Coronation Street has taken a deeply unsettling turn as Todd Grimshaw and Theo Silverton’s relationship spirals into one of the show’s most disturbing storylines, exposing the hidden reality of coercive control behind a seemingly romantic New Year proposal.
In the latest episode, viewers watched Todd attempt to present a picture-perfect relationship in public, while behind closed doors Theo’s manipulation tightened its grip. What began as talk of New Year’s resolutions quickly revealed a dangerous imbalance of power, with Theo pressuring Todd to change his behaviour to suit his own image.
Theo insists Todd should be more openly affectionate in public, framing the demand as “trust” and “growth.” However, the expectation is not mutual. Theo dictates how Todd should behave, when affection is acceptable, and how their relationship should be perceived by others. This is the first clear warning sign of coercive control.
The situation escalates when Theo discovers a spare key in Todd’s possession, belonging to Summer Spellman. Although Todd offers an innocent explanation, Theo quietly stores the information, later using it to imply secrecy and betrayal. The key becomes a tool of psychological manipulation, designed to destabilise Todd and create doubt.
Elsewhere in the episode, Billy Mayhew and Alya Nazir discuss coercive control while reflecting on Yasmeen’s past abuse. Their conversation acts as a chilling parallel to Todd’s situation, underlining how emotional abuse often develops slowly and goes unnoticed by the victim.
Despite the warning signs, Todd goes ahead with his plan to propose. In a crowded pub, surrounded by friends and celebration, Todd drops to one knee and asks Theo to marry him. Theo accepts immediately, playing to the audience and embracing the public approval.
But the tone shifts dramatically once they are alone.
Outside the pub, Theo confronts Todd, accusing him of listening to conversations about abusive relationships and humiliating him with the proposal. He reframes Todd’s romantic gesture as selfish and embarrassing, stripping the moment of its joy and turning it into a source of shame.
Back at home, Theo continues the psychological assault. He criticises Todd’s need for public affection, accuses him of lacking credibility, and revisits the spare key as supposed proof of dishonesty. Each comment is delivered calmly, making the manipulation even more effective. Todd is left apologising, confused, and emotionally drained.
The episode makes it painfully clear that this is not a misunderstanding, but a pattern of coercive control. Theo isolates Todd, undermines his confidence, and rewrites events to position himself as the victim. Todd’s engagement ring remains untouched, symbolising the collapse of what he believed was love.
Importantly, Coronation Street allows space for the psychological impact to register. Todd begins to show signs of awareness, particularly during quiet moments with Billy and Alya, who gently challenge the narrative Theo has imposed on him. However, Todd is not yet ready to fully confront the truth.
Theo, meanwhile, remains convinced of his righteousness. He justifies his behaviour as protecting boundaries and maintaining their image, demonstrating how abusers often mask control as care.
This storyline marks a powerful exploration of coercive control within a same-sex relationship, reinforcing that emotional abuse is not defined by gender or sexuality. As Coronation Street continues, viewers are left questioning how far Theo will go—and whether Todd Grimshaw will find the strength to break free before lasting damage is done.