Speaking to Eastieoaks.com and other media, Gareth Pierce opened up about Todd’s emotional journey in the wake of Paul’s death, the surprising connection he strikes up with newcomer Theo, and whether Todd is truly ready to let down his guard.
“It was an opportunity to show a slightly more mature side to Todd,” Gareth reflects. “He’s had to grow up. Seeing someone young like Paul face their mortality – it shifts something in you. It made Todd more aware of how short life is and maybe helped him park his ego.”
That extended to his friendship with Billy, with whom Todd shares a complicated history. Fans might recall Billy drunkenly making a pass at Todd after Paul’s passing, a moment that could have easily reignited old flames. But Gareth revealed why it didn’t.
“Todd’s reaction in that moment was key. It showed how much he’s changed – he wasn’t falling back into old patterns. It consolidated a more platonic, healthier place between them.”
But don’t think Todd’s story has quietened down. Enter Theo, a scaffolder with a near-miss introduction involving, of all things, a dropped scaffolding pole. The chemistry between the pair is instant, albeit confusing.
“Todd’s attracted to him straight away – there’s definitely that alpha, builder gear thing going on!” Gareth told us. “But there’s also humour and banter between them that hints at something more. Todd’s trying to figure out if he’s reading it right or just seeing what he wants to see.”
Cue Julie (Katie Kavanagh) stepping in as an enthusiastic, if slightly misguided, matchmaker. But when Theo bluntly states he’s straight, Todd is left feeling humiliated and vulnerable – emotions the old Todd might have masked, but not this one.
“Julie’s heart is in the right place, but Todd definitely feels a bit crushed when Theo pushes back. You see that softer, more open side that’s developed in him recently – but that leaves him more exposed to getting hurt.”
Later, Todd spots Theo on a dating app, confirming Theo’s earlier claims weren’t entirely truthful.
“That moment’s a huge relief,” Gareth admits. “Todd realises he wasn’t imagining the spark. And actually, what excites him is that they connected outside the app first. He’s fed up with empty hookups – he’s looking for something real.”
Beyond romance, Gareth’s thrilled with Todd’s ever-evolving personality, whether it’s at The Undertakers with George and Julie, or revisiting old bonds with characters like Sarah.
“I love that Todd is so multi-faceted,” he says. “One day you’re doing darkly comic banter, the next you’re in the middle of high emotion. That’s the beauty of Corrie – it lives in the grey areas.”
With Eileen (Sue Cleaver) taking a step back from the Street, the devilish side of Todd might resurface without his mum keeping him in check.
“It’ll be interesting to see; Julie might soften him a bit, but without Eileen’s watchful eye… who knows?”
Coronation Street continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1