CORRIE ACTOR GARETH ON ABUSIVE LOVER PLOT

I know my family will find my latest scenes hard to watch... there's definitely a line been crossed

- BY SUE CRAWFORD

Instead of lapping up his latest dramatic storyline, Corrie's Gareth Pierce says his family can hardly bear to watch it.

Likewise, fans who championed the romance between his character Todd Grimshaw and scaffolder Theo Silverton, have warned him to steer clear of his new love.

Theo (James Cartwright) left his wife and kids after falling for undertaker Todd, having suppressed his homosexuality since his conversion therapy with Noah Hedley, a church clerk now dating his ex.

And in a shocking twist, ITV viewers will see Theo becoming increasingly abusive towards Todd - isolating him from his family and friends, before turning to violence.

Gareth, 44, who has played Todd for five years, tells the Mirror: "My wife and daughter dip into Coronation Street occasionally and they're hugely supportive, but this story will be a very uncomfortable watch for any family member of mine.

"Even my parents may find moments that they don't really enjoy watching. Todd is in danger.

"Theo's behaviour is becoming increasingly controlling and there's a moment coming up where it becomes physically abusive for the first time.

"There's a line definitely crossed, it will be hard to watch."

The relationship will turn violent next month, after Theo makes Todd promise not to speak to vicar Billy Mayhew, his ex-boyfriend, anymore.

When Theo returns home one night, he is furious to find Todd is in the pub with Billy, so downs a bottle of brandy, before violently confronting the undertaker on his return.

Revealing the reaction of Corrie fans, Gareth says: "When I'm out doing my shopping, people come up and say, 'That Theo's no good, you want to get out'. I'll reply, 'You might be right, we'll have to see, but I do as I'm told, I'm not the writer'."

Gareth was born in Pwllheli, North Wales, where he lived until he was nine.