Coronation Street monster Theo Silverton’s (James Cartwright) arrival in Weatherfield has led to one of the darkest plots in recent memory, as viewers have watched in real-time the birth of his relationship with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) and it’s subsequent descent into a violent, manipulative and abusive nightmare.

Arriving with dark back story that’s been drip fed to audiences; primarily his experience with sick conversion therapy, a tumultuous marriage born out of his desire to keep his true self hidden and his prior abuse of his ex-boyfriend, viewers have watched in horror as Theo’s subtle manipulation and coercive control has given way to exercise torture, total control of Todd’s life and physical beatings.

Taking centre stage in a special, single-strand episode shown entirely through the lens of CCTV, dashcams and police bodycam footage, we were given a harrowing glimpse into Todd’s harrowing reality, with fans horrified as Todd finally fought back, leading to his own arrest.

While viewers have been continuously horrified by Theo’s actions, they’ve been equally shocked to realise that actor James has a very famous dad!

James’ famous dad

As it turns out, James’ father is the incredibly celebrated writer and dramatist, Jim Cartwright, widely considered to be one of the UK’s most influential playwrights.

Jim’s catalogue of written work is utterly enormous, and perhaps, most notably, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, a play originally written in 1992 that was adapted into a move in 1998 and starred Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine.

His debut play, Road, is considered a modern classic, scooping up numerous awards, including both the Samuel Beckett Award and the George Devine Award.

His other notable pieces of work include Two (1989), Bed (1988), Eight Miles High (1991), Raz (2015), and The Gap (2024).

On-screen, he’s been involved with Road (1987), Little Voice (1998), Bed (1995), Vroom (1988), Strumpet (2001), Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise (2001), Johnny Shakespeare (2008), King of the Teds (2012), garnering further praise and award nominations.

Working together

Father and son have collaborated on numerous projects, with James being cast in the West End revival of his dad’s play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice starring as Billy.

Speaking to the Guardian, Jim said: ‘I was so proud. I forgot it was him.’

As it turns out, James has one particularly strong memory of the piece, having attended a cast picnic after seeing a matinee performance of the play, with some pretty gross results.

‘At the cast picnic afterwards, I ate too much, stood on my head and was sick over Pete Postlethwaite. But seeing the play made me understand what dad did. Until then, dad was just dad. He played football and scribbled.’

In 2016 and Jim and James came together for another play, Raz, a one-man show written by father and performed by son. ‘His writing’s in my blood, it’s rich and beautiful. I know what he means instantly’ James said of the experience.

‘It’s a pleasure when we work together’ added Jim. ‘But it’s not like we’re a theatrical dynasty, like the Redgraves or the Foxes. We’re more like Steptoe and Son.’