Troubled Theo Silverton hits breaking point and trashes the builder’s yard on Coronation Street next week – before Gary Windass comes to his rescue and makes him a shocking offer.
Seething to see the state Theo’s in, Gary storms off to the community centre to confront twisted conversion therapist Noah.
He waits, hammer in hand – but what will his excuse be when his wife Maria Connor catches him?
“Gary takes it upon himself to serve some vigilante justice,” explains James Cartwright, who plays Theo.
“He can’t see his friend being treated like that. He’s accepting of Theo and outraged at Noah’s behaviour.”
It’s one blow after another for struggling Theo. After discovering his ex-wife cosying up to the indoctrinated church leader, he then learns his family are being used to promote a homophobic campaign.
Having just found the strength to come out and break away from a lifetime of being told his feelings were sinful, it’s horrifying for Theo when he sees his family on a leaflet promoting ‘Traditional Family Values’ at Noah’s church. The situation couldn’t be worse for conflicted Theo…
“Old wounds are being reopened right on his doorstep,” explains James. “Noah appears when Theo is finally living his truth, so the timing couldn’t be any worse. He’s settled with Todd, they’re happy, until Noah ruins the party.”
After seeing the leaflets, Theo can’t think clearly and fails to turn up to lunch with Todd. In despair at his old friend and spiritual advisor taking over his life and brain-washing his family, Theo unleashes his fury on the builder’s yard.
“Noah is indoctrinating Theo’s family,” points out James. “He’s sleeping with his wife, treating his kids like his own and telling them homosexuality is wrong. Theo’s trying to make peace with his decisions, but Noah’s telling him he’s shameful.”
When Gary discovers the state of the yard, and broken Theo, he’s eager to get payback on Noah. Nervous Theo doesn’t want to risk losing his kids, but Gary’s rage is unstoppable. However, as he storms off to the community centre, he has no idea Maria is in hot pursuit.
“Gary says he’ll only give Noah a warning,” teases James. “But it’ll never be just a warning with Gary Windass! Theo is grateful, but it also comes at a time when he’s fighting for custody. One wrong move and it’s curtains…”
How will Maria react when she interrupts Gary at the centre, armed with a hammer? Are we about to see his dark side re-emerge, or will he keep his promise and not jeopardise Theo’s access to his children?
