Corrie airs at 8.30pm on ITV1
A moving new video created by ITV Pictures and ITV Digital has been released highlighting the saddening prevalence of domestic violence cases addressed in tonight’s Coronation Street, where we see Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) finally harnessing the strength to report partner Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) to the police.
The actors featured, who play both well known Coronation Street characters and guest artists, are all seen either dressed in an item of purple clothing or featuring a purple accessory, as part of a collaboration with the show’s design team. Purple is the colour used globally to represent domestic violence awareness. Seen as a symbol of peace, courage, survival, and dedication to ending abuse.
Amongst the impactful line up we see Tyrone (Alan Halsall) and Lauren (Cait Fitton) in purple, both who have survived their own domestic abuse.
The video ends with Todd himself dressed in purple, a powerful reminder that he is about to embark on freeing himself from his abusive relationship with Theo.
In the episode itself which airs at 8.30pm tonight on ITV (also available to stream now on ITVX) we’ll see Todd, having suffered a horrific beating, sat in a police interview room with DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) and DC Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) wearing grey as he recounts the violent assault and months of emotional and physical abuse he has endured.
Both the video and episode serve to remind people of the saddening reality of how many people suffer from domestic violence, both men and women, at the hands of their partners, with sadly many cases still going unreported.
Gareth Pierce who plays Todd explains how important it felt to work on the episode: “So many domestic abuse survivors have shared their experiences with us throughout this storyline, and weaving those voices into this episode, through the use of colour, felt like a powerful reminder of how widespread stories like Todd’s are. I haven’t seen the finished episode yet, but the moment Todd first locks eyes with another survivor in the police station was particularly raw and cathartic to film. It’s been a tough watch at times, and I think the story team – especially writer Debbie Oates and Director Gary Williams – approached this episode with both care and innovation.”
On the development of this stylised single strand episode, Producer Kate Brooks said: “We wanted this episode to illustrate that Todd is unfortunately one of many; his story, whilst harrowing, sadly reflects the lives of so many other people who are entrenched in abusive relationships. As powerful and unflinching as this episode is, it also offers a glimpse into how there can be hope in the darkest of times, and that there is support out there to guide and help people rebuild their lives. Ultimately this is a story about surviving – and people gaining strength and support from others who’ve been through similar situations”
* Throughout the storyline the Coronation Street research team have worked alongside LGBT anti-abuse charity Galop.
- Galop’s research with YouGov found that 55% of LGBT+ people in the UK have been subjected to domestic abuse by a family member, partner, or ex-partner. (2023)
- Galop’s research with YouGov also found that 61% of LGBT+ survivors did not seek support from services following a particular instance of abuse by a family member or a partner or ex-partner. (2023)
Co-Chief Executive of Galop, Ben Kernighan, said:
“Stories like Todd’s play such an important role in shining a light on LGBT+ experiences of domestic abuse and how no one should have to face abuse alone.
“It can be really hard for people who’ve experienced abuse and violence to feel safe coming forward for help. For LGBT+ people, there’s often an added fear that services won’t take their experiences seriously or that they will have to explain, defend, or justify parts of their identity or relationship.
“Every LGBT+ victim and survivor of abuse deserves access to specialist support. If you think you might be experiencing abuse of any kind, please know that you can get in touch with Galop for help and guidance. We’re a specialist abuse and violence support service that’s run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, so you’ll always speak to someone who understands and takes what you say seriously. You can contact Galop’s National LGBT+ Abuse and Violence Helpline by calling 0800 999 5428, emailing help@galop.org.uk, or starting a webchat on www.galop.org.uk.”
The Coronation Street team also consulted with Manchester Women’s Aid whose Strategic Lead Claire Harris revealed:
“The crime survey for England & Wales estimates that around 3.8 million people experienced domestic abuse in the annual survey ending March 2025 which included 2.2 million females and 1.5 males.
Manchester Women’s Aid received over 5,000 referrals during that time for Manchester residents alone. Yet we still know that there are so many people out there struggling alone, not feeling safe enough to report or supported enough to leave.
This storyline with Todd has really highlighted the coercive nature of domestic abuse, the impacts it can have in all areas of someone’s life and the barriers and challenges they can face to safely leaving. No one should ever have to face this alone and support is out there.”
In the words of one of our brave survivors who took those steps “When you walk away, you’re not just leaving abuse you’re walking towards freedom, life and healing, breaking the cycle and to start living again.”
Manchester residents can reach out to us via our website ARE YOU EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE? WE CAN… | Manchester Women’s Aid We can help.
And for people in other areas, there is support near you Women’s Aid Directory – Women’s Aid
Catch up on ITVX, and for classic visits to Corrie, these episodes air weekdays on ITV3 as well as on YouTube.