak.”

But this storyline is not just entertainment—it carries a real social message. Pierce and the Coronation Street team have consulted with charities such as Gallop and Stonewall to ensure that the portrayal of coercive control in same-sex relationships is accurate. “Many of the dynamics are universal: isolation from friends and family, financial manipulation, body shaming,” he explained. “But there are also ways that a partner might use someone’s sexuality against them, chipping away at confidence. It’s a horrifying reality, but it’s important to depict it truthfully.”

Pierce’s dedication to the role stems from both personal and professional passion. Hailing from North Wales, he describes joining the cast as a dream come true, and he takes pride in exploring Todd’s depth and range. “I love that Todd allows me to play so many facets—he’s manipulative, vulnerable, sarcastic, funny, and tragic,” Pierce said. “It’s the kind of role actors dream of because it’s dynamic, challenging, and endlessly interesting.”

The camaraderie on set also plays a crucial role in bringing Todd’s story to life. “It’s a family environment here,” Pierce added. “Working with James and the rest of the cast has been incredible. That shared language and trust allow us to tackle the darker storylines safely while delivering compelling television.”

Of course, fans are eager—and anxious—to see where Todd’s journey leads. Pierce hints at more twists ahead: “There’s a fair journey for Todd yet. There’s danger, tension, heartbreak, and, hopefully, growth. But I can’t give too much away—Coronation Street thrives on suspense!”

As the soap continues to break new ground, Gareth Pierce’s dedication to authenticity ensures that Todd’s story resonates deeply with viewers. It’s a storyline that not only entertains but educates, highlighting the realities of coercive control while challenging traditional narratives on the Street. Pierce concludes with a heartfelt note: “I hope audiences see Todd’s journey and maybe relate to it, learn from it, or even find solace if they’re experiencing similar struggles. That’s the power of drama—it can reflect life and, sometimes, help change it.”

Last night’s episode confirmed that Coronation Street continues to push boundaries while staying true to its roots: mixing laughter with tears, comedy with heartbreak, and always giving characters the space to evolve in ways that feel authentic. For Gareth Pierce, portraying Todd is more than a role—it’s a responsibility, a challenge, and a privilege, one that he embraces with courage and insight.

From shocking confrontations to emotional breakdowns and delicate portrayals of manipulation, Todd Grimshaw’s journey is far from over, and with Gareth Pierce at the helm, viewers are guaranteed a dramatic, engaging, and deeply human experience on the cobbles.