Coronation Street fans were quick to share the same statement about Todd Grimshaw star Gareth Pierce as he took centre stage in the latest episode of the long-running show.
There were emotional and distressing scenes in the ITV soap on Wednesday (April 15) night as Todd found the courage to report his husband, Theo Silverton, to the police after suffering months of domestic violence.
The heartbreaking episode came after Theo locked Todd in their bedroom overnight after he suggested he stay in Weatherfield to look out for Summer Spellman, who has been struggling after the death of her guardian, Billy Mayhew. Theo didn’t take the suggestion well, leaving Todd trying to convince his partner that he will move away with him, and that he’ll help him with his struggles, before the abuser finally relented.
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With Theo heading for a shower, Todd took his chance to escape, only to find the flat door locked. Soon, Theo appeared, jingling their keys, and having caught Todd trying to leave him, he launched a violent and vicious attack which later left Todd bloodied and unable to stand while heading to Sarah’s flat for help.
It was then in Wednesday’s (April 15) episode of Corrie, which was specially dedicated to the abuse storyline, that Todd was seen getting his injuries documented at the police station when he locked eyes with another domestic abuse victim. It stopped him in his tracks as she appeared horrified by what she could see, having been subject to violence herself.
Todd was then heard telling Kit and DS Lisa Swain the true extent of what he’s been facing at the hands of Theo. He told them about the secret camera footage he’d collated to prove what was going on. He also mentioned that the late Billy Mayhew was the only one aware of the cameras, and that they’d attempted to leave Debbie Webster’s wedding early so that they could come up with an escape plan.
While Todd was giving his statement, back on the street, Gary Windass cornered Theo and threatened him with a wrench. With Gary making it clear that no one would know if he were to attack him, Theo followed his orders and climbed into the van, and the pair made their way to the police station where Lisa was later seen questioning the abuser, after Kit was seen arresting him for ABH and false imprisonment.
After trying to push the blame onto Todd, Theo was held for the night in custody by Lisa. Meanwhile, Sarah took Todd to the hospital, where he collapsed outside the building and was rushed to be helped by paramedics waiting nearby.
As this was going on, Lisa was heard discussing domestic abuse with her colleague, PC Jess Heywood, with a number of scenes showing its impact on a series of extras that were featured throughout the episode, all of which had a flyer for a domestic violence survivors’ support group, in the colour purple.
And while many actors had an important role to play in the episode, it was Gareth, who took over the role of Todd in 2020, who received the most adoration from fans.
@chasinthewaves said: “What an incredible performance from gareth pierce in today’s episode! such a powerful episode with reminders that this could happen to anyone at anytime. my heart goes out to anyone affected by the storyline.” @connorcarlaz commented: “If the British Soap Awards were still happening this year.. Gareth Pierce would be sweeping them up like a kid at a sweet store. He is phenomenal #Corrie.”
@WayhaughtLunar shared: “Gareth Pierce is phenomenal. This ep is so impactful & heartbreaking because you know it happens IRL & many don’t make it out alive! #Corrie.” @frankham_joanne wrote: “#Corrie Such powerful and harrowing scenes for Todd. Gareth Pierce’s performances have been incredible.”
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@Whitech59311566 posted: “I have no words to describe how amazing this man is omg his performance in tonight’s #Corrie was absolutely outstanding. Take a bow Gareth Pierce.” @_Penny93 added: “Kudos to Gareth Pierce… It’s about time he had a big storyline and, even though the subject matter is horrific, what a privilege it must be to be able to raise awareness for an such important topic. Would love to see him take award for this sl, what a talent #Corrie.”
