The residents of Coronation Street are starting to see Theo Silverton’s (James Cartwright) monstrous true colours… which makes the abusive bully a target for a murderousGary Windass (Mikey North).

Gary is not a man you want to cross. The trouble-making roguish builder has crossed the line between tortured-anti hero and straight up villain on more than a few occasions – mainly when he killed two people. Not only was he responsible for the factory roof collapse that resulted in the death of Rana Habeeb (Bhavna Limbachia), but he manipulated events and people to shift the blame over to Carla Connor (Alison King). However, the dark deed that put Gary in the Weatherfield Villains’ Hall of Fame was killing ruthless loan shark Rick Neelan (Greg Wood) in self-defence, before taking over the criminal’s business and becoming just as ruthless.

While Gary’s since turned over a new leaf and settled down into family life with his wife Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon), his old killer streak is still under the surface waiting to strike. The man radiates ‘you spilled my pint’ energy every time he trudges into the Rovers’ Return. All he’s waiting for is some wrong’un to threaten his nearest and dearest, to give him a reason to explode…

That reason has arrived, and his name is Theo.

For months, Theo has subjected his fiancée Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) to all manner of horrific abuse including emotional manipulation, financial control and bouts of terrifying violence. Recently, the vile bully actually pulled a knife on his partner during a blazing row, and instead of backing down, a broken Todd dared Theo to put him out of his misery. Without fear, Theo’s hold over his victim was broken, so he ended their relationship to protect his own ego.

However, the green-eyed monster reared its ugly head again when Todd started moving on with another man, prompting Theo to secretly spike his drink so he could play the hero and trap Todd once more in this toxic relationship.

While Theo may be the devil behind closed doors, as far as Gary’s concerned, he’s a model employee and a close friend. Acting as a mentor figure, Gary gave Theo a job at his builders’ yard and frequently drank with him in the Rovers. They even celebrated Theo’s birthday together at the Bistro, with Gary initially praising him as a hard worker who was good for Todd … until now.

Everything changed last night, when evil Theo literally blindfolded Todd and walked him into a shotgun wedding where he was forced to marry his abuser out of social embarrassment. Gary raised a toast to the happy couple, oblivious to Theo’s sinister intent.

With James Cartwright’s exit announced earlier this year, the game is finally up for Theo as upcoming scenes of Coronation Street will see the truth about his abuse make its way back to a horrified Gary – with potentially deadly consequences.

The morning after the big day, George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) drops in on Todd for a cuppa and is horrified to hear Theo spew vitriol at him through the bathroom door. It’s not long before a stunned George brings Todd’s loved ones up to speed, including Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien), who shares her concerns for Todd’s safety with Gary.

While Gary is initially sceptical, Sarah lays out the entire history of Theo and Todd’s relationship with all the telltale signs of domestic abuse. The scales finally fall from a horrified Gary’s eyes. He’s been best mates with an abuser.

Later, as Todd steals himself to enter the flat, Gary appears and offers to accompany him. Upon hearing the key in the door, Theo shouts abuse… but he’s taken aback to realise Todd has Gary with him. Busted!

In scenes that will have ever Corrie fan punching the air with glee, Gary hands Theo his tools at the builder’s yard and fires him on the spot. When Theo accuses him of overreacting, we get a glimpse of bad-boy Gary’s killer side as he loses his temper and warns Theo watch his back.

With a juicy whodunnit about to kick off in the Cobbles, one must wonder if Gary will soon be burying a certain ex-employee in concrete…