Coronation Street viewers were left distressed by Monday night's episode, which depicted Todd Grimshaw (played by Gareth Pierce) enduring coercive control from his boyfriend Theo. The storyline has seen Theo systematically undermine Todd, culminating in a series of manipulative acts that left Todd in tears.
In the episode, Theo sabotaged Todd's work day by getting him drunk, disabling his phone alarm, and hiding his work shirts. As a result, Todd missed an important meeting and faced the wrath of his boss George. George, who has become a father figure to Todd, enlisted Christina Boyd to help instead and sent Todd away.
Later, Theo forced Todd on a run to 'clear negative energy,' then berated him for being 'lazy.' When George arrived at the flat after a mysterious call from Theo, Todd lashed out, accusing George of impossible standards, and quit his job. Theo then called Todd a 'self-centred, pathetic little man' and left him sobbing.
Fans took to social media to express their distress, with one writing: 'Todd telling George how much he’s struggling to reach his standards... but looking at Theo when he’s saying it because it’s him making him feel that way... it’s bloody heartbreaking.' Another praised the show's portrayal of gaslighting, saying it 'is doing a good job portraying what gaslighting looks like.'
The coercive control plot has seen Theo attempt to isolate Todd from his best friend Billy and expect him to accept a one-night stand, while also buying him a new car as a manipulative gesture. Viewers continue to watch the relationship deteriorate, with many finding the scenes difficult to witness.
