Gareth Pierce, the actor behind Coronation Street's Todd Grimshaw, has offered a rare glimpse into his family life, describing a simple idyll of beach trips, barbecues, and television nights with his wife Amy and their 10-year-old daughter. Unlike his character's disastrous marriage to the abusive Theo Silverton, Pierce, 45, treasures his privacy and the quiet joys of home.
A Private Family Life Away from the Cobbles
Pierce, who joined the soap in 2020, says: "My job puts me in the public eye, but I very much try to keep my wife and daughter out of it. We love the beach, barbecuing, little hikes. I go to a lot of gigs and am into heavy metal and punk." His daughter, whose name he never reveals, remains unfazed by his fame. "She hasn't really known any different. She was four when I joined Coronation Street. Like most kids, what their parents do isn't that interesting," he explains. The family enjoys watching shows like Gladiators, Traitors, and Race Across the World together.
Teachers as Champions: The Roots of His Success
Pierce credits his teachers for his career. Growing up as an Army child who moved frequently before settling in North Wales, he was the class clown. At age 12, a teacher suggested he perform on stage, leading him to the National Youth Theatre in London. He later landed roles in Welsh drama Caerdydd and as Gavin Moss on The Archers before his big break on the cobbles. "Teachers are so precious. It is genuinely one of the most important professions in the world," he says. "It's always great when people in the public eye give credit to the people that first gave them a leg up."
Todd's Domestic Abuse Storyline: A Privilege and a Responsibility
Pierce is proud of the recent storyline depicting Todd's coercive control and domestic violence at the hands of Theo Silverton, played by James Cartwright. The soap worked with LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop to ensure authenticity. "When you get asked to play a storyline like that, there's a great sense of privilege to be trusted with it," he says. "Coronation Street does very well representing a scenario like that which can actually be, sadly, many people's realities." He adds that viewers have been deeply engaged: "When I'm out and about, people are genuinely concerned about me. They ask me how I’m doing, let alone Todd."
The Aftermath of Theo's Death
In April, Todd's best friend Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) revealed she killed Theo by pushing him off scaffolding. Todd agreed to keep her secret but banished her from his life. Pierce notes, "His best friend killed his husband. He's now got to navigate how that changes their relationship." He hints at possible future romance for Todd, saying, "A lot of people want to see a little bit of happiness in his life."
Fitness and Future Roles
As an ambassador for Age UK, Pierce promotes the Act Now Age Better campaign, encouraging activity at any age. He stays fit by running, cycling, and swimming. Looking ahead, he jokes about wanting a warmer location for his next murder plot, suggesting Death in Paradise: "They take you out there for a lot longer than you're actually filming, so you get to explore Guadeloupe and go on boats and things. Then every now and again you have to go and do some work."
