Coronation Street star James Cartwright has said his villainous character could ‘surprise people’ after it was revealed that he’ll be involved in the show’s upcoming crossover with Emmerdale.

Viewers of the ITV soap will know that the actor joined earlier this year in the role of Theo Silverton and has quickly found himself involved in a hard-hitting, coercively controlling, and abusive relationship with Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce.

In a recent special episode of Corrie, the pair’s disturbing relationship behind closed doors was laid bare, as Theo’s abuse towards his partner intensified. The police were seen descend on the street after a report of a domestic incident in the flat belonging to the pair.

The entire episode was shown through the point of view of cameras such as Todd’s hidden cameras, CCTV and police bodycams, as a series of flashbacks show what happened inside the flat. As Todd was being questioned at the police station, it was revealed that he had reacted to Theo’s torment, pushing him back, leading to him falling through the table and landing in the hospital to be checked over.

It’s since been confirmed that Theo and Todd will be involved in the historic Corrie and Emmerdale crossover, Corriedale, which will feature a catastrophic multi-vehicle pile-up at the centre of the drama, leaving the lives of those from the cobbles and the Dales at risk.

Speaking about his involvement with Digital Spy at the premiere of Corriedale at The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, the UK City of Culture 2025, on Tuesday (December 16), James said of Theo: “I don’t want to give too much away, but I think he does some things that are out of character that will surprise people… and then other things that people will expect from him!”

He added: “”He’s a monster. Nobody thinks they’re a bad person and he does set out with the best of intentions, but I think his narcissism and verging on sociopathy is out of control…”

Meanwhile, dscussing his character’s role in what unfolds, Gareth teased to the same publication: “Todd’s definitely in jeopardy! He’s in jeopardy going into this episode anyway. I think most characters involved in the crash are probably injured to some extent. So without giving too much away, yes, he is potentially in peril. But happily he was knocked unconscious initially, so that was an easier bit of acting for me!”