Coronation Street has lined up even more tension involving Theo Silverton, with the villain potentially looking to kill again. In recent months, Theo has deployed several manipulative and coercive tactics in order to control boyfriend Todd Grimshaw. This had led to several violent outbursts and instances of abuse, with Theo’s villainy seemingly having no end.

His increasing jealousy over Todd’s friendship with Billy led Theo to committing his worst act yet, as he left the vicar for dead in the minibus following the multi-vehicle crash in spin-off Corriedale, which saw the worlds of Corrie and Emmerdale collide.

In scenes set to air next week, Theo will have a new target as he takes a dislike to James Bailey, who is seen supporting Todd at the Rovers. Theo, who is living separately from Todd following another outburst, becomes increasingly possessive.

“Theo absolutely loathes James,” says James Cartwright, who portrays Theo. “He’s really handsome and fit – he’s a lot of things that Theo isn’t. I think Theo always struggles with gay men who are out and comfortable in their skin.

“He’s never been comfortable being a gay man. He’s living as one, but he’s never really settled into that life. There’s nothing that makes him more jealous than seeing men who are out, proud and have been brave enough to be truthful and happy with themselves.”

“He’s never been honest with who he is or come to terms with it. So to see James walking around – and he knows he has a thing for Todd – drives him mad. If James was driving a minibus, let me tell you he wouldn’t be getting out alive,” he quipped.

While Theo will potentially target James as his rage intensifies, there will be plenty of drama elsewhere in the ITV soap, with Megan Walsh’s dark secret involving Will Driscoll set to come out in the near future.