There’s a big return on the way to Coronation Street, with Natalie Anderson set to head back to the cobbles as Danielle Silverton, and it sounds like her timing couldn’t be more important.
Fans will remember Danielle as the ex-wife of Theo Silverton, and according to upcoming storylines, she’s about to reappear just as his dark behaviour is finally exposed. It’s a storyline that’s been building for months, and with Theo’s exit now confirmed, things are clearly heading towards a big turning point.
Natalie first appeared in Corrie last year for a short stint, but her return suggests there’s still plenty more to come from Danielle, especially with Theo’s secrets starting to unravel.
Away from the cobbles, Natalie is already a familiar face to soap fans. She’s best known for playing Alicia Gallagher in Emmerdale, and has also popped up in shows like Hollyoaks, Happy Valley and Boiling Point. More recently, she appeared in the Netflix hit drama Fool Me Once.
But it’s her return to Weatherfield that’s getting people talking, particularly as it ties into one of the show’s most intense current storylines.
Over the past few months, fans have watched as Theo’s relationship with Todd Grimshaw has taken a troubling turn. While those around them remain largely unaware, it’s become clear that Theo has been emotionally and physically abusing Todd behind closed doors.
The situation has left fans shocked, especially as Theo has continued to manipulate those around him while keeping up appearances. Even after the pair split, it hasn’t really been the end of things, with Theo quickly finding ways to pull Todd back in.
Speaking about Theo’s behaviour, actor James Cartwright explained: ‘Essentially he’s presenting it as this romantic grand gesture, but in springing it on him, he’s making sure that he doesn’t have a choice. He’s absolutely painting him into a corner.’
He added: ‘Another reason he’s springing it on him is so nobody else can torpedo the whole thing and talk Todd out of it. For Theo, the quicker it’s done, the less can be said, it’s almost too late if they’re already married.’
It’s clear Theo is aware that people are starting to question him, and he’s doing everything he can to stay one step ahead. As Cartwright put it: ‘He knows he isn’t popular, he knows Summer’s onto him, he knows George and Christina are onto him, he knows Sarah is a bit suspicious and he doesn’t want anybody to get the opportunity to offer some clarity. So the quicker he rushes it through, the better.’
Even the breakup between Theo and Todd hasn’t been straightforward. Cartwright revealed: ‘Oh, 100%. Even the breakup is disingenuous. The breakup is about regaining control in itself.’
He continued: ‘The last thing Theo wants to do is break up with Todd, but he’s seizing control. Also I think there’s probably a perverse pleasure in seeing how miserable it makes Todd, because that shows how much he loved him. It’s an achievement in his warped mind, another part of his sort manipulation. It’s a plan.’
With all of this building in the background, Danielle’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial time. As Theo’s past catches up with him and more people begin to see his true colours, her presence is likely to play a key role in what happens next.
And with Theo set to leave the show, the big question is, how will it all end? And who will be caught in the crossfire?
