Coronation Street villain Theo Silverton resorts to another shocking manipulation tactic tonight – as he tries to stop Todd Grimshaw from leaving him. When it seems that Todd could finally break free from Theo’s control, the schemer stoops to a new low to keep him close.

Friday’s episode features a reappearance from Theo’s estranged wife Danielle, who drops the bombshell that she’s taking their kids to Tenerife over Christmas. While Todd is horrified and berates Danielle for taking the children away, he’s wrong-footed when Theo puts on a show of calm and backs his ex’s decision.

Once Danielle has gone, another heated row follows between Todd and Theo. By the end of it, Todd is at breaking point and declares that he can’t take any more of Theo’s behaviour – so he prepares to walk out.

Theo responds by repeatedly hitting himself, forcing a stunned Todd to step in and stop him.

“I can’t take it, Todd – I can’t,” Theo cries. “Why does nobody understand? I don’t know what’s happening. I can’t deal with the way I’m feeling, Todd. Please don’t leave me alone – I don’t know what I’ll do.”

He later adds: “I’m just feeling overwhelmed mentally. Danielle taking the kids for Christmas and navigating my way through the divorce and child maintenance – and us and everybody talking about us.

“I just feel like it’s all too much. Like I’m struggling to keep the dark thoughts quiet.”

Theo’s manipulation reflects how abusers often threaten to harm themselves if their partner considers leaving or seeking help.

These controlling tactics sadly stop Todd from leaving, as he’s tricked into “supporting” Theo and sees this as a fresh start for their relationship.

Viewers can see exactly how the scenes play out afterwards when the episode airs at 8pm tonight on ITV1, or it’s streaming early now on ITVX and YouTube.

Beyond this, the story will continue in the run-up to Christmas, with a special episode planned which focuses entirely on Todd and Theo’s relationship.