As Coronation Street prepares to unmask the killer of Theo Silverton, actor James Cartwright, who played the victim, has expressed relief that his character was murdered. "Thank God he's dead," he told the Mirror. "He needed to die. He had to go. We need less Theos in the world. When they told me they were going to kill Theo off, I thought it was wonderful."
The actor revealed that the production team had considered either a court case or a death for the character. "I think killing him off was absolutely the right thing to do. You don't want Theo walking around forever." He added that soap operas operate on a moral framework: "Soap is a very moral medium. We need our underdogs to triumph and we need our villains to meet their end. It was time for him to go."
Killer Reveal Set for Dinner Party Flashbacks
Theo's killer will be unmasked during a dinner party attended by police officer Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), his girlfriend Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien), Theo's husband Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce), his daughter Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby), Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon), and her husband Gary Windass (Mikey North). The truth will be revealed through a series of flashbacks revisiting the April night when Theo's body was found.
James hinted that viewers are unlikely to guess the killer beforehand. "I can't say who killed Theo, but I can say that it's juicy. It's not who you expect. It's a brilliant story - if you're a Corrie fan, don't miss a single episode because the great stuff is just getting going."
Domestic Violence Storyline Highlighted
Theo, a scaffolder by day, struggled with his sexuality, having been previously married to a woman and tried conversion therapy. He later married Todd Grimshaw in March after blindfolding him and leading him to the registry office. Two weeks later, viewers were shocked when he beat his new husband senseless. Todd reported him to the police, but Theo continued to stalk him until his body was found outside their flat in May.
James said he was glad to highlight the issue of same-sex domestic violence. "A lot of people have talked to me and said they've been in that situation or a friend has been in that situation. It always feels incredibly satisfying to do work that helps people. Same-sex domestic violence had never been done before. People often think men hitting men is them having a fight, but it might not be. It can be domestic violence."
Special Episode Airs Monday
The storyline, nominated for an award at this year's Rainbow Honours, plays out in an hour-long ITV special on Monday, June 22 at 9pm. Viewers will hear grievances aired before the dinner party descends into chaos with a smashed glass and overturned chair. Maria wastes no time in turning up the heat on Gary, accusing him of having an affair with Sarah. Kit also notices strange behaviour between the former lovers and demands answers. As secrets are exposed, the explosive revelation of who has Theo's blood on their hands unfolds.
