Bruno Langley was once a familiar face on British television, known to millions of viewers as Todd Grimshaw on ITV’s long-running soap opera Coronation Street. As the first openly gay character on the show, Todd represented a milestone in LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media. However, Langley’s promising television career came to a shocking halt in 2017 due to personal scandal, leaving many fans wondering: Where is he now, and what became of the character he helped bring to life?

This article explores Langley’s rise and fall in the entertainment industry, his life after fame, and how Coronation Street chose to move forward with the character of Todd Grimshaw.

The Rise: Becoming Todd Grimshaw
Bruno Langley first joined Coronation Street in 2001 at just 17 years old. His character, Todd Grimshaw, was introduced as the intelligent and ambitious son of Eileen Grimshaw. Within a year, Todd came out as gay in a storyline that broke new ground for the show and British soaps in general. Langley’s sensitive portrayal of Todd’s internal conflict earned praise for its realism and helped normalize gay characters in UK primetime television.

Langley remained a core cast member until 2004, when Todd moved to London. He returned sporadically in 2007, 2011, and more permanently from 2013 to 2017. Throughout his time on the show, Todd was involved in complex romantic storylines and dramatic family feuds that cemented his place in Corrie history.

The Fall: Legal Trouble and Public Backlash
Everything changed in October 2017 when Langley was accused—and later convicted—of sexually assaulting two women in a Manchester nightclub. He pled guilty to two counts of sexual assault and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which included a curfew, rehabilitation requirements, and registration as a sex offender for five years.

ITV responded swiftly, terminating his contract with Coronation Street before the legal case concluded. The scenes he had already filmed were scrapped, and the character of Todd Grimshaw was written out of the show. The public backlash was immediate and intense, with many calling for accountability and justice.

Langley later issued a public apology, stating: “I have been addressing my behavior and taking the steps necessary to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.” Despite his remorse, the damage to his career was severe.

Life After Coronation Street
Following his dismissal from the soap, Bruno Langley disappeared from the public eye. In the years since, he has sought to rebuild his life away from the limelight.

One of his first ventures post-Corrie was into photography. He set up a portrait photography business and began promoting his work online. His studio offered black-and-white portraits and headshots, reflecting a quieter, more introspective chapter of his life.

Langley also returned to his musical roots. In 2021, he released a single titled “Downpour,” featuring his sister on cello. Though the track received little mainstream attention, it signaled an attempt to reconnect with creativity on his own terms.

Additionally, Langley produced and released audiobooks for children, consisting of bedtime stories he hoped would bring calm and comfort to families. These were made available for free online, and he expressed gratitude to those who supported his personal transformation.

In a rare interview, Langley admitted the journey had been difficult: “It’s been about healing and trying to become a better man—for myself and for those around me.”

Recasting Todd Grimshaw
With Langley out of the picture, Coronation Street chose to reintroduce Todd Grimshaw in 2020, now played by Welsh actor Gareth Pierce. Known for his work on Hinterland and Stella, Pierce brought a new energy to the role.

The show carefully navigated Todd’s return, explaining his absence as time spent on the run after a failed relationship. Fans were initially hesitant about the recast, but Pierce gradually won viewers over with his sharp, layered performance.

Todd’s storylines under Pierce have included deception, family drama, and moral conflict—staying true to the character’s roots while exploring new depth. The recast not only revitalized Todd’s arc but allowed the show to reclaim a significant character without condoning the actions of the original actor.