Todd Grimshaw’s abuse ordeal could finally be exposed on Coronation Street in the New Year, as Theo Silverton’s behaviour sparks suspicion. When evidence of Theo’s violence is revealed, will scared Todd be able to escape his tormentor’s clutches, or is this set to make things even worse?

It’s Billy Mayhew – Todd’s ex-boyfriend – who starts to realise that something isn’t quite right about Theo’s behaviour. Although Theo is an expert at putting on a show in front of friends and neighbours, Billy isn’t entirely convinced by his “nice guy” act. And it’s not long before he sees the proof for himself…

“We’re all desperate for someone to save Todd. Theo is doing his best to isolate him from his loved ones, but Billy is starting to clock it,” our Corrie source explains.

“Will Billy finally figure out that his best friend has been living in fear for the past few months?”

As New Year approaches and Theo’s abusive behaviour towards Todd rapidly gets worse, Billy picks up on the strained atmosphere between the couple.

After quizzing Alya Nazir on Geoff Metcalfe’s abuse of her gran Yasmeen, Billy notices how nervous Todd is while waiting for Theo to arrive for the Rovers’ New Year’s Eve bash.

But paranoid Theo thinks Todd has been confiding in Billy, and unleashes his violent temper on his terrified partner…

“Billy next bumps into Todd at Debbie and Ronnie’s wedding in early January,” our spy continues.

“Todd spills something on his shirt so he whips it off and rinses it at the sink in the loos – revealing the bruises on his body to horrified Billy as he walks in.”

Sheepish Todd confirms Billy’s suspicions he’s being beaten, though Todd wrongly believes he’s as much to blame as Theo for supposedly pushing him into being aggressive.

Can Billy make Todd realise this abuse isn’t his fault? And with Billy leaving the show soon, can he save Todd before his exit?

Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy, recently filmed his final scenes on Corrie. He’s since started work on a production of Young Frankenstein The Musical, which is running at the Liverpool Playhouse over the festive period.