Todd Grimshaw Pushes George Away as Theo’s Control Tightens in Coronation Street

In Monday night’s episode of Coronation Street (November 17), viewers witnessed a major shift in Todd Grimshaw’s behaviour as he abruptly distanced himself from long-time friend George Shuttleworth. The storyline took a darker turn as Theo Silverton’s manipulation of Todd intensified, creating tension not only in Todd’s personal life but also within the funeral home workplace. According to Radio Times, this plot marks one of the show’s most significant psychological manipulation arcs in recent months (Radio Times).

Todd Arrives Late and Finds Himself Replaced

After waking up groggy and disoriented from a heavy night out, Todd discovered that he was already running late for an important funeral service. Unbeknownst to him, Theo had deliberately unplugged Todd’s phone and tossed his white funeral shirts into the wash, ensuring he had nothing appropriate to wear for his shift. These actions align with the classic signs of coercive control highlighted in previous Coronation Street storylines (BBC News).

Scrambling to get himself ready, Todd eventually arrived at Shuttleworth’s in a blue shirt—a clear breach of dress protocol—and was stunned to learn that George had already called in Christina to cover his role. George firmly but regretfully labelled him “unreliable,” a comment that deeply stung Todd. This confrontation also mirrored earlier tension hinted at in behind-the-scenes interviews with cast members (Digital Spy).

Theo Manipulates the Situation Further

Back at the flat, Theo continued tightening his grip on Todd. Despite Todd’s attempts to be left alone, Theo took it upon himself to invite George over, pretending he wanted to help resolve the conflict. Whispering in Todd’s ear, Theo suggested that George was trying to “parent” him, urging Todd not to “take it lying down.”

When George gently asked whether something was wrong, Todd snapped. He accused George of treating him like a child, insisted he was tired of never being “good enough,” and demanded that George leave immediately. The situation escalated further when Todd abruptly quit his job, leaving George stunned and visibly hurt.

Theo watched the emotional fallout with satisfaction, pleased to see Todd further isolated. According to Metro UK, the storyline echoes real-life manipulation tactics used in toxic relationships, which the soap has explored through several characters in past years (Metro UK).

Fans Plead for George to Step In and Save Todd

Viewers quickly took to social media to express their concern for Todd and their frustrations with Ted’s increasingly abusive behaviour. Many believe that George, who has long acted as a stabilising figure in Todd’s life, may be the only person capable of pulling him out of Theo’s psychological hold.

One viewer wrote: “It hurt so much to watch it, Todd breaking down like that. Poor Todd. George, Christina – get Todd out of here.” Another fan said: “Theo has to be the most infuriating horrible [bleep]. Please George, Christina, do something.” A third added: “You’re saying that to the wrong person, Todd. I hope George recognises the deflection!”

Soap experts at The Guardian note that the storyline is building toward a significant confrontation between George and Theo, one that could expose the extent of Theo’s manipulation (The Guardian).

What Happens Next for Todd?

As George begins to sense that something deeper is going on with Todd, viewers are eagerly awaiting whether he will be the one to uncover Theo’s emotional abuse. With Todd now jobless, isolated, and entirely under Theo’s influence, the stakes have never been higher.

Whether George can break through the psychological barrier Theo has constructed—and whether Todd will finally realise the danger he’s in—will shape one of the most intense upcoming storylines on Coronation Street.

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