A special episode of Coronation Street coming soon takes us right into the heart of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright)’s abusive treatment of his partner Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce), as we see events unfold through camera footage from CCTV, police body cams and a camera Todd has hidden for his own protection.

Gareth Pierce told us it was a challenge to film, but the end result is powerful and disturbing.

‘The first few days were like we were filming something that felt like Corrie, but in a format that was new to us all,’ he reflected.

‘It has the style of an episode of 24 Hours In Police Custody. I think I anticipated it might feel like we were watching Corrie characters through a haze, a slight step further back from the action, but it actually has the opposite effect where it feels like it brings us closer, like we’re eavesdropping on our characters and seeing something we shouldn’t. I haven’t seen the full episode yet, but the bits I have seen are very effective and disorientating.’

There’s been a report of a domestic incident at Todd and Theo’s flat after passers-by heard a disturbance. Soon the police arrive, and we see what’s happening from their viewpoint as captured on their body-worn cameras as they encounter a scene of devastation in the flat.

A series of flashbacks show what happened earlier, as Theo’s abuse escalates horrifically.

‘The physical abuse is fast becoming normalised and happening nearly every day,’ Gareth said. ‘Because of Theo’s effective isolation of Todd, there is no release or support around him. There is a high risk of Todd being badly wounded, or boiling over in retaliation, so the stakes are increasingly high.’

Todd has installed a camera at home to record what’s been happening and this footage forms part of the episode. Gareth explained why Todd put the camera in.

‘The cameras potentially protect Todd from what Theo might do, but I also think he subconsciously wants to start keeping a record of how bad the abuse is becoming. Not necessarily because he intends to show the footage to anybody at this stage, but for his own sanity and perspective.’

The actor is glad that the storyline is helping to raise awareness of the issue: ‘Many of the methods of coercion are universal to same sex and heterosexual couples, but often the organisations who can help are (quite rightly, as they make up over 70% of survivors) primarily set up to help women fleeing men.

‘A story like this can carry the message that charities like Stonewall and Galop offer assistance more tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, while simultaneously chipping away at narrow perceptions of masculinity. Violence doesn’t have to be met with more violence; survivors can escape with their own morality intact.’

As for Todd, could he be getting to the point where he’s finally able to admit what’s been happening to him and get some help?

‘He is fast approaching rock bottom and the question will become whether that might ignite the fire to find a way out,’ Gareth said.

‘A more loyal, honest and loving Todd (with just a hint of cheekiness!) means viewers are on the journey with us in a way they might not have been when he was in his more manipulative phase.

‘Though I suppose we’re now rooting for him to rediscover just a little hint of those powers so he can get the hell out of there!’