The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Coronation Street that hasn’t aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX.

Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) sparked huge concern in the latest episode of Coronation Street, as he started talking about his own funeral plans with George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley).

This, along with Todd’s distant behaviour, left George convinced that something was going on with him.

As he grew worried, Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins) pointed out to George that he’s the only parental figure Todd has left in Weatherfield, so he needed to investigate and find out what’s going on.

A snoop at Todd’s emails allowed George to learn that he was attending a hospital appointment – all alone.

George arrived at the hospital and found Todd in the waiting room. He listened as Todd described what’s been going on with him recently, and how he’s being tested for bowel cancer.

George, who is Eileen Grimshaw’s (Sue Cleaver) ex, was worrying about Todd prior to this, but is unaware partner Theo has started abusing him.

All George could do in this moment was reassure Todd. He said that he loves him, and held his hand as his name was called by the doctor.

Fortunately, Todd’s test results confirmed that he does not have cancer. Totally relieved, he accepted Billy Mayhew’s (Daniel Brocklebank) offer of wine in the flat as a way to celebrate.

While this was happening, Theo was in the Bistro with friends Gary Windass (Mikey North) and newcomer Pete. Prior to ordering shots, Theo had asked Billy about Todd, but he failed to disclose whether anything was going on with him.

As Theo distracted himself, so did Todd. It was obvious that Todd felt safer and more comfortable at Billy’s, and didn’t really care that he hadn’t contacted Theo.

In the end, Theo called Todd. Worried about the reaction if he told he truth, Todd lied to his partner and claimed that he was still working.

Unbeknownst to Todd, Theo then headed to the funeral parlour, where George accidentally confirmed that his boyfriend hadn’t been honest.

An angry Theo shoved the takeaway into the bin and found a drunk Todd and Billy talking outside the flat.

Billy was encouraging Todd to go home, but he really didn’t want to. Instead, he decided to return to the flat, telling Billy that he’ll sleep on his sofa.

But with Theo unable to hear the conversation, it left his mind spiralling.

Clearly wanting to spite Todd, Theo laid his eyes on Pete and decided it would be a brilliant idea to join him in town for more drinks.

But is Theo going to cheat on Todd?

Coronation Street is working with the charities Stonewall and Galop in developing this storyline and Gareth Pierce told us that they will continue to provide insights into Todd and Theo’s situation as it goes forward – and becomes even more disturbing.

‘They will also be supporting us fully in not just the physical abuse but the entire coercive control aspect of the relationship,’ Gareth said.

‘There’s going to be areas like body image, financial control and they’ll be supporting us in the ways that might differ within a same sex relationship. One of the big things that’s been flagged is the way that it can be very difficult to convince the authorities that this is the dynamic that is actually happening.

‘There are also the social pressures that might make two men feel that you’re a bloke, you should be able to sort it out yourself. Those quite narrow and archaic views of masculinity still sometimes pop up around a relationship dynamic like this.’