Thursday's Coronation Street episode brought columnist Holly Clarke to tears, but not because of Sarah Platt's murder trial. The scene that hit hardest was a conversation between Todd and Tyrone about their shared experiences of domestic abuse.
Todd's testimony and a lucky charm
The episode centred on Sarah's trial, where she pleaded not guilty to murder. Tina O'Brien was magnificent as Sarah recalled the fear and anger of the fatal night when she killed Theo Silverton in April.
Elsewhere, Todd was building up courage to give his testimony. But after Mary gave him a three-leaf clover instead of a four-leaf one, Clarke took it as a sign his luck had run out. Todd did not turn up to court, and viewers saw the hell and terror he endured in his relationship with Theo.
A rare conversation between men
Todd then bumped into Tyrone, whose own domestic abuse storyline with ex-fiancée Kirsty remains central to his character. Kirsty, a policewoman, was physically and emotionally abusive, attacked him multiple times, and was sent to prison after confessing in court.
In a rare and significant conversation, Todd told Tyrone: "I used to judge people who put up with what I, WE put up with." Tyrone replied: "I've been thinking a lot about Kirsty recently you know. For a few reasons, meeting my dad and knowing what you've been going through. I look back and I don't even recognise who I was, how or why I let her abuse me. I still feel that shame."
Moving forward
Clarke praised the scene as a real step forward for television, showing men discussing their mental wellbeing. She applauded the actors and hoped to see more scenes between the characters as Todd moves past this chapter.
The episode was a raw and emotional portrayal of how domestic abuse affects lives. Clarke's only flaw was that she wished it had been an hour long.
