It’s been 11 remarkable years on Coronation Street for Gareth Pierce, who joined the show in October 2020 as Todd Grimshaw. Since then, his portrayal of the beloved character has had fans gripped by his intense and emotional journey, full of shocking twists and heart-wrenching moments. As Pierce bids farewell to Weatherfield, it’s a time for reflection on the incredible milestones his character has experienced.
In a heartfelt interview, Pierce recalled the moment he received the life-changing news that he had landed the role of Todd Grimshaw. It was over lunch with his mother and grandmother when he first learned he was being offered the part. Despite the life-altering nature of the opportunity, Pierce initially hesitated, unsure of committing to such a long-term role. But his mother’s enthusiastic response quickly swayed him, and he jumped at the chance to join the iconic show.
A Character with a Journey Full of Surprises
Todd’s journey over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Pierce’s portrayal has navigated some of the most complex and heartbreaking storylines, from Todd’s toxic relationship with Theo Silverton to battling addiction and emotional trauma. His relationship with Paul and the painful experience of losing someone to motor neurone disease has been another powerful arc, highlighting the depth of his character and the touching performances Pierce has delivered.
One of the most unforgettable moments in Pierce’s tenure on Coronation Street was the emotional wedding of Billy and Paul, which marked the first successful same-sex wedding in the show’s history. For Pierce, this milestone in soap history was incredibly significant, not only for its place in Coronation Street’s legacy but also for the personal connections he shares with the storyline. The powerful performances from Pierce and co-star Peter Ash (Paul) led to an emotional and deeply impactful narrative that resonated with both fans and the LGBTQ+ community.
An Emotional Farewell
As Pierce’s time on Coronation Street comes to an end, he reflects on the emotional toll of playing Billy. From challenging storylines that saw him tackling addiction to his moving portrayal of a father losing his child, Pierce’s work has garnered immense praise. But, it’s the connection he’s forged with his co-stars, including his close bond with Peter Ash, that will stay with him long after his departure.
Pierce recalled the final days on set, particularly the emotional farewell scenes with Ash. The scenes leading up to Paul’s death were some of the most emotionally charged in Coronation Street history, and Pierce’s heart-wrenching performance during the grieving process was universally acclaimed. He revealed that it was the hardest material he’d ever worked on, especially given his own connection to the subject matter through his advocacy work with the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
As he looks back on his time in Weatherfield, Pierce describes it as the most rewarding and fulfilling of his career. The support from fans has been overwhelming, and he expresses his gratitude for having had the opportunity to bring such a multi-dimensional character to life. Though he’ll miss the character, the set, and the friendships he’s made, Pierce is excited for what’s next.
The Legacy of Billy Grimshaw
Pierce’s departure marks the end of an era for Coronation Street, but Billy Grimshaw’s legacy will undoubtedly live on. From navigating dark and twisted love triangles to championing important social issues, Billy has been at the center of some of the show’s most memorable storylines. As Pierce moves on to new ventures, fans can rest assured that his impact on Coronation Street will never be forgotten.
And though the drama and chaos on the cobbles continues, we’ll always remember Billy’s journey—and the incredible performance that Gareth Pierce has delivered over the past 11 years.