Coronation Street's James Cartwright has discussed leaving the ITV soap after his character Theo Silverton was killed off on Friday, with him explaining why the villain had to go.
James Cartwright on Theo's Exit
In an exclusive chat with The Mirror which took place before his final scenes aired, James told us why Theo had to leave. It now explains why Theo had to die, after fans saw him killed off on Friday night.
The villain was found dead by Betsy Swain, revealed to be the body as teased in the flashforward in February. Theo is dead, while details about what happened to him and who is to blame remain under wraps.
We caught up with James, and at the time, despite us and James knowing Theo's true fate, we could not outright ask about the death due to the embargo lifting prior to the episode airing. That didn't stop James dropping major hints about Theo's fate, as he told as an exit was on the way.
Why Theo Had to Die
James addressed how he felt about leaving the show, and his storyline coming to an end. He then made it clear that the demise of Theo was no doubt the best course of action, and the justice the characters and viewers were likely after.
While there will no doubt be some discussion over whether he should have been sent to prison for his abuse towards Todd Grimshaw, and him killing Billy Mayhew, James addressed the fact an exit had to happen one way or another.
James told The Mirror: "He's running out of road. He's like a cornered dog. There's no other option at this point, he's cornered. Serves him right, he's been bloody horrible."
Teasing Theo's demise, James also shared how characters wanted him gone, and that it was only right that Theo get some well-deserved justice for his grim crimes. He said: "When residents of Weatherfield decide you've gotta go, you've gotta go."
"Something needs to happen to him. He can't go on like that, we need justice. Soap is a very moral medium. We want our underdogs to triumph and our baddies to meet their end."
"Being part of the show and the way we have, in terms of the arc Theo has been on, has been one of the great joys and privileges of my life. There is the knowledge that sooner or later he will meet his end and then there's great satisfaction."
"It's been a real privilege. There's been so much in it, it's been scary at times but I've really enjoyed it." It's not yet been revealed if he will feature in scenes explaining how he died.
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
