Coronation Street fans are convinced that villain Theo Silverton's days are numbered after he committed a shocking murder during the soap's historic crossover event with Emmerdale.
The Corriedale Murder That Shocked Viewers
The dramatic events unfolded in the special episode, dubbed 'Corriedale', which aired on Monday night. The storyline saw a minibus carrying Weatherfield residents back from Debbie Webster's wedding crash on the M62 in a multi-vehicle pile-up.
Kindly vicar Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, was left trapped in the driver's seat. In a truly evil twist, builder Theo Silverton, portrayed by James Cartwright, appeared at the scene. Instead of helping, Theo deliberately buckled Billy's seatbelt, ensuring he could not escape before the vehicle exploded, leaving him to die.
Fan Theories Predict a Grisly End for Theo
Following the broadcast, viewers took to forums like Reddit to predict Theo's inevitable downfall. Many believe Billy's death will be the key to his comeuppance.
One popular theory suggests that in a future confrontation, perhaps on a clifftop, a furious Todd will accuse Theo of never loving him. Theo will then blurt out that he killed Billy to 'save' their relationship. In the ensuing struggle, Theo would lose his footing and fall to his death.
Other fans expressed a desire for more poetic justice. "Grr Theo needs a longer painful death than poor Billy," wrote one, while another joked, "I’m wanting Theo to get haunted by Billy’s ghost."
Could a Trial Be on the Cards Instead?
Not all viewers are convinced the soap will kill Theo off. Some point out that Coronation Street cannot keep killing abusers, referencing the similar fate of Geoff Metcalfe during the show's 60th anniversary.
Given that this domestic abuse storyline was developed with input from an external charity, many believe a proper legal conclusion is more likely. "I’d like to see Theo actually go to prison for this," argued one fan.
This could pave the way for the return of Theo's ex-wife, Danielle, to testify against him in court about his history of abusive behaviour.
The Backstory of Abuse and Billy's Intervention
Theo's murderous act was the culmination of months of psychological and physical abuse directed at his boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw. Billy was the only person in Weatherfield who had realised what was happening.
Theo's jealousy of Billy's friendship with Todd had been intensifying. After Billy gave Todd a key to his flat for safety, Theo confronted Todd on New Year's Eve, demanding to know what he had been telling the vicar.
Tragically, Billy's act of kindness made him a target. Todd is now left without the one friend who knew the truth about his terrifying relationship.
Coronation Street continues to air on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
