Theo Silverton (James Cartwright)’s abuse of his partner Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) in Coronation Street takes a nasty new turn in upcoming episodes when he manipulates Todd into losing his temper.

We’ve seen what started out as troubling signs in Theo’s behaviour become more overtly controlling and abusive recently. He’s isolated Todd from his friends, driving a wedge between him and Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) in particular. He also slept with another man in his and Todd’s flat.

His verbal belittling of Todd has also flared into violence on several occasions, including a horrible scene where he force-fed a kebab into Todd’s mouth and another where he poured milk all over him.

In scenes to be aired soon, Todd is upset to hear that Theo wants him to smooth things over with Pete (Andrew Hayden-Smith), the man that Theo slept with. Pete is in a position to offer Theo and Gary (Mikey North) some work, and Theo badly needs the job. Todd was so hurt by Theo being unfaithful with Pete that it’s a massive thing to ask of him.

Meanwhile, Todd and George (Tony Maudsley) are getting ready for a big funeral for a local dignitary. Theo spots an opportunity to both get at Todd and to perhaps put some distance between Todd and his employer and friend, George.

Todd wakes up on the morning of the funeral after a night on the sofa and is horrified to find that his alarm didn’t go off. Even worse, all of his white shirts are in the washing machine half way through a cycle – placed there by Theo as Todd slept. Todd can’t officiate at a funeral without the proper clothes.

Unable to contact him, George is panicking about the funeral but Christina (Amy Robbins) offers to step in to Todd’s role and help out.

When Todd finally makes contact, he’s furious to hear that he’s no longer required at the funeral and Christina is taking his place.

Theo winds him up, telling him that George is out of order and Todd shouldn’t let his employer trample all over him. Todd is grateful that Theo is being supportive, unaware that Theo has orchestrated the whole thing and is manipulating him.

When Christina and George get back from the funeral, which they’re happy has gone well, they’re met by Todd – and he’s seething. He totally loses his temper and rants at George.

George is a patient person who forgives a lot, but given that his professional reputation was on the line thanks to Todd not showing up for the important funeral on time, Todd losing his temper at him could be a bad mistake.